Atlantic Coast waters reopen for recreational grouper fishing April 30

By S.C. Dept. of Natural Resources

Published: April 30, 2010

The four-month closure of fishing for shallow water groupers in federal waters off Atlantic Coast states from North Carolina through Florida will end at midnight on April 30th.
   
The closure is one of the methods the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council employs to end overfishing for gag grouper, reduce overfishing for red and black grouper, and improve the status of all shallow water grouper species.

Several species, such as gag grouper, are particularly vulnerable during late winter when they form spawning aggregations. Species affected by the closure include: gag grouper, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, red hind, rock hind, yellowmouth grouper, tiger grouper, yellowfin grouper, graysby and coney.
   
For a complete listing of federal regulatory measures affecting the snapper-grouper fishery contact the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council at (866) SAFMC-10 or visit their website at http://www.safmc.net 
   
South Carolina’s natural resources are essential for economic development and contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000 jobs to the state’s economy overall. Find out more at: http://www.dnr.sc.gov/green/index.html.