New regulations for some deepwater reef fish in Atlantic waters may be coming soon--but they won't be coming all at once. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council recently approved an amendment designed to end overfishing for snowy grouper, golden tilefish, vermilion snapper and black seabass.

Among the rule changes that, if approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service, would affect recreational fishermen are: *Snowy grouper: Limit possession to one fish in the 5-grouper aggregate bag. *Golden tilefish: Limit possession to one fish in the 5-grouper aggregate bag. *Black seabass: Increase minimum size limit from 10 inches Total Length, to 11 inches TL a year later, then 12 inches the next year. Reduce bag limit from 20 to 15 fish per person per day. *Vermilion snapper: Increase minimum size from 11 to 12 inches *Red porgy: Increase bag limit from 1 to 3 red porgy per person per day.

For the commercial sector, the Council proposed a complex series of quota adjustments over a three-year period. For instance, for snowy grouper, the quota would start at 151,000 pounds in year 1, drop to 118,000 pounds in year 2, and to 84,000 pounds in year 3, or until modified. Trip limits

would likewise drop, from 275 pounds, to 175 pounds, to 100 pounds.

The Council opted for gradual adjustments like this, to lessen economic and social impacts, allow for more continued data collection, and allow time for the Council to address bycatch issues.

A number of fishermen and seafood processors had questioned the Council's data. Dr. Nancy Thompson, Science Director for the NMFS Science Center in Miami, acknowledged those concerns, and fielded questions regarding data collection methods.

"Looking at the crushing impacts to the fishing community, I have to support this phase-in approach," said Council Vice-Chairman George Geiger.

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