Limited Access Privilege Programs/Data Management Branch

The SERO Limited Access Privilege Programs/Data Management Branch has three primary responsibilities.  The Branch conducts data analyses in direct support of federal fishery management decisions, monitors recreational and commercial quotas and annual catch limits for federally managed species, and develops, administers, and implements commercial catch share programs.  The Branch works collaboratively with NMFS’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center, other SERO Branches, and the Gulf of Mexico, South Atlantic, and Caribbean fishery management councils to evaluate and analyze the effects of proposed regulations.  The Branch also manages the South Atlantic individual transferable quota program (ITQ) for wreckfish and the Gulf of Mexico Red Snapper and Grouper-Tilefish individual fishing quota (IFQ) programs, and the Headboat Collaborative (HBC) Exempted Fishing Permit Pilot Program.  Annually, the Branch develops reports to evaluate the performance of catch share programs, prepares recreational quota closure projections, and tracks landings relative to quotas and annual catch limits.