Science to management Process
Data Collected and Analyzed
An Explanation of the Process
The South Atlantic Red Snapper Research Program
The South Atlantic Red Snapper Research Program generates two independent estimates of the red snapper population aged two years and older throughout the range from North Carolina to Florida. This is independent from traditional data collection efforts.
SARSRP Research Undergoes a Review
The Center for Independent Experts is contracted to conduct a peer review of the research. Scientific peer review is defined as the organized review process where one or more qualified experts review scientific information to ensure quality and credibility. These expert(s) must conduct their peer review impartially, objectively, and without conflicts of interest. Each reviewer must also be independent from the development of the science, without influence from any position that the agency or constituent groups may have.
NOAA & SEDAR Data Collection Coordination
The NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service with coordination from the Southeast Data Assessment and Review (SEDAR) conducts assessments of the fish stocks in the south Atlantic using the following 3 primary data categories: catch data (fishery dependent), abundance data (fishery independent) and biological data.
Learn about the 3 data sources
SEDAR 90 Assessment is Created
The SEDAR 90 stock assessment is a cooperative process with data providers including: federal partners, state partners, university researchers, NGOs and Interstate Commissions. SEDAR 90 will address the stock assessment for South Atlantic Red Snapper with a data terminal year of 2024.
More about SEDAR 90
Review by the Science and Statistical Committee
The Science and Statistical Committee assists in the development and peer review of stock assessments before they are presented to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. After review of the stock assessment, they create and present catch level recommendations for the stock.
The Management Decision Process
Based on catch level recommendations from the Science and Statistical Committee, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council drafts actions for an amendment, opens it for public comment, finalizes amendments and sends them to the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service for official rulemaking.