May 26, 2017 — The following was released by NOAA:
WHAT/WHEN:The commercial harvest of yellowtail snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m. on June 3, 2017. During the commercial closure, all sale or purchase of yellowtail snapper is prohibited, and harvest or possession of yellowtail snapper in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits when the recreational fishery is open.
WHY IS THIS CLOSURE HAPPENING:
- The August 2016 – July 2017 commercial catch limit is 1,596,510 pounds whole weight. Commercial landings are approaching the commercial catch limit and 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 August 2017 – July 2018 yellowtail snapper season in the South Atlantic will open on August 1, 2017, with a 1,596,510 pounds whole weight catch limit.
This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or by clicking here.