Sargassum is a free-floating seaweed found offshore in mats throughout the South Atlantic region.  These mats of vegetation provide crucial habitat  for a wide variety of marine animals in the open ocean, including economically important pelagic species such as tuna, dolphin, wahoo and billfish as well as sea turtles and marine birds.  The final Fishery Management Plan for Pelagic Sargassum Habitat in the South Atlantic Region was approved in 2003 and implemented strict restrictions on commercial harvest of this important fish habitat.   A North Carolina company had been harvesting Sargassum for use in the feed supplement industry. 

The approved plan includes strong limitations on future commercial harvest.  Restrictions include prohibition of harvest south of the NC/SC state boundary,  a total allowable catch (TAC) of 5,000 pounds wet weight per year, limiting harvest to November through June to protect turtles, requiring observers onboard any vessel harvesting Sargassum, prohibiting harvest within 100 miles of shore, and gear specifications. 

Sargassum Plan 2002

Notice of Availability   Proposed Rule   Final Rule