New Control Date Announced for Snapper Grouper Fisheries The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering management measures to further limit participation or effort in the commercial fishery for snapper grouper species (excluding wreckfish) in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Many species in the South Atlantic snapper grouper fishery are or have been overfished, or are undergoing overfishing. Measures under consideration include individual fishing quotas (IFQ), days-at-sea (DAS), or other programs to further limit participation or effort. If such measures are established, the Council is considering October 14, 2005 as a possible control date. After that date, anyone entering the commercial fishery for snapper grouper species (excluding wreckfish) may not be assured of future participation in the fishery. However, consideration of a control date does not commit the Council or NOAA to any particular management regime or criteria for entry into the commercial fishery. Further limits on effort or participation in the fishery would require preparation of an amendment to the FMP by the Council and publication of a proposed rule with a public comment period. New Control Date Announced for Snapper Grouper Fisheries The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering management measures to further limit participation or effort in the commercial fishery for snapper grouper species (excluding wreckfish) in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the South Atlantic. Many species in the South Atlantic snapper grouper fishery are or have been overfished, or are undergoing overfishing. Measures under consideration include individual fishing quotas (IFQ), days-at-sea (DAS), or other programs to further limit participation or effort. If such measures are established, the Council is considering October 14, 2005 as a possible control date. After that date, anyone entering the commercial fishery for snapper grouper species (excluding wreckfish) may not be assured of future participation in the fishery. However, consideration of a control date does not commit the Council or NOAA to any particular management regime or criteria for entry into the commercial fishery. Further limits on effort or participation in the fishery would require preparation of an amendment to the FMP by the Council and publication of a proposed rule with a public comment period.
