Saving Seafood

REMINDER: Emergency Rule to Increase the Vermilion Snapper Commercial Trip Limit in the South Atlantic and the King Mackerel Recreational Bag Limit in the Atlantic Ends on March 16, 2021

March 10, 2021 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

KEY MESSAGE:

  • The commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper will revert back to 1,000 pounds gutted weight in federal waters of the South Atlantic Region (Virginia/North Carolina boundary south to the Florida Keys in the Atlantic).
  • The recreational bag limit for Atlantic migratory group king mackerel (Atlantic king mackerel) will revert back to:
    • (1) 3-fish per person in federal waters from the Connecticut/Rhode Island/New York boundary to the Georgia/Florida boundary, and
    • (2) 2-fish per person in federal waters from the Georgia/Florida boundary south to the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, Florida boundary.

WHEN CHANGES WILL TAKE EFFECT:

  • The changes to the commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper and the recreational bag limit for Atlantic king mackerel will be effective 12:01 am local time, on March 17, 2021.

WHAT THIS MEANS: 

  • On September 16, 2020, NOAA Fisheries announced an emergency rule to increase:
    • The commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper from 1,000 pounds gutted weight to 1,500 pounds gutted weight in federal waters of the South Atlantic Region (Virginia/North Carolina boundary south to the Florida Keys in the Atlantic).
    • The recreational bag limit for Atlantic migratory group king mackerel (Atlantic king mackerel) from: (1) 3-fish per person to 4-fish per person in federal waters from the Connecticut/Rhode Island/New York boundary to the Georgia/Florida boundary, and (2) 2-fish per person to 4-fish per person in federal waters from the Georgia/Florida boundary south to the Miami-Dade/Monroe County, Florida boundary.
  • These changes were made in an emergency rule to address economic losses to the commercial and recreational fishing communities, and industries that have resulted from recent unforeseen events such as disruptions to market, restricted access to ports, closures of harbors and boat ramps, and disruptions to fishing supplies.
  • The emergency rule published on September 17, 2020, is effective for 180 days, and ends on March 16, 2021.

Read the full release here

South Atlantic Vermilion Snapper Commercial Trip Limit Reduced to 555 Pounds Whole Weight on November 11, 2019

November 7, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN

  • The daily trip limit for the commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic is reduced from 1,110 to 555 pounds whole weight, or from 1,000 to 500 pounds gutted weight, effective
    12:01 a.m., local time, on November 11, 2019.

WHY THIS TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION IS HAPPENING:

  • When commercial landings of South Atlantic vermilion snapper reach or are projected to reach 75 percent of the quota, regulations are in place to reduce the daily trip limit.
  • The trip limit reduction is necessary to slow the rate of commercial harvest to avoid exceeding the quota.

AFTER THE TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION:

  • The 555-pound whole weight or 500-pound gutted weight trip limit will remain in effect until the end of the current fishing season on December 31, 2019, or when 100 percent of the quota is reached or projected to be reached, whichever occurs first. The 2020 January through June vermilion snapper fishing season in the South Atlantic will open at 12:01 a.m., local time, on January 1, 2020, with a 1,110-pound whole weight or 1,000-pound gutted weight trip limit.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at:
http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=383bc195ccbeab4fd6bec1c24905df34&node=sp50.12.622.i&rgn=div6#se50.12.622_1191.

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting Begins Tomorrow

April 30, 2018 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a meeting of its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) this week, beginning tomorrow and running through Thursday, May 3rd.  The SSC is responsible for reviewing the scientific basis of Council management plans and actions, and developing fishing level recommendations in accordance with national fisheries management guidelines.

Agenda Highlights

  • Fishing level recommendations for black sea bass and vermilion snapper based on the most recent stock assessments;
  • A review of recommended methods for setting an Allowable Biological Catch (ABC) for red snapper in the South Atlantic;
  • Evaluation of latest fishing projections for golden tilefish and possible revision of the ABC for the fishery;
  • Recommendations for setting an ABC for blueline tilefish from Cape Hatteras north to the VA border;
  • Recommendations for stock assessment priorities for 2020 and beyond

Meeting Materials and Webinar Registration:

A complete meeting agenda, overview, and briefing book materials are available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/scientific-and-statistical-committee-meetings/. The meeting is also available to the public via webinar. Registration is required.

Tuesday, May 1 

Register 

Wednesday, May 2 

Register

Thursday, May 3

Register

Meeting Location:   

The SSC meeting will be held at the Town & Country Inn, 2008 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29401. The meeting is open to the public and public comment will be taken as part of the meeting agenda.

Learn more about the SAFMC here.

 

NOAA: South Atlantic Vermilion Snapper Commercial Trip Limit Reduced to 555 Pounds Whole Weight on April 26, 2018

April 23, 2018 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:    

WHAT/WHEN:

  • The daily trip limit for the commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic is reduced from 1,100 to 555 pounds whole weight, or from 1,000 to 500 pounds gutted weight, effective 12:01 a.m., local time, on April 26, 2018.

WHY THIS TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION IS HAPPENING:

  • When commercial landings of South Atlantic vermilion snapper reach or are projected to reach 75 percent of the quota, regulations are in place to reduce the daily trip limit.
  • The trip limit reduction is necessary to slow the rate of commercial harvest to avoid exceeding the quota.

AFTER THE TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION:

  • The 555-pound whole weight or 500-pound gutted weight trip limit will remain in effect until the end of the current fishing season on June 30, 2018, or when 100 percent of the quota is reached or projected to be reached, whichever occurs first. The second 2018 vermilion snapper season in the South Atlantic will open at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 1, 2018, with a 1,100-pound whole weight or 1,000-pound gutted weight trip limit.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?SID=383bc195ccbeab4fd6bec1c24905df34&node=sp50.12.622.i&rgn=div6#se50.12.622_1191.

 

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.

Trip Limit Decreased to 500 Pounds Gutted Weight per Trip for Commercial Harvest of Vermilion Snapper in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Beginning October 2, 2017

September 27, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

WHAT/WHEN:

The daily trip limit for the commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic is reduced from 1,000 pounds gutted weight to 500 pounds gutted weight, effective 12:01 a.m. (local time) October 2, 2017.

WHY IS THIS TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION IS HAPPENING:

  • NOAA Fisheries has determined 75 percent of the July-December commercial quota has been landed.
  • The commercial vermilion snapper trip limit is reduced when 75 percent of the July-December quota is reached in federal waters of the South Atlantic.

DURING THE TRIP LIMIT REDUCTION:

  • The 500-pound gutted weight trip limit applies to vessels with a South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-Grouper Permit fishing for vermilion snapper in or from federal waters in the South Atlantic region.
  • The 500-pound gutted weight trip limit will remain in effect until the end of the current July-December 2017 fishing season or until the quota is reached and vermilion snapper closes, whichever occurs first.

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

Commercial Harvest of Vermilion Snapper in South Atlantic Federal Waters will Open for Two Days on December 14 and 15

December 12, 2016 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic will reopen for two days on December 14 and December 15, 2016. Commercial harvest will reopen 12:01 a.m. (local time) on December 14 th and close 12:01 a.m. (local time) on December 16 th. During the two-day opening, the commercial trip limit for vermilion snapper is 555 pounds whole weight or 500 pounds gutted weight.

On October 11, 2016, the commercial quota for the July through December 2016 season was projected to be met, and NOAA Fisheries closed the season. However, a recent landings update indicates that the vermilion snapper quota was not met. The 2017 January through June fishing season opens at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on January 1, 2017.

Commercial Harvest of Vermilion Snapper in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic Will Close on October 11, 2016

October 4, 2016 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

Commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic will close at 12:01 a.m. (local time) October 11, 2016. The 2016 July-December commercial catch limit is 431,460 pounds whole weight. Commercial landings are approaching the commercial catch limit and should close to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded. Commercial harvest will reopen at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on January 1, 2017.

The operator of a vessel that has been issued a federal commercial permit for snapper-grouper and is landing vermilion snapper for sale must have landed and bartered, traded, or sold such vermilion snapper prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, October 11, 2016. The prohibition on sale does not apply to sale or purchase of vermilion snapper that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. (local time) October 11, 2016, and held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

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 sector is open.
  • Sale and purchase of vermilion snapper in or from federal waters is prohibited.
  • The closure applies in both state and federal waters for vessels that have a federal commercial permit for South Atlantic Snapper-Grouper.

This closure is necessary to protect the vermilion snapper resources by preventing the commercial annual catch limit from being exceeded.

Trip Limit Decreased to 500 Pounds per Trip for Commercial Harvest of Vermilion Snapper in Federal Waters of the South Atlantic

August 23, 2016 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The daily trip limit for the commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in federal waters of the South Atlantic is reduced from 1,000 pounds gutted weight to 500 pounds gutted weight, effective 12:01 a.m. (local time) August 28, 2016. NOAA Fisheries has determined 75 percent of the July-December quota of 431,460 pounds whole weight will be landed by August 28, 2016.

Reduction of the commercial vermilion snapper trip limit when 75 percent of the July-December quota is reached in federal waters of the South Atlantic complies with regulations implemented under the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The 500-pound gutted weight trip limit applies to vessels with a South Atlantic Unlimited Snapper-Grouper Permit fishing for vermilion snapper in or from the federal waters in the South Atlantic region. The 500-pound gutted weight trip limit will remain in effect until the end of the current July – December 2016 fishing season or until the quota is reached and vermilion snapper closes, whichever occurs first.

Commercial Harvest of Vermilion Snapper in South Atlantic Waters Will Close on March 29, 2016

March 23, 2016 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Commercial harvest of vermilion snapper in South Atlantic waters will close at 12:01 a.m. (local time) March 29, 2016. The 2016 January-June commercial catch limit is 431,460 pounds whole weight. Reports indicate the catch limit will be met by March 29, 2016. Commercial harvest will reopen at 12:01 a.m. (local time) on July 1, 2016.

The operator of a vessel that has been issued a federal commercial permit for snapper-grouper and that is landing vermilion snapper for sale must have landed and bartered, traded, or sold such vermilion snapper prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, March 29, 2016. The prohibition on sale does not apply to sale or purchase of vermilion snapper that were harvested, landed ashore, and sold prior to 12:01 a.m. (local time) March 29, 2016, and held in cold storage by a dealer or processor.

During the closure:

  • Harvest or possession of vermilion snapper in or from federal waters is limited to the recreational bag and possession limits.
  • Sale and purchase of vermilion snapper in or from federal waters is prohibited.
  • The closure applies in both state and federal waters for a person onboard a vessel with a federal snapper-grouper permit.

This closure is necessary to protect the snapper-grouper resource.

Read the release at NOAA Fisheries