Wreckfish ITQ Review

This review is intended to evaluate progress made in meeting the goals of the Wreckfish Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) program. The review does not attempt to comprehensively evaluate management of the snapper-grouper fishery. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is required by law to review the ITQ program every five to seven years. The first official review of the wreckfish ITQ program was completed in 2009. This review is the first subsequent review of the program. This review examines how the wreckfish ITQ program has changed between the baseline time period (2009/2010 - 2011/2012 fishing years) and the review time period (2012/2013 - 2016/2017 fishing years) with respect to various social, economic, biological and administrative factors, and offers conclusions and recommended changes to the program based on the findings. The baseline time period corresponds to the 3 years following the first program review while the review time period generally corresponds to the 5 year time period after the allowable catch was significantly reduced and Snapper Grouper Amendment 20A was implemented (Amendment 20A). Data and information contained in this report were obtained from a variety of sources, including, but not limited to peer reviewed literature, the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) coastal logbook program, SEFSC accumulated landings system, and National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. This review constitutes the findings of the South Atlantic Council.