South Atlantic Coral and Coral Reefs: Comprehensive Ecosystem Amendment
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is responsible for the management of coral, coral reefs, and live/hard-bottom habitat. This amendment focuses on addressing immediate needs for deepwater coral conservation and proposes the establishment of a network of deepwater Coral Habitat Areas of Particular Concern (HAPC). The amendment could also prohibit the use of all bottom damaging gear, and address Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) mandates in the final rule to provide additional data for designated EFH-HAPCs.
Amendment Objectives
Minimize adverse human impacts on coral and coral reefs.
Establish HAPCs for deepwater corals.
Increase public awareness of the importance and sensitivity of coral and coral reefs.
Provide a coordinated management regimen for the conservation of coral and coral reefs.
Take a precautionary approach to protecting deepwater coral ecosystems.
Proposed Amendment Actions
Establish Deepwater Coral HAPC
Within the HAPC the use of bottom longlines, trawls (mid-water and bottom), dredge, and pots or traps would be prohibited.
Use of an anchor, anchor and chain, or grapple and chain would be prohibited within the HAPC.
No species regulated by the coral fishery management plan may be possessed onboard any vessel within the HAPC.
Fishing for golden crab in designated areas without an approved vessel monitoring system onboard would be prohibited.
Addressing EFH and EFH-HAPCs in the Final Rule
The Council is updating information presented in the Habitat Plan and Comprehensive Amendment to refine supporting information for designated EFH and EFH-HAPCs.
Additional areas, where information exists, will be considered for designation as EFH-HAPC is available.
This amendment is in the development stage. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
