Amendment 28 outlines calculation of catch limits, seasonal opening dates, and regulations:
The dates for the long-anticipated 2013 opening of the red snapper mini-season in the South Atlantic were recently announced by NOAA Fisheries (see side bar). The fishery has been closed since January 2010 in order to rebuild the stock. In 2012, a limited harvest of red snapper was allowed through a temporary emergency rule, and managers determined that the retention of a limited number of red snapper beginning in 2013, along with the appropriate management controls, would not jeopardize the rebuilding of the stock if the annual catch limit (ACL)is not exceeded. This year’s opening was dependent upon the July 19, 2013 publication of the Final Rule implementing Amendment 28 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. The amendment establishes the process for determining if the fishing season will occur each year, an equation to determine the ACL, and management measures if fishing is allowed. Measures include specified times for the annual opening beginning in 2014 (the second Friday in July for the recreational sector and the second Monday in July for the commercial fishery), elimination of the minimum size limit, recreational bag limits, and a commercial trip limit. Accountability measures are also included that could impact the annual season if ACLs are exceeded. The recreational sector is allocated 72% of the ACL and the commercial sector receives 28%. In 2012, the recreational sector exceeded its ACL during the two, three day weekend openings in September, but the total ACL was not exceeded. It was determined that a single weekend opening this year would help prevent overages. The Council is also considering development of a tag program for the harvest of red snapper and other species with low catch limits.
In order to allow harvest of the 2013 ACL of 76,369 pounds (gutted weight), NOAA Fisheries has announced the following openings:
Recreational – August 23rd, 24th and 25th (three-day weekend)
- Bag limit: 1 fish per person per day
- Size limit: none
- ACL = 9,585 fish (54,922 pounds (gw))
Commercial – Beginning August 26th
- Trip limit: 75 pounds (gw)
- Size limit: none
- ACL = 21,447 lbs. (gw) Season closes when ACL is projected to be met.
Note: NOAA Fisheries Service may change the opening dates if severe weather conditions exist.
