South Atlantic Council Gathers to Debate Snapper and Grouper Regulations
Published Date: 4/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a meeting April 21-23, 2026, to talk about important changes to fishing rules for snapper, grouper, and other fish. Fishermen, businesses, and ocean lovers in the South Atlantic region will hear updates, suggest new rules, and review how fish stocks like black grouper and black sea bass are doing. This meeting could lead to new fishing seasons, permit changes, and better fish management that might affect fishing costs and opportunities.
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 6 mixed.
Commercial Permit & Trip Efficiency Review
The Advisory Panel will develop Amendment 60, which focuses on commercial permits and trip efficiency for the Snapper Grouper fishery. If adopted later, this amendment could change permit rules or how commercial trips are counted for the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery.
Fishery Management Unit Revision
The Advisory Panel will develop Amendment 61 to revise the fishery management unit for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. Changes to the management unit could change which species or fishing activities are managed together.
Review of 225‑Pound SG 2 Commercial Permit
The panel will discuss whether the snapper grouper commercial 225‑pound (SG 2) permit is working as intended. This review could lead to changes that affect holders of the SG 2 permit.
Possible Golden Tilefish Recreational Season Change
The panel will discuss potential future actions to change the golden tilefish recreational season. Any future change could alter when recreational anglers are allowed to fish for golden tilefish.
Black Sea Bass Management Updates
The panel will receive an update on upcoming management actions for black sea bass and provide feedback on last year’s observations. These updates relate to planned management steps for black sea bass in the South Atlantic.
Black Grouper Stock Risk Evaluation
The Advisory Panel will evaluate the stock risk rating for black grouper. That evaluation could inform future management decisions for black grouper in the South Atlantic.
Surveys and Data to Inform Management Strategy
The panel will hear results from the Southeast Reef Fish Survey through 2025 and results of a recreational angler survey used to inform the ongoing Snapper Grouper Management Strategy Evaluation. This data will be used to guide management discussions.
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Key Dates
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