Saving Seafood

South Atlantic Council Delays Changes to Atlantic Cobia Management

Fishery managers to wait for Stock ID Workshop preliminary results available in June

March 12, 2018 — JEKYLL ISLAND, Ga. — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

After reviewing public comment and considering various management alternatives and timing, members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council decided to delay approval of an amendment to remove Atlantic cobia from the current federal management plan. The amendment is designed to reduce complicated regulations and improve flexibility in the management of Atlantic cobia from Georgia to New York.  If approved by the Secretary of Commerce, the move would allow for the fishery to be managed solely by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

The decision came after Council members discussed the need to wait for preliminary results from a Cobia Stock ID Workshop scheduled for April. The current management boundary between Florida and Georgia was established following a 2013 stock assessment. Fishermen and others have expressed concerns about the boundary change since that time. The Council decided to wait until their June 11-15, 2018 meeting, when preliminary results from the Stock ID workshop and Advisory Panel recommendations would be available for consideration before moving forward. Council members also heard concerns from legal counsel that the document should further specify what will happen to regulations in federal waters before the amendment’s approval.

Prized for their delicious taste and relatively large size, the recreational harvest of Atlantic cobia has increased in recent years. The recreational fishery closed in federal waters in June 2016 after landings estimates exceeded the annual catch limit the previous year and closed again in January 2017, as state landings were expected to exceed the federal catch limits. The recreational fishery is currently open in federal waters, but subject to closure by NOAA Fisheries should catch estimates exceed the annual catch limit currently in place. Fish harvested in state waters count against the annual catch limit.

The majority of Atlantic cobia are harvested in state waters, within 3 miles of shore in North Carolina and Virginia. They can also be found offshore and occur more readily in federal waters off the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina as they migrate northward to spawn. Cobia harvested along the east coast of Florida are considered part of the Gulf of Mexico stock and are managed separately.

At the request of the Council, the ASMFC began developing an interstate management plan for Atlantic cobia last year. That plan will become effective in state waters from Georgia to New York in April 2018 and aligns with current federal regulations for Atlantic cobia. Under the ASMFC Interstate Plan, state-specific allocations are established based on the current federal annual catch limit of 620,000 pounds, with North Carolina and Virginia receiving the majority of the allocation based on previous landings.

Individual states have submitted plans for Atlantic cobia (including regulations for a minimum size limit, vessel limit, and season) to the ASMFC based on those allocations. The state regulations are designed to keep harvest levels below the allocated state-specific pounds of Atlantic cobia. Under federal law, the states may also request that state regulations for Atlantic cobia be extended into federal waters.

Comments from fishermen and others received during public hearings held in January and as part of the March Council meeting primarily supported removing Atlantic cobia from the federal management plan and providing the states more latitude in setting regulations based on the ASMFC Interstate Plan.

Once fully removed from the federal management plan, Atlantic Group Cobia would beregulated in both state and federal waters under ASMFC. The Cobia Stock ID Workshop is scheduled for April 10-12, 2018 in Charleston, SC and a benchmark stock assessment will be conducted in 2019. For additional information, visit: http://sedarweb.org/sedar-58.

Other Business

The Council considered over 600 written comments and heard public testimony this week, before voting to send a letter to NOAA Fisheries expressing their concerns on an Exempted Fishery Permit request to conduct research and evaluate pelagic longline catch rates in a portion of an area off the east coast of Florida currently closed to longline fishing. The majority of the comments received, including those from recreational fishing organizations, were in opposition to the permit, citing concerns about discards of recreational and commercially important species, impacts to protected resources, increased landings of dolphin fish, and other concerns. The Council will submit its formal recommendations and a copy of all comments received on the Exempted Fishery Permit to NOAA Fisheries, the agency responsible for making the final decision on issuance of the permit.

The Council also continued work on Snapper Grouper Amendment 46 to improve recreational data collection. The amendment includes options for a private recreational snapper grouper permit designed to improve effort estimates that may eventually be used to improve landings estimates. The amendment also includes options for recreational reporting requirements.  A separate framework amendment will also be developed to address best fishing practices. The Council provided guidance on actions and alternatives.    Two amendments are being developed as part of the Council’s Vision Blueprint for the snapper grouper fishery, a long-term approach to management developed with stakeholder input. Vision Blueprint Regulatory Amendment 26 addresses recreational measures including modifications to aggregate species composition, removal of size limits, changes to bag limits and gear requirements for certain deepwater species, and modifications to shallow water species. Regulatory Amendment 26 would also reduce the recreational minimum size limit for gray triggerfish off the east coast of Florida for consistency with state regulations. Vision Blueprint Regulatory Amendment 27 addresses commercial measures, including alternatives for split seasons for blueline tilefish, snowy grouper, greater amberjack and red porgy. Changes to the trip limit for vermilion snapper, jacks, and modification to the seasonal prohibition on red grouper are also being considered. The Council approved both amendments for public hearings to be held later this spring.

Charter fishermen targeting snapper grouper species in federal waters off the South Atlantic are required to have a federal South Atlantic For-Hire Snapper Grouper permit. At the request of the Council’s Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and considering public input, the Council reviewed an options paper for public scoping to get input on establishing a moratorium on the issuance of these permits. The moratorium is being considered to help improve logbook reporting compliance, recreational data quality, business planning, professionalize the for-hire fleet, address localized overcapacity, and other concerns. The Council provided recommendations for the scoping document and will review it again during its June 2018 meeting.

The Council bid an emotional farewell to Dr. Michelle Duval, the Council representative for the NC Division of Marine Fisheries and former Council Chair. Dr. Duval also served as Chair as the Council’s Snapper Grouper Committee for several years and was commended for her leadership and guidance during her service on the Council. She joins her husband Scott as they move to Pennsylvania.

Final Committee Reports, a meeting Story Map, Meeting Report and other materials from this week’s Council meeting are available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/. The next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is scheduled for June 11-15, 2018 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

 

Request for Comments: Proposed Changes to Golden Tilefish Regulations in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Region

October 31, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on a proposed interim rule for golden tilefish. The proposed actions in the interim rule would temporarily reduce golden tilefish catch limits for 2018 based on the most recent population assessment. The purpose of the action is to reduce overfishing (rate of removal is too high) of golden tilefish while management measures are being developed to end overfishing.

Comments are due by November 14, 2017.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES:

  • The proposed interim rule would temporarily reduce the total catch limit for golden tilefish from 558,036 to 323,000 poundsgutted weight. Using the existing allocations, the temporary catch limits would be 313,310 pounds gutted weight for the commercial fishery and 2,187 fish for the recreational fishery. For commercial fishermen, the hook-and-line catch limit would be 78,328 pounds gutted weight and the long-line catch limit would be 234,982 pounds gutted weight.
  • The interim measures would be effective for 180 days after the date of publication and may be extended for an additional 186 days while the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council develops Amendment 45 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery in the South Atlantic (Amendment 45).

HOW TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED INTERIM RULE:

There is a 15 day comment period associated with this proposed interim rule. The comment period is now open through November 14, 2017. We will address all comments specifically directed to the proposed interim rule in the final rule. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER:

82 FR 50101, published October 30, 2017

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0111-0001.

2. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields.

3.Enter or attach your comments.
Mail: Submit written comments to Karla Gore, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

This bulletin serves as a Small Entity Compliance Guide, complying with section 212 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Why is the temporary reduction in the catch limit being proposed?

  • These temporary regulations will reduce overfishing of golden tilefish while long term management measures are developed to end overfishing in Amendment 45.
  • In April 2016, a population assessment update for golden tilefish was completed using data through 2014 (SEDAR 25 Update 2016). The updated assessment indicated that the golden tilefish population is undergoing overfishing but is not overfished (population abundance is too low).
  • As mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries must end overfishing of golden tilefish.

What are the proposed actions in the interim rule?

  • Temporarily revise the commercial and recreational catch limits for golden tilefish for 2018 (See Table 1 below).

Table 1. Proposed commercial and recreational catch limits for golden tilefish

Total

catch limit

 Commercial catch limit Commercial Hook-and-Line catch limit Commercial Longline catch limit Recreational catch limit
(pounds gutted weight) (pounds gutted weight) (pounds gutted weight) (pounds gutted weight)  (numbers of fish)
 323,000  313,310  78,328  234,982  2,187

Where can I find more information on the environmental assessment and the interim rule?   

  • Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail:

Karla Gore
NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office
Sustainable Fisheries Division
263 13th Avenue South
St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505
By FAX: (727) 824-5308
By Phone: (727) 824-5305

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here

Request for Comments: Proposed Changes to Mutton Snapper Regulations in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Region

October 24, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries: 

KEY MESSAGE:

NOAA Fisheries requests your comments on Amendment 41 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 41) and proposed rule. The proposed actions would update mutton snapper catch limits and fishing regulations based on the most recent population assessment.

Comments are due by November 27, 2017

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES FOR MUTTON SNAPPER:

For commercial fishermen:

  • Revise the commercial catch limit;
  • Increase the commercial minimum size limit from 16 to 18 inches total length;
  • Establish a commercial trip limit during January through April, and July through December, to 500 pounds whole weight;
  • In order to protect fish that are aggregating to reproduce, establish a commercial trip limit during May and June of five mutton snapper per person per day, or five mutton snapper per person per trip, whichever is more restrictive.

For recreational fishermen:

  • Revise the recreational catch limits;
  • Increase the recreational minimum size limit from 16 to 18 inches total length;
  • Decrease the recreational bag limit within the ten-fish aggregate snapper bag limit to five mutton snapper per person per day;
  • Revise the recreational annual catch target.

For both sectors:  

  • Specify the maximum sustainable yield (long-term average catch that can be taken from a population under prevailing ecological and environmental conditions);
  • Specify the minimum population size threshold (level below which a fishery is overfished (population abundance is too low)).

Please see the Frequently Asked Questions below for more information on these actions.

HOW TO SUBMIT COMMENTS:

The comment period is open now through November 27, 2017. You may submit comments by electronic submission or by postal mail. Comments sent by any other method (such as e-mail), to any other address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period, may not be considered by NOAA Fisheries.

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 82 FR 49167, published October 24, 2017

Electronic Submissions: Submit all electronic public comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
1. Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=NOAA-NMFS-2017-0103.
2. Click the “Comment Now!” icon, complete the required fields.
3. Enter or attach your comments.

Mail: Submit written comments to Mary Vara, Southeast Regional Office, NMFS, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Why are the proposed actions necessary?

A population assessment for mutton snapper conducted in 2015 indicated that the population is not undergoing overfishing (rate of removal is not too high), and is not overfished (population abundance is too low). However, the assessment resulted in lower biological reference point values and fishing level projections than those from the original assessment in 2008.

What are the proposed commercial and recreational catch limits?

Table 1. Proposed commercial and recreational catch limits for 2017-2020 through Amendment 41.

 

Year

 Commercial 

Catch Limit

(pounds)

 Recreational 

Catch Limit

(numbers of fish)
2017 100,015 116,127
2018 104,231 121,318
2019 107,981 124,766
2020 111,354 127,115

Why is the catch limit for the recreational fishery specified in numbers of fish instead of pounds?

The recreational catch limit is specified in numbers of fish because recreational fishermen report landings in numbers, not by weight. In addition, since fishery managers are proposing a minimum size limit increase to 18 inches total length through Amendment 41, the average weight per fish is expected to increase. Therefore, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has concluded that the combination of increasing the minimum size limit and converting the catch limit from numbers to pounds could increase the risk of exceeding the acceptable biological catch.

Where can I find more information on Amendment 41?

  • Contact NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

By Mail: Mary Vara

NOAA Fisheries, Southeast Regional Office

Sustainable Fisheries Division

263 13th Avenue South

St. Petersburg, Florida 33701-5505

By FAX: (727) 824-5308

By Phone: (727) 824-5305

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.

Commercial Closure for Greater Amberjack in South Atlantic Federal Waters on October 18, 2017

October 13, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

The commercial harvest of greater amberjack in South Atlantic federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on October 18, 2017. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of greater amberjack in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits while the recreational fishery is open.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

  • The 2017 commercial catch limit is 769,388 pounds gutted weight. Commercial landings have met the commercial catch limit. According to the accountability measure, commercial harvest should close.

DURING THE CLOSURE:

  • The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.
  • The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for greater amberjack does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, October 18, 2017, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=383bc195ccbeab4fd6bec1c24905df34&node=sp50.12.622.i&rgn=div6#se50.12.622_1190.

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.

Commercial Closure for Vermilion Snapper in South Atlantic Federal Waters on October 17, 2017

October 13, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

The commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in South Atlantic federal waters will close at 12:01 a.m. on October 17, 2017. During the commercial closure, harvest or possession of vermilion snapper in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits when the recreational fishery is open.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

  • The 2017 July-December commercial catch limit is 431,460 pounds whole weight. In addition, the unused portion of the January 1 through June 30, 2017, commercial catch limit was added to the July 1 through December 31, 2017, commercial catch limit. Commercial landings are projected to reach the July-December commercial catch limit by October 17, 2017.  According to the accountability measure, harvest should close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.

AFTER THE CLOSURE:

  • The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.
  • The prohibition on sale or purchase during a closure for vermilion snapper does not apply to fish that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. on October 17, 2017, and were held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=383bc195ccbeab4fd6bec1c24905df34&node=sp50.12.622.i&rgn=div6#se50.12.622_1190.

Access this and other Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office by clicking here.

Southeast Florida Sea Turtle Safe Handling and Release Gear Workshop

September 1, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Announcing workshops covering the required equipment for permitted commercial and for-hire vessels in the South Atlantic Snapper/Grouper Fishery  

September 5, 4:30 – 6:00

Pablo Creek Library

13295 Beach Blvd

Jacksonville, FL

904-992-7101

September 6, 4:30 – 7:00

St Johns County Extension Center

Windstorm Building

3125 Agricultural Center DR

St. Augustine, FL

904-209-0430

September 7, 4:30 – 6:30 

Port Orange Library

1005 City Center Circle

Port Orange, FL

386-322-5152

September 8, 10:00-12:00 and 3:00 – 5:00 

Port Canaveral Administration Building

445 Challenger Drive

Port Canaveral, FL

321-783-7831

September 9, 2:00 – 4:30 

Kilmer Branch Library

101 Melody Lane

Ft. Pierce, FL

772-462-1615

September 10 3:00 – 5:00 

Blake Library

2351 SE Monterey RD

Stuart, FL

772-288-5702

Dockside Workshops will be conducted each day in the following locations: Mayport, St Augustine, Ponce Inlet, New Smyrna Beach, Port Canaveral, Sebastian, Ft. Pierce, Stuart, Port Salerno, and Jupiter, FL.

Workshops will cover required equipment for permitted commercial and for-hire vessels in the South Atlantic Snapper/Grouper Fishery.

Commercial and Recreational Closures for Hogfish in Federal Waters off the Florida Keys/East Florida Beginning August 24, 2017

August 22, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

CLARIFICATION:

  • The August 24, 2017, commercial closure for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper and/or Gulf Reef Fish.
  • The August 24, 2017, recreational closure for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish only applies to federal waters.

WHAT/WHEN:

  • The commercial and recreational harvest for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish in federal waters of the South Atlantic and part of the Gulf of Mexico will close at 12:01 a.m. on August 24, 2017. The boundaries of the Florida Keys/East Florida population are from the 25°09′ N. latitude line off the west coast of Florida (near Cape Sable, Florida), east around South Florida, to the Florida/Georgia border. During these closures, all sale, purchase, and possession of hogfish is prohibited.

WHY THIS CLOSURE IS HAPPENING:

  • The final rule for Amendment 37 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Amendment 37) published on July 25, 2017 (see Fishery Bulletin FB17-041, http://sero.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishery_bulletins/2017/041/FB17-041index.html), and is effective on August 24, 2017 (82 FR 34584).
  • The 2017 commercial catch limit for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish will be 3,510 pounds whole weight. Commercial landings are projected to have reached the new commercial catch limit by May 11, 2017.
  • The 2017 recreational catch limit for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish will be 15,689 fish. Recreational landings are projected to have reached the new recreational catch limit by May 4, 2017.
  • According to the accountability measures, commercial and recreational harvest should close to prevent the catch limits from being exceeded. The closures did not occur before August 24, 2017, because the final rule was not yet effective.
  • The final rule for Amendment 37 also implemented a closed recreational fishing season for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish in federal waters from January through April, and November through December each year.

AFTER THE CLOSURE:

  • The commercial closure for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper and/or Gulf Reef Fish.
  • The 2018 commercial fishing season for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish will open on January 1, 2018, with a commercial catch limit of 4,524 pounds whole weight. This catch limit will increase annually through 2027.
  • The 2018 recreational fishing season for the Florida Keys/East Florida population of hogfish will open on May 1, 2018, with a recreational catch limit of 18,617 fish. This catch limit will increase annually through 2027.

Please check with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for more information on recreational closures in Florida state waters.

Commercial Closure for Almaco Jack, Banded Rudderfish, and Lesser Amberjack in South Atlantic Federal Waters on August 4, 2017

August 1, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

  • The commercial harvest of the Other Jacks Complex (almaco jack, banded rudderfish, and lesser amberjack) in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m. on August 4, 2017.  During the commercial closure, all sale or purchase of species in this complex is prohibited, and harvest or possession of species in the Other Jacks Complex in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits while the recreational fishery is open.

WHY IS THIS CLOSURE HAPPENING:

  • The 2017 commercial catch limit is 189,422 pounds whole weight.  Commercial landings are projected to reach the commercial catch limit by August 4, 2017.  According to the accountability measure, harvest should close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.  This closure date will provide sufficient notice to fishermen to make preparations for the closure, while minimizing the chance that harvest will exceed the commercial catch limit.

AFTER THE CLOSURE:

  • The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.

The 2018 commercial fishing season for the Other Jacks Complex in the South Atlantic will open on January 1, 2018, with a commercial catch limit of 189,422 pounds whole weight.

Reminder: Red Snapper Q&A Thursday at 6 PM via webinar; Public Hearings Scheduled

August 1, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Join members of the Council’s staff this Thursday, August 3rd at 6:00 PM for an informal Question and Answer session to discuss proposed changes to the annual catch limit for red snapper in the South Atlantic. Council staff will provide an overview of alternatives in Amendment 43 and then answer questions from the public via webinar.

 NOTE: Formal public comment will not be taken during the Q&A session. Public comment will be accepted during the public hearings via webinar. The Council is also accepting written comments until August 15, 2017. An online comment form is available (see below).

Red Snapper – Q&A and Public Hearings via Webinar

Amendment 43 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan

This amendment would modify the current annual catch limit for red snapper in the South Atlantic. The Council proposes the modification in order to allow options for a limited harvest of red snapper in federal waters in 2018.

Webinar Schedule:

  • August 3rd – Informal Question & Answer Session at 6:00 PM
  • August 8th – Public Hearing at 6:00 PM
  • August 10th – Public Hearings at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM

Learn More

Access the Amendment 43 Public Hearing Story Map to quickly get an idea of what is being proposed and how it may affect red snapper fishing in the future. Watch a video presentation of the proposed changes, review the public hearing document, and sign up for any or all of the webinars from the Council’s website. Note that webinar registration is required.

Submit your own comments online and read what others are saying about Amendment 43! Additional information, including the online public comment form, comment summary table, and links for webinar registration is available at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearing-and-scoping-meeting-schedule/.

South Atlantic Black Sea Bass Recreational Season

March 24, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

KEY MESSAGE:

The 2017-2018 recreational fishing season for black sea bass in federal waters of the South Atlantic will start on April 1, 2017, and end on March 31, 2018. Estimates indicate recreational landings for the 2017-2018 fishing year will be below the 2017-2018 recreational annual catch limit. Therefore, black sea bass will be open for the entire April 1, 2017- March 31, 2018, recreational fishing year.

WHY IS THIS ANNOUNCEMENT HAPPENING:

  • This announcement is in compliance with the final rule for Regulatory Amendment 14 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, which published on November 7, 2014 (79 FR 66316).

NOAA Fisheries projects that the 2017-2018 recreational annual catch limit of 1,001,177 pounds whole weight will not be met as recreational landings in the past three fishing years were below this value.