Final Rule Revises Annual Catch Limits For South Atlantic Red Grouper

NOAA Fisheries announces a final rule for red grouper in the South Atlantic. This rule will reduce the annual catch limits (ACLs) for South Atlantic red grouper in response to the results of the latest population assessment. The assessment determined that red grouper in the South Atlantic is undergoing overfishing and is overfished.

WHEN RULE WILL TAKE EFFECT:

  • The rule will take effect on August 27, 2018.

WHAT THIS MEANS:

  • The final rule will reduce the total and sector annual catch limits for red grouper.
  • New annual catch limits (in pounds whole weight) are as follows:

 

Total ACL 

Commercial ACL 

Recreational ACL 

  2018 

 139,000

 61,160

 77,840

 2019

 150,000

 66,000

 84,000

2020 until modified 

 162,000

 71,280

 90,720

FORMAL FEDERAL REGISTER NAME/NUMBER: 83 FR 35435, published July 26, 2018

Source: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council