Abstract

Management of species in the South Atlantic U.S. and Gulf of Mexico U.S. reef fish complexes has increased in recent years. The impacts of management, of course, extend beyond the dockside level. In particular, the processing sector must adjust to regulatory measures imposed at the harvesting level. These regulatory measures have been implemented with little consideration of the processing sector or impacts thereon. ; This paper provides an economic analysis of the Southeast reef fish processing industry and is based upon National Marine Fisheries Service detailed processing records. The analysis, presented for the Southeast in aggregate and individually for the South Atlantic and Golf Regions, focuses primarily on (1) aggregate reef fish processing activities, (2) grouper processing activities, and (3) red snapper processing activities. ; Overall, resolts presented from this analysis can be incorporated into the fishery management framework. Such action will resolt in more informed management decision.

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