Comprehensive Ecosystem Based Amendment 1 For The South Atlantic Region PDF Download

"This Comprehensive Ecosystem-Based Amendment 2 (CE-BA 2) consists of actions related to management of the octocoral fishery, modification of management of Special Management Zones (SMZs) off South Carolina, modification of sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish release gear requirements for the snapper grouper fishery and non-regulatory actions that designate new essential fish habitat (EFH) and EFH-habitat areas of particular concern (EFH-HAPCs). The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (South Atlantic Council) developed the actions in the amendment consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act). CE-BA 2 proposes to specify the annual catch limit (ACL) for octocorals in the South Atlantic region. The South Atlantic Council is considering modifying the fishery management unit (FMU) for octocorals under the Fishery Management Plan for Coral, Coral Reefs, Live/Hardbottom Habitats of the South Atlantic Region (Coral FMP) to specify that octocorals are included in the exclusive economic zone off of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. As a result of potentially reducing the management unit for octocorals, the South Atlantic Council is also considering an action to set the ACL at zero. CE-BA 2 would amend the Snapper Grouper FMP and FMP for the Coastal Migratory Pelagic Resources in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico to require that harvest (with the use of all non-prohibited fishing gear) and possession of snapper grouper and coastal migratory pelagic managed species in the SMZs off South Carolina be limited to the recreational bag limit. This action responds to concern from fishermen about potential user conflicts in the SMZs off South Carolina. An action to modify sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish release gear requirements for the snapper grouper fishery is also included in CE-BA 2. Fishermen have expressed concern that the current sea turtle and smalltooth sawfish handling and release gear requirements are intended for "heavier duty" gear used in longline fisheries and are unwieldy and less effective when used with the lighter tackle employed in the non-longline, hook-and-line component of the fishery"--Abstract, page iv.