All size limits in this section are minimum size limits unless specified otherwise. A fish not in compliance with its size limit, as specified in this section, in or from the South Atlantic EEZ, may not be possessed, sold, or purchased. A fish not in compliance with its size limit must be released immediately with a minimum of harm. The operator of a vessel that fishes in the EEZ is responsible for ensuring that fish on board are in compliance with the size limits specified in this section.
(a) Snapper--(1) [Reserved]
(1) [Reserved]
(2) Vermilion snapper--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
(3) Blackfin, cubera, dog, gray, mahogany, queen, silk, and yellowtail snappers--12 inches (30.5 cm), TL.
(4) Mutton snapper--16 inches (40.6 cm), TL.
(5) Lane snapper--8 inches (20.3 cm), TL.
(b) Grouper--(1) Red, yellowfin, and yellowmouth grouper; and scamp--20 inches (50.8 cm), TL.
(1) Red, yellowfin, and yellowmouth grouper; and scamp--20 inches (50.8 cm), TL.
(2) Black grouper and gag--24 inches (61.0 cm), TL.
(c) Other snapper-grouper species--(1) Black sea bass.
(1) Black sea bass.
(i) For a fish taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.187(b)(7)--13 inches (33 cm), TL.
(ii) For a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.187(b)(7)--11 inches (28 cm), TL.
(2) Gray triggerfish. (i) In the South Atlantic EEZ off Florida--14 inches (35.6 cm), FL.
(i) In the South Atlantic EEZ off Florida--14 inches (35.6 cm), FL.
(ii) In the South Atlantic EEZ off North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia--12 inches (30.5 cm), FL.
(3) Hogfish--12 inches (30.5 cm), fork length.
(4) Red porgy--14 inches (35.6 cm), TL.
(5) Greater amberjack--28 inches (71.1 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by a person subject to the bag limit specified in Sec. 622.187(b)(1) and 36 inches (91.4 cm), fork length, for a fish taken by a person not subject to the bag limit. [78 FR 22952, Apr. 17, 2013, as amended at 78 FR 44465, July 24, 2013; 80 FR 30952, June 1, 2015]