In accordance with the framework procedures of the FMP for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region, the RA may establish or modify the items specified in paragraph (a) of this section for South Atlantic snapper-grouper and wreckfish, or paragraph (b) of this section for sea turtles and other protected species.

(a) Biomass levels, age-structured analyses, target dates for rebuilding overfished species, maximum sustainable yield (or its proxy), optimum yield, acceptable biological catch, total allowable catch, quotas (including a quota of zero), annual catch limits, annual catch targets, accountability measures, maximum fishing mortality threshold, minimum stock size threshold, trip limits, bag limits, size limits, gear restrictions (ranging from regulation to complete prohibition), seasonal or area closures, fishing year, rebuilding plans, definitions of essential fish habitat (EFH), establishment of or modifications to EFH habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs) or coral HAPCs, restrictions on gear and fishing activities applicable in EFH and EFH HAPCs, establish or modify spawning SMZs, and allow transfer of the unharvested total or sector ACL to the following fishing year.

(b) Possession, specifications, and use of required release gear and handling requirements for sea turtles and other protected species.

[78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 23863 Apr. 23, 2013; 82 FR 29776, June 30, 2017; 84 FR 67238, Dec. 9, 2019; 89 FR 276, Jan. 3, 2024]