Federal Register #2026-14375

NOAA Public Hearings on Amendment 60 to Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan

This notice announces a series of public hearings organized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council regarding proposed regulatory changes for the Snapper Grouper Fishery in the South Atlantic Region. - Government Buyer: - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce - South Atlantic Fishery Management Council - Purpose: - Solicit public input on Amendment 60 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan - Key Regulatory Proposals: - Remove the 2-for-1 requirement for obtaining a snapper grouper commercial transferable permit - Revise stowage requirements and species restrictions for commercial vessels with longline gear, allowing gear switching during a trip - Increase trip limits for multiple snapper grouper species - Require the sale of all snapper grouper harvested by commercial vessels - No OEMs, vendors, products, or purchase quantities are specified - Focus is on regulatory changes and public engagement, not procurement of goods or services

Description

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold three in-person public hearings and one webinar hearing regarding amendment 60 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region. The amendment considers removing the 2-for-1 requirement for obtaining a snapper grouper commercial transferable permit, revising stowage requirements and species restrictions for commercial vessels with longline gear to allow gear switching during a trip, increasing trip limits for several snapper grouper species, and requiring the sale of all snapper grouper harvested by commercial vessels. The hearings are scheduled for August 10, 11, and 19, 2026, with the webinar on August 31, 2026. Registration is required for the webinar.

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