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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-05599 — Deep Seabed Mining: Notice of Receipt of Applications for Deep Seabed Mining Exploration Licenses and Announcement of Public Comment Period and Virtual Public Hearings
NOAA got two applications from companies wanting to explore mining deep under the ocean floor. They’re holding virtual public meetings in April and want your thoughts by May 22, 2026. This affects anyone interested in ocean mining and how we protect our seas while exploring new resources.
2026-04256 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Spatial Fisheries Management; Amendment 15 to the 2006 Consolidated Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan
Starting April 3, 2026, new rules change shark fishing zones and times in the Atlantic to better protect sharks and manage fishing risks. Fishermen using bottom and pelagic longline gear will see updated area boundaries and must pay for electronic monitoring if fishing in certain safer zones. These changes help keep shark populations healthy while supporting responsible fishing.
2026-06461 — South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Snapper Grouper Commercial Sub-Committee is meeting April 20-21, 2026, to review and improve rules about fishing permits and trip efficiency for commercial fishers. This affects fishermen who catch snapper and grouper, aiming to make fishing fairer and more efficient without extra costs. The meeting is open to the public both in person and online, with chances to share your thoughts.
2026-06566 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
The government is shifting some pollock fishing quotas from the Aleutian Islands to the Bering Sea because the Aleutian Islands won’t use all their share this year. This change helps fishermen in the Bering Sea catch more pollock without going over limits. It starts April 3, 2026, and runs through the end of the year, making sure the fishery stays balanced and fair.
2026-06514 — Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic Zone Off Alaska; Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska
Starting April 1, 2026, fishing for pollock in Statistical Area 620 of the Gulf of Alaska is temporarily closed to keep the catch within safe limits. This affects fishermen targeting pollock, who must stop directed fishing until September 1, 2026, helping protect the fish population and support other fisheries. The closure ensures the 2026 pollock catch limit isn’t exceeded, balancing fishing opportunities and conservation.
2026-06484 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Port of San Francisco Mission Bay Ferry Landing Project in San Francisco Bay, California
The Port of San Francisco wants permission to do construction for the Mission Bay Ferry Landing, which might accidentally disturb marine mammals in San Francisco Bay. The government is asking for public comments before deciding to allow this, with a chance to renew the permit for one more year if needed. Comments are due by May 4, 2026, so speak up if you care about the sea life or the project’s progress!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06458 — Endangered Species Committee
The Endangered Species Committee just gave a big thumbs-up to let Gulf of America oil and gas activities skip some usual wildlife protection rules because of national security needs. This affects companies drilling and exploring offshore, speeding up their work but with careful oversight. The decision was made in March 2026 and could impact how energy projects move forward along the Gulf Coast, balancing nature and national safety.
Next: 2026-06461 — South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; Public Meeting
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Snapper Grouper Commercial Sub-Committee is meeting April 20-21, 2026, to review and improve rules about fishing permits and trip efficiency for commercial fishers. This affects fishermen who catch snapper and grouper, aiming to make fishing fairer and more efficient without extra costs. The meeting is open to the public both in person and online, with chances to share your thoughts.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in