Fisheries of the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic; Snapper-Grouper Fishery off the Southern Atlantic States; Amendment 15A

NMFS announces approval of Amendment 15A to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (FMP). Amendment 15A updates management reference points for snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy based on the most recent stock assessments; modifies rebuilding schedules for snowy grouper and black sea bass; defines rebuilding strategies for snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy; and redefines the minimum stock size threshold for the snowy grouper stock. The measures contained in the subject amendment are intended to both comply with the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) and satisfy a U.S. district court's rulings to establish rebuilding plans for South Atlantic snowy grouper and black sea bass and approve, amend or reject Amendment 15A by March 14, 2008.