(Note: Scroll down to access regulation updates, NOAA Fisheries public comment periods, and other items of interest.)

Note!: Council Holds Public Hearings and Scoping Meetings January 24 - February 2, 2012.  Hearings for golden tilefish, spiny lobster, golden crab, and scoping meetings for designation of MPAs, powerhead use, recreational tags for deepwater species, etc.  Council soliciting written comment until February 15, 2012. Read more

Regulation Updates:

Atlantic Group Spanish Mackerel Trip Limit Reduced for Commercial Vessels in Southern Zone, effective January 27, 2012.  See Fishery Bulletin

Reminder: Annual Spawning Season  Closure for Shallow Water Grouper Species begins January 1, 2012  See Fishery Bulletin

New Regulations for Spiny Lobster in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic, effective January 3, 2012 See Fishery Bulletin

Commercial harvest in Special Management Zones in SC limited; other measures in Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 2  Regulations effective January 30, 2012 See Fishery Bulletin

New Regulations for King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel and Cobia in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic.   See Fishery Bulletin 

Download Updated Summaries (PDF) of Recreational and Commercial Snapper Grouper Regulations

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comment:

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Comment on Snapper Grouper Amendment 18A - endorsement program for commercial black sea bass pot fishery, increase minimum size limits for commercial and recreational sectors, etc.  Comment period open until April 2, 2012.  See Fishery Bulletin

Proposed Changes to Regulations for Bycatch Reduction Devices in Shrimp Fisheries  Comment period ends February 8, 2012  See Fishery Bulletin

NOAA Fisheries Service Seeks Public Comment on Snapper Grouper Amendment 20A (wreckfish)  Comment period ends March 12, 2012  See Fishery Bulletin

Other Items of Interest:

Recreational black sea bass fishery remains closed until June 1, 2012   Read Fishery Bulletin. Adjustments made to the 2011-2012 Recreational ACL for Black Sea Bass  See Fishery Bulletin

NOAA Fisheries Announces Temporary Rule Closing the Recreational Sector of Golden Tilefish, effective October 6, 2011  Read Fishery Bulletin

Testimony of Council member Duane Harris before the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding NOAA's Fishery Science. Click Here to read the testimony.

Recreational Measures for Snowy Grouper, Golden Tilefish, and Black Sea Bass. See Fishery Bulletin for details regarding Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures in place for these species.

Circle Hooks Required in South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery Effective March 3, 2011 Read Fishery Bulletin

Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures Set for 9 Snapper Grouper Species - Regulations Implemented January 31, 2011 and Include Deepwater Closure for Some Species - Read the Fishery Bulletin regarding implementation of Snapper Grouper Amendment 17B and the Final Rule that includes waypoints for the deepwater closure.

Red snapper closure continues effective December 3, 2010.  Read Fishery Bulletin (posted 12/3/10)  Amendment 17A and Final Rule available in the FMP Library.

Sale of snapper grouper harvested or possessed under bag limits is prohibited.  Final Rule implementing Snapper Grouper Amendment 15B published.  Read Fishery Bulletin reminder for more information.