Please note the following updates currently posted on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s web site at www.safmc.net:

 1. NOAA Fishery Bulletin: GOLDEN TILEFISH TRIP LIMIT DECREASED TO 300 POUNDS PER DAY FOR COMMERCIAL HOOK-AND-LINE VESSELS IN THE SOUTH ATLANTIC. The trip limit will decrease beginning April 21, 2009. 

2. Frequently Asked Questions – RED SNAPPER ITERIM RULE and AMENDMENT 17 – In March 2009, the Council voted to request an interim rule that would close the red snapper fishery for both commercial and recreational fisheries in order to help end overfishing. Amendment 17 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan includes long-term measures to address overfishing for red snapper and nine other species in the Snapper Grouper Management Complex currently undergoing overfishing. Why are additional management measures needed for red snapper? What is an interim rule? When would a closure begin? How long would a closure last? Where did the data used in the red snapper stock assessment come from? What measures are included in Amendment 17 for red snapper? These and other questions are included in the FAQ now available on the home page.

3. June 8 – 12, 2009 Council Meeting, Stuart, Florida – Preliminary meeting agenda now available.