Council to Address Overfishing Through Regulatory Amendment

[NCangler]

Approach allows more flexibility for fishery management actions

After receiving public comment and recommendations from members of its advisory panel last week, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved moving forward with a regulatory amendment to its Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan to address overfishing for four economically important species. Based on recent stock assessments, the Council is considering harvest reductions of 69 percent for snowy grouper, 35 percent for golden tilefish, 31 percent for vermilion snapper, and a range of 35 to 51 percent reductions for black sea bass. The Council had been considering an interim rule measure that could have resulted in fishing closures in late 2005 for some species. “The Council recognizes the need to end overfishing for these important species,” said Mac Currin, Chairman of the Council’s Snapper Grouper Committee. “While interim rule measures would have addressed overfishing immediately, it is clear after hearing from our constituents that the negative economic and social impacts could be substantial. Using a regulatory amendment to the existing fishery management plan allows us the flexibility needed to try and minimize impacts to the fishermen while meeting mandates to end overfishing.”

A regulatory amendment allows for implementation of long term regulations to address overfishing as well as allowing the Council to include additional measures to increase harvest of red porgy. Recent assessments show that red porgy stocks are recovering and fishermen can moderately increase catches without harming the stock. In contrast to the regulatory amendment, interim rules are implemented for a period of 180 days with a 180 day extension and used only to address overfishing, which would have eliminated options for increases in red porgy harvest. There were also concerns that an interim rule could expire before additional regulations are in place through Amendment 13B to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. Amendment 13B addresses complex mandates dealing with stock status and assessments for all 73 species in the snapper grouper fishery management complex.

The Council approved alternatives for consideration in the regulatory amendment during its meeting last week. These include options for reductions in the annual quotas for golden tilefish and snowy grouper, establishment of quotas for black sea bass and vermilion snapper, increases in size limits, decreases in recreational bag limits, commercial trip limit reductions, and increases in red porgy harvest. The Council plans to review and approve the amendment for public hearings during its September meeting in Charleston, South Carolina and hold public hearings this fall. A complete listing of management alternatives being considered in the regulatory amendment will be posted on the Council’s web site at www.safmc.net as soon as they become available.

New Council Members Appointed

During its Cape Canaveral meeting, the Council received news from the Secretary of Commerce of the reappointment of George J. Geiger of Sebastian, Florida to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Mr. Geiger, a charter captain and environmental educator, currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Council. The Secretary also announced the appointment of David Cupka, former Council representative for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, to an at-large seat currently held by Dr. John M. Dean of Columbia, South Carolina. Dr. Dean will leave the Council in August. The Council acknowledged the retirement of Council member Bill Cole, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service representative during its meeting. Both Mr. Cole and Dr. Dean received standing ovations for their service.

For a complete listing of the summary motions from the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting in Port Canaveral, Florida please contact the Council office or visit the web site at www.safmc.net. The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for September 19- 23, 2005 in Charleston, South Carolina.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional councils, conserves and manages fish stocks from three to 200 miles offshore of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and east Florida.