The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a public hearing on August 14 in conjunction with the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council's August meeting. The SAFMC amendments to be covered at this hearing include Coastal Migratory Pelagic Amendments 19, 20 & Framework action; Dolphin/Wahoo Amendment 5; and the Generic Dealer Amendment.
Additional information about the amendments and how to submit comments is available on the South Atlantic Council's Public Hearing Page.
Amendment Overview
Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 14
The draft regulatory amendment addresses proposed changes for species within the snapper grouper management complex including greater amberjack, gag grouper, vermilion snapper, and black sea bass.
Dolphin Wahoo Amendment 5
The draft amendment includes minor revisions to the acceptable biological catch, annual catch limits, and other management parameters for dolphin and wahoo to incorporate updates to the Marine Recreational Information Program. Additionally, the amendment includes measures for revising the framework procedure for dolphin and wahoo, and establishment of commercial trip limits for dolphin.
Documents
Coastal Migratory Pelagics (Mackerel) Amendments 19, 20 and Framework
Three draft amendments affecting fisheries for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and cobia are being developed jointly by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Issues include: the sale of bag limit king mackerel and Spanish mackerel (including tournament sale of king mackerel); elimination of inactive king mackerel permits; modifications to income requirements for federal permits; transit provisions; annual catch limits and targets for cobia; transfer at sea and gillnet allowances for Spanish mackerel; trip limits for king mackerel; and consideration of regional annual catch limits for king mackerel and Spanish mackerel.
Coral Amendment 8
The amendment includes alternatives for expanding protection of of Deepwater Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPCs) and transit provisions through the Oculina Bank HAPC located off the central east coast of Florida.
Documents