"The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) requires the Regional Fishery Management Councils and NOAA Fisheries Service to prevent overfishing while achieving optimum yield (OY) from each fishery. When it is determined a stock is undergoing overfishing, measures must be implemented to end overfishing. In cases where stocks are overfished, the Councils and NOAA Fisheries Service must implement rebuilding plans. The most recent assessment for the red snapper stock in the South Atlantic indicates that the stock is experiencing overfishing and is overfished (SEDAR 15 2008). A new benchmark assessment for red snapper is scheduled to be completed in December 2010. The purpose of Snapper Grouper FMP Amendment 17A is threefold: (1) to implement management measures to end overfishing of the red snapper stock in the South Atlantic immediately upon implementation; (2) to rebuild the stock so it may ultimately produce optimum yield (OY); and (3) to minimize to the extent practicable adverse social and economic effects expected from the first two items"--Abstract (p. iv).

"Regulatory Amendment 13 to the Snapper Grouper FMP (Regulatory Amendment 13) revises the ABCs, ACLs (including sector ACLs), and ACTs for select un-assessed species in the snapper grouper FMU, and reflects the intent of the South Atlantic Council. Updates will include data through 2008 since that was the last year used in the Comprehensive ACL Amendment to establish ACLs. Additionally, species in the snapper grouper FMU with stock assessments (including those in Amendments 17A and 17B to the Snapper Grouper FMP); species with ABC=0 landings; and those species not utilizing a formula to calculate their ABC in the Comprehensive ACL Amendment are excluded from Regulatory Amendment 13. The intent of Regulatory Amendment 13 is to prevent unnecessary negative socio-economic impacts that may otherwise be realized in the snapper grouper fishery and fishing community, in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and to ensure the use of best available science as required by National Standard 2"--Summary (pages iii-iv).