A MESSAGE FROM THE NOAA ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR

FOR FISHERIES

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service 

Report on the Status of the U.S. Fisheries for 2006 

I am pleased to present the 2006 report on the status of U.S. marine fish stocks. 

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is dedicated to sustainable 

management of our Nation’s living marine resources. Ending overfishing and 

rebuilding stocks to maximum sustainable yields is a top priority for this 

Administration, NMFS, the eight regional Fishery Management Councils, and our 

constituents. Long-term sustainable management of the Nation’s marine fisheries 

helps create a robust fishing industry, ample recreational fishing opportunities, 

and vibrant fishing communities. 

This report updates the 2005 status of stocks report and includes determinations 

for stocks assessed in 2006. The results from 2006 are mixed – some stocks have 

improved while others have declined. Based on new assessments, we need to end 

overfishing and rebuild several additional stocks. The number of stocks subject to 

overfishing has increased from 45 in 2005 to 48 in 2006, and the number of 

overfished stocks has increased from 43 to 47. Although the numbers have 

increased, the majority of our stocks are not subject to overfishing and are not 

overfished. 

As 2007 proceeds, we continue to implement the new Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA). In the MSRA, 

Congress called for strong action to end overfishing and has provided new 

management tools and requirements to meet this goal. Provisions such as annual 

catch limits and limited access privilege programs are important tools for more 

effective fisheries management. Measures that end overfishing must be in place 

by 2010 for all stocks experiencing overfishing. 

In closing, I want to reiterate that the majority of our domestic assessed fish 

stocks are either not overfished (75 percent) or not subject to overfishing (80 

percent). Each year, we undertake new assessments to increase the knowledge of 

our stocks. Stock assessments are vital for providing the scientific basis for sound 

management and decision making. Still, the status of many of our stocks is 

unknown. The dedicated and hardworking staffs of NMFS and the Councils will 

work to meet the challenge of increasing the number of assessments, rebuilding 

all stocks, and maintaining them at highly productive levels. 

We appreciate the support of Congress, stakeholders, and constituencies, and 

look forward to continued collaboration as we implement the MSRA and continue 

to improve the status of U.S. fisheries. 

William T. Hogarth, Ph.D. 

1
2
Table of Contents 

Executive Summary _________________________________________ 5

Introduction ______________________________________________ 6

Using the Best Available Data _________________________________ 7

Summary of Stock Status Determination Changes _________________ 8

Overview of overfishing status of stocks______________________________ 8 

Changes in overfishing status ______________________________________ 8 

Overview of overfished status______________________________________ 9 

Changes in overfished status ______________________________________ 9 

Approaching an overfished condition _______________________________ 10 

Tracking Changes _________________________________________ 11

Historical Perspectives _____________________________________ 11

Changes in Biomass Levels __________________________________ 14

Management Actions to Address Overfishing and Overfished 

Determinations ___________________________________________ 16

Status Determinations by Region _____________________________ 19

Northeast Region_______________________________________________ 19 

Southeast Region ______________________________________________ 20 

Southwest Region ______________________________________________ 21 

Northwest Region ______________________________________________ 22 

Pacific Islands Region ___________________________________________ 23 

Alaska Region _________________________________________________ 24 

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species __________________________________ 25 

3
4
Executive Summary 

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that NOAA’s National 

Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) report annually to Congress and the Councils on the status of 

fisheries (Sec. 304(e)(1)). This report fulfills that requirement. 

The information in this report was generated by the NMFS regional offices and science centers 

based on the most recent stock assessments. Status determinations are generally made during a 

formal review of a scientific stock assessment using the best available scientific information and 

status determination criteria specified in a fishery management plan. 

Stocks discussed in this report are characterized under two categories: (1) subject to overfishing 

and (2) overfished. A stock that is subject to overfishing has a fishing mortality (harvest) rate 

above the level that provides for the maximum sustainable yield. A stock that is overfished has a 

biomass level below a biological threshold specified in its fishery management plan. 

NMFS reviewed 530 individual stocks and stock complexes in 2006. Two hundred forty-two stocks 

or stock complexes have known overfishing determinations: 194 (80 percent) are not subject to 

overfishing and 48 (20 percent) are subject to overfishing. These percentages represent a slight 

change from last year’s report, in which 81 percent were not subject to overfishing and 19 percent 

were subject to overfishing. One hundred eighty-seven stocks have known overfished 

determinations: 140 (75 percent) are not overfished and 47 (25 percent) are overfished. The 

percentages are unchanged relative to 2005. The specifics are outlined below. 

The number of stocks subject to overfishing increased to 48 in 2006 from 45 in 2005. Three stocks 

were removed from the list and six were added. Specifically: Two stocks are no longer subject to 

overfishing—Atlantic sea scallops and Gulf of Mexico vermilion snapper. The status of the Large 

Coastal Shark complex is now unknown based on a 2006 stock assessment. Four stocks have 

become subject to overfishing—winter skate, Gulf of Mexico gag, petrale sole, and yellowfin tuna 

(Eastern Pacific). Finally, two stocks of previously unknown status were found to be subject to 

overfishing—Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish and dusky shark. 

The number of overfished stocks has increased to 47 in 2006 from 431 in 2005. Two stocks were 

removed and six were added to the list. Specifically: The status of the Large Coastal Shark 

complex is now unknown based on a 2006 stock assessment. One stock is no longer overfished—

Gulf of Mexico vermilion snapper. Four stocks have become overfished—monkfish—north, 

monkfish—south, South Atlantic pink shrimp, and sandbar shark. Finally, two stocks of previously 

unknown status were found to be overfished—porbeagle shark and dusky shark. 

Management action associated with 4 stocks—Bluefish (except Gulf of Mexico), Gulf of Mexico 

vermilion snapper, South Atlantic tilefish, and South Atlantic gag2—has resulted in rebuilding to 

levels of at least 80 percent of their maximum sustainable levels. Continued, sustainable 

management should allow these stocks to achieve optimal levels. 

Since 2001, 13 stocks or complexes were removed from the overfishing list (one of which resorted 

to an unknown status) and 19 stocks or complexes have been added to the list, with 8 of these 

stocks previously of unknown status or not reported in 2001. 

Since 2001, 27 stocks or complexes were removed from the overfished list (14 of which resorted to 

an unknown status) and 17 stocks or complexes have been added to the list, with 3 of these stocks 

previously of unknown status or not reported in 2001. 

 

1

 For comparison purposes, the number of overfished stocks reported in 2005 (54) is reduced by 11 due to a re-evaluation of 

some previous overfished determinations. This change is explained in Appendix 1. 

2

 Result is preliminary because the assessment is currently being reviewed.

5
Introduction

his report describes the state of our 

Nation’s marine fisheries and the 

effectiveness of fisheries management 

under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act, Public 

Law 94-294 (MSA), as amended in 1996 

by the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) and 

again in 2007 by the Magnuson-Stevens 

Fishery Conservation and Management 

Reauthorization Act of 2006 (MSRA). The 

SFA emphasized the need to end 

overfishing, rebuild overfished stocks, and 

establish management plans designed to 

ensure biologically and economically 

sustainable fisheries; the MSRA set a firm 

deadline of 2010 for measures to be in 

place that end overfishing in the United 

States. A stock that is subject to 

overfishing has a fishing mortality 

(harvest) rate above the level that 

provides for the maximum sustainable 

yield. A stock that is overfished has a 

biomass level below its prescribed 

biological threshold. 

T Definitions 

Overfishing – Harvest rate is above a 

prescribed fishing mortality threshold. 

Overfished - Stock size is below a prescribed 

biomass threshold. 

Approaching Overfished Condition - Based on 

trends in harvesting effort, fishery resource 

size, and other appropriate factors, it is 

estimated that the fishery will become 

overfished within 2 years. 

BMSY – The weight (biomass) of a group of fish 

necessary to produce MSY on a continuing 

basis. 

FMSY – A fishing mortality rate that, if applied 

constantly, would result in the maximum 

sustainable yield. 

MSY - Maximum Sustainable Yield - The largest 

long-term average catch or yield that can be 

taken from a stock or stock complex under 

prevailing ecological and environmental 

conditions. 

We continue to make progress in our scientific knowledge of marine fisheries and 

in our ability to use that knowledge to manage for the sustained use of these 

resources. This report fulfills the congressional requirement for an annual report 

on the status of fisheries within each Council’s geographic area of authority and 

to identify fisheries that are overfished or approaching a condition of being 

overfished. 

This report lists the managed marine fish stocks in the U.S. Exclusive Economic 

Zone,3 including stocks that straddle international boundaries and highly 

migratory stocks. In response to the congressional requirement, the report 

categorizes stocks according to their status. The report answers four questions 

which help determine the effectiveness of management measures in meeting the 

provisions of the MSA: 

1. What stocks are subject to overfishing? 

2. What stocks are overfished? 

3. What stocks are approaching an overfished condition? 

4. How do this year’s determinations compare to previous years? 

 

3

 The U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone extends from 3 to 200 miles offshore and covers more than 2 million square miles.

6
Finally, this report discusses management action taken by the relevant Councils 

to address new overfishing and overfished determinations. In 2006, several 

stocks were added to the list of stocks subject to overfishing and stocks 

overfished (Table 1). NMFS, through its regional offices, is working closely with 

the relevant Councils to address these determinations and reverse downward 

trends. 

Using the Best Available Data 

To categorize marine fish stocks for this report, NMFS reviewed each stock 

relative to the status determination criteria (SDC) contained in the relevant 

fishery management plan (FMP).4 Sometimes the SDC do not apply to an 

individual stock, but to a group of similar species harvested together or sharing a 

similar life history. These groups are referred to as stock complexes, units, or 

assemblages. Such groupings may be particularly useful when data are sparse or 

lacking, because they provide a level of protection for all related stocks and allow 

for data collection on them. In some cases, the status of a stock complex is 

determined using the SDC for one stock in the complex. In other cases, the SDC 

apply to the complex as a whole. Stock complexes are used in the Southeast, 

Pacific Islands, and Alaska Regions, as well as by the NMFS Atlantic Highly 

Migratory Species (HMS) division. This report includes the FMPs’ stock 

complexes, rather than listing species individually. 

Based on a review of the best scientific information available for each stock or 

stock complex, relative to its SDC, NMFS determined the overfishing and 

overfished condition, including whether the stock is approaching an overfished 

condition. NMFS used many resources to make these determinations, including 

final, peer-reviewed documents such as Stock Assessment Review Committee 

reports and recommendations of each Council’s Scientific and Statistical 

Committee. For species not included in a federal FMP (i.e., species managed by 

international agreement), the stock status determination was made in 

accordance with the relevant FMP or agreement. More information on stock 

complexes and the methodology used to include them in this report can be found 

in Appendix 1 on the NMFS website. 

A 2006 evaluation of overfished SDC found spawning potential ratio (SPR) was 

used to measure the overfished status for 21 stocks. SPR is inadequate for 

making overfished determinations and, as a result, the overfished status of these 

stocks was changed to unknown. Eleven of these stocks had been previously 

declared overfished. This change is fully described in Appendix 1. 

 

4

 In order to use the best available data, some stocks use SDC specified in the most recent scientific assessment, rather than 

those contained in the FMPs. Alaska SDC are generally specified in the annual Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation (SAFE) 

Report, rather than in the FMP itself. 

7
Summary of Stock Status Determination Changes 

This year’s report is based on assessments completed as of December 31, 2006. 

Results from fishery stock assessments in progress on that date will be 

summarized in next year’s report. Results are updated quarterly and the most 

resent may be found at: 

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/statusoffisheries/SOSmain.htm

Overview of overfishing status of stocks 

• 242 stocks or stock complexes are known with respect to their 

overfishing status. Of these: 

o 194 (80 percent) stocks or stock complexes are not subject to 

overfishing. 

o 48 (20 percent) stocks or stock complexes are subject to overfishing (i.e., 

have a fishing mortality rate that exceeds the overfishing threshold). 

• 288 stocks or stock complexes have overfishing thresholds not defined or 

applicable, or are unknown with respect to their overfishing status. 

Changes in overfishing status 

The following stocks had a change in overfishing status during 2006; stocks with 

previously unknown or undefined status are noted. 

• In the Northeast Region – 

o Atlantic Sea Scallop is not subject to overfishing. 

o Silver Hake–Southern Georges Bank/Middle Atlantic is not subject to 

overfishing (was previously unknown). 

o Winter Skate is subject to overfishing. 

• In the Southeast Region – 

o Gulf of Mexico Vermilion Snapper is not subject to overfishing. 

o Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish is subject to overfishing (was previously 

listed as unknown). 

o Gulf of Mexico Gag is subject to overfishing. 

• In the Southwest Region – 

o Yellowfin Tuna–Eastern Pacific is subject to overfishing. 

• In the Northwest Region – 

o Cabezon–South is not subject to overfishing (was previously listed as 

unknown). 

o Blackgill Rockfish is not subject to overfishing (was previously listed as 

unknown). 

o Petrale Sole is subject to overfishing. 

• In the Highly Migratory Species Division – 

o Porbeagle shark is not subject to overfishing (was previously listed as 

unknown). 

o Dusky Shark is subject to overfishing (was previously listed as unknown). 

o Blacktip Shark was previously assessed as a single stock and was not 

subject to overfishing. It is now assessed as two stocks; a Gulf of Mexico 

stock that is not subject to overfishing and an Atlantic stock whose 

overfishing status is unknown. 

8
o The Large Coastal Shark Complex is unknown, based on results of the 

2006 stock assessment (was previously subject to overfishing). 

• There are no changes to the other regions. 

Overview of overfished status 

• 187 stocks or stock complexes are known with respect to their 

overfished status. Of these: 

o 140 (75 percent) stocks or stock complexes are not overfished. This 

number includes 4 stocks that are not currently overfished, but are 

approaching an overfished condition. 

o 47 (25 percent) stocks or stock complexes are overfished. 

• 343 stocks or stock complexes have overfished thresholds not defined or 

applicable, or are unknown with respect to their overfished status. 

Changes in overfished status 

The following stocks had a change in overfished status in 2006; stocks with 

previously unknown or undefined status are noted. 

• In the Northeast Region – 

o Monkfish–North is overfished. 

o Monkfish–South is overfished. 

• In the Southeast Region – 

o Gulf of Mexico Vermilion Snapper is not overfished. 

o South Atlantic Gag is not overfished (was previously listed as unknown5

). 

o South Atlantic Pink Shrimp is overfished. 

o Eleven stocks were removed from the overfished list due to an evaluation 

of the adequacy of their SDC to measure the overfished status of those 

stocks (see Appendix 1). Those stocks have been relisted as unknown and 

are: SA Red Snapper, SA Red Grouper, SA Black Grouper, SA Speckled 

Hind, SA Warsaw Grouper, SA Red Drum, SA Nassau Grouper, SA Goliath 

Grouper, and GM Goliath Grouper (now listed as a single SA/GM stock), 

GM Nassau Grouper, and GM Red Drum.

• In the Northwest and Alaska Regions – 

o Pacific Halibut is not overfished (was previously listed as undefined). 

• In the Alaska Region – 

o Walleye Pollock–Aleutian Islands is not overfished (was previously listed as 

unknown). 

• In the Highly Migratory Species Division – 

o Sandbar Shark is overfished. 

o Porbeagle Shark is overfished (was previously listed as unknown). 

o Dusky Shark is overfished (was previously listed as unknown). 

o The Large Coastal Shark Complex is unknown, based on results of the 

2006 stock assessment (was previously overfished). 

 

5 This stock is one of 21 stocks listed in 2005 using SPR for the overfished determination. The 2006 re-evaluation revised this 

stock’s overfished listing from no to unknown. The stock was also assessed in 2006, and the result of that assessment indicate 

that the stock is not overfished, a change from the revised unknown determination.

9
o Blacktip Shark was previously assessed as a single stock and was not 

overfished. It is now assessed as two stocks; a Gulf of Mexico stock that is 

not overfished and an Atlantic stock whose overfished status is unknown. 

• There are no changes to the other regions. 

Approaching an overfished condition 

The basis for determining whether a stock is approaching an overfished condition 

is an examination of the current stock biomass and trends in fishing effort. 

Unless the status of the stock is known, a determination about whether the stock 

will become overfished within 2 years cannot be made with any certainty. 

Therefore, the definition for the biomass threshold in the FMP, along with trends 

in fishing effort, should be the determining criteria in evaluating whether a stock 

is approaching an overfished condition. For Pacific salmon stocks, the 

determining criteria are based on maximum sustainable yield/maximum spawner 

potential objectives for natural stocks or stock complexes. 

• In the Southeast Region – 

o Caribbean Snapper Unit 1 is approaching an overfished condition. 

o Caribbean Parrotfishes is approaching an overfished condition. 

• In the Northwest Region – 

o Klamath River Fall (Klamath and Trinity Rivers) Chinook salmon is 

approaching an overfished condition. 

• In the Pacific Islands Region – 

o The Bottomfish Multispecies Complex–Hawaiian Archipelago is not 

approaching an overfished condition (was previously listed as unknown). 

10
Tracking Changes 

The status of all 530 stocks and stock complexes6

 is summarized in Table 2. A 

tabular summary of the changes in status determinations from 2005 to 2006 is 

shown in Table 1. These changes are further illustrated in Tables 11 and 12. 

Table 1. Number of stocks or stock complexes that have changed status compared to their listing in 2005. To 

read this table, note the number of stocks with a status change from 2005 (shown in blue) and see the 

determination in 2006 (shown in tan). For example, 2 stocks listed in 2005 as subject to overfishing are listed 

in 2006 as not subject to overfishing – Atlantic sea scallop and Gulf of Mexico vermilion snapper. 

Status in 2005

Status in 2006 Overfishing Not 

Overfishing Unknown/Undefined 

Overfishing - 4a 2b

Not overfishing 2c - 4d

Unknown/Undefined 1e 1f - 

Status in 2005

Status in 2006 Overfished Not 

Overfished Unknown/Undefined 

Overfished - 4g 2h

Not overfished 1i - 3j

Unknown/Undefined 12k 13l - 

a. Winter skate, Gulf of Mexico gag, Eastern Pacific yellowfin tuna, and petrale sole. 

b. Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish and dusky shark. 

c. Atlantic sea scallop and Gulf of Mexico vermilion snapper. 

d. Southern Georges Bank/Middle Atlantic silver hake, cabezon-south, blackgill rockfish, and porbeagle shark. 

e. Large coastal shark complex. 

f. Blacktip shark–Atlantic. 

g. Monkfish–north, monkfish–south, South Atlantic pink shrimp, sandbar shark. 

h. Porbeagle shark and dusky shark. 

i. Gulf of Mexico Vermilion Snapper. 

j. South Atlantic gag, Pacific halibut, and Aleutian Islands walleye pollock. 

k. Large coastal shark complex and evaluation stocks: SA red snapper, SA red grouper, SA black grouper, SA speckled hind, SA warsaw grouper, SA red 

drum, SA Nassau grouper, SA goliath grouper and GM goliath grouper (now listed as a single SA/GM stock), GM Nassau grouper, and GM red drum.

l. Blacktip shark–Atlantic and evaluation stocks: SA gag, SA scamp, SA white grunt, SA gray triggerfish, SA wreckfish, SA mutton snapper, SA gray 

(mangrove) snapper, SA yellowedge grouper, SA lane snapper, SA/GM little tunny, GM gag, and GM stone crab. 

Historical Perspectives 

In 2005, NMFS completed 196 assessments. Determinations of overfishing status 

were made for 139 stocks or stock complexes while the status of 57 was 

unknown or undefined, or such determinations were not applicable. Of those that 

resulted in known determinations: 

o 18 (13 percent) were subject to overfishing, and 

o 121 (87 percent) were not subject to overfishing. 

Determinations of overfished status were made for 122 stocks or stock 

complexes while the status of 74 was unknown or undefined, or such 

determinations were not applicable. Of those that resulted in known 

determinations: 

o 28 (23 percent) were overfished, and 

o 94 (77 percent) were not overfished. 

 

6

 The 900+ fish stocks identified in management plans are now managed as 530 stocks and stock complexes, of which 230 are 

tracked with the Fish Stock Sustainability Index and other performance measures. 

11
In 2006, NMFS completed 108 assessments. Determinations of overfishing status 

were made for 102 stocks or stock complexes while the status of 6 was unknown 

or undefined, or such determinations are not applicable. Of those that resulted in 

known determinations: 

o 19 (19 percent) were subject to overfishing, and 

o 83 (81 percent) were not subject to overfishing. 

Determinations of overfished status were made for 86 stocks or stock complexes 

while the status of 22 was unknown or undefined, or such determinations are not 

applicable. Of those that resulted in known determinations: 

o 19 (22 percent) stocks or stock complexes were overfished, and 

o 67 (78 percent) were not overfished. 

NMFS then combined the numbers of stocks assessed in either 2005 or 2006, 

counting stocks that were assessed in both years only once and using the most 

recent determination. In the 2 years combined, NMFS reviewed 226 discrete 

stocks or stock complexes. Determinations of overfished status were made for 

169 stocks or stock complexes while the status of 57 was unknown or undefined, 

or such determinations are not applicable. Of those that resulted in known 

determinations: 

o 33 (20 percent) stocks or stock complexes subject to overfishing, and 

o 136 (80 percent) were not subject to overfishing. 

Determinations of overfished status were made for 112 stocks or stock 

complexes while the status of 114 was unknown or undefined, or such 

determinations are not applicable. 

Of those that resulted in known determinations: 

o 24 (21 percent) stocks or stock complexes were overfished, and 

o 88 (79 percent) were not overfished. 

Finally, NMFS reviewed the overfishing listings in 2001 and compared the status 

of those stocks listed as subject to overfishing in 2006. In 2001, 62 stocks 

(representing 42 stocks and stock complexes) were listed as subject to 

overfishing. 

Between 2001 and 2006.. Stocks removed since 2001 Stocks added since 2001 

..Twelve (12) stocks were removed from 

the list and are no longer subject to 

overfishing in 2006. 

Gulf of Maine (GOM) haddock 

American plaice 

Atlantic sea scallop 

spiny dogfish 

black sea bass 

golden tilefish 

red porgy 

yellowtail snapper 

vermillion snapper 

red drum 

blacktip shark 

swordfish 

..One (1) stock complex was removed 

as unknown based on a new 

assessment. 

Large coastal shark complex 

..Twelve (12) stocks or complexes have 

been added to the list by 2006, after 

being previously listed as not subject to 

overfishing. 

Georges Bank (GB) cod 

Cape Cod/GOM yellowtail flounder 

SNE/MA winter flounder 

GB yellowtail flounder 

GB winter flounder 

greater amberjack 

gray triggerfish 

Grouper Unit 1 

petrale sole 

12
Eastern Pacific yellowfin tuna 

Central Western Pacific yellowfin tuna7

finetooth shark

..Six (6) stocks or stock complexes have 

been added to the list by 2006, after 

being previously listed as unknown or 

undefined. 

winter skate 

Grouper Unit 4 

Parrotfishes 

Snapper Unit 1 

Pacific bigeye tuna8

dusky shark 

..One (1) stock complex was newly 

added to the report as subject to 

overfishing. 

Bottomfish multi-species complex – HI 

Archipelago9

In summary, since 2001 - 

13 stocks or complexes removed from the overfishing list. 

19 stocks or complexes added to the list. 

Similarly, NMFS reviewed the overfished listings in 2001 and compared the 

status of those stocks listed as overfished in 2006. In 2001, 80 stocks 

(representing 57 stocks and stock complexes) were listed as overfished. 

Between 2001 and 2006.. Stocks removed since 2001 Stocks added since 2001 

..Thirteen (13) stocks were removed 

from the list and are no longer 

overfished in 2006. 

redfish 

silver hake – So. Georges Bank/Mid-Atl. 

golden tilefish (MA) 

black sea bass (MAFMC) 

gag 

Red grouper (SAFMC) 

golden tilefish (SA) 

yellowtail snapper 

king mackerel – Gulf group 

lingcod 

widow rockfish 

Bering Sea Tanner crab 

swordfish

..Fourteen (14) stock complex was 

removed as unknown based on a new 

assessment. 

Red grouper (GMFMC)*

Spiny dogfish** 

Red snapper (SAFMC)***

Speckled hind (SAFMC) ***

Warsaw grouper (SAFMC) ***

Black grouper (SAFMC) ***

Goliath grouper (SAFMC/ GMFMC) ***

Nassau grouper (SAFMC) ***

Red drum (SAFMC) ***

Vermilion snapper (SAFMC) ***

Nassau grouper (GMFMC) ***

Red drum (GMFMC) ***

large coastal shark complex 

blacktip shark

..Fourteen (14) stocks or complexes 

have been added to the list by 2006, 

after being previously listed as not 

subject to overfishing. 

Gulf of ME cod 

GB cod 

Gulf of ME haddock 

GB haddock 

American plaice 

CC/GOM YTF 

GB YTF 

SNE/MA windowpane flounder 

SNE/MA winter flounder 

Monkfish – North 

Butterfish 

Pink shrimp 

Yelloweye rockfish 

Pribilof Islands blue king crab

..Three (3) stocks or stock complexes Thorny skate 

 

7

 The two yellowfin tuna stocks were undefined in 2001 and was not overfishing in 2003, the first year a determination could be 

made. 

8

 This stock was undefined in 2001 and was listed as subject to overfishing in 2003, the first year in which a determination was

made. 

9

 This complex was added as a result of a new FMP. 

13
have been added to the list by 2006, 

after being previously listed as unknown 

or undefined. 

Grouper Unit 4 ( ellowfin grouper) Y

Porbeagle shark

* Stocks are now rebuilding. 

** Removed because there is no approved rebuilding target. 

*** Stocks removed as part of re-evaluation of SDC (See Appendix 1). 

In summary, since 2001 - 

27 stocks or complexes removed from the overfished list. 

17 stocks or complexes added to the list. 

Changes in Biomass Levels 

The Fish Stocks Sustainability Index (FSSI) is a performance measure for the 

sustainability of 230 U.S. fish stocks selected for their importance to commercial 

and recreational fisheries. The FSSI establishes a threshold of 80 percent of the 

biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield as an indicator of 

sustainability for non-rebuilding stocks. Stocks with biomass above that level are 

considered to be within the range of natural fluctuation around the BMSY level, 

which is defined as a long-term average. The following stocks have biomass 

levels determined, in 2006, to have increased above the 80 percent criterion. 

• In the Northeast Region – 

 The biomass of: 

o Bluefish (except Gulf of Mexico) is at 95 percent of maximum sustainable 

yield. 

• In the Southeast Region – 

 The biomass of: 

o Gulf of Mexico Vermilion Snapper is at 152 percent of maximum 

sustainable yield. 

o South Atlantic Tilefish is now at 95 percent of maximum sustainable yield. 

o South Atlantic Gag is at 117 percent of maximum sustainable yield. 

• In the Southwest Region – 

o The biomass of Yellowfin Tuna–Eastern Pacific is now at 99 percent of 

maximum sustainable yield. 

There are no changes for the other regions. 

14
Table 2. Description of FSSI and non-FSSI Stocks by Council, 2006.

Overfishing Overfished 

Jurisdiction* 

Stock Group 

Number of 

Stocks 

Yes No Not 

Known 

Not 

Defined 

N/A Yes No Not 

Known 

Not 

Defined 

N/A 

Approaching 

Overfished 

Condition 

NEFMC FSSI 34 9 21 2 2 0 14 19 1 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 

Total 35 9 22 2 2 0 15 19 1 0 0 0 

MAFMC FSSI 11 2 9 0 0 0 2 8 1 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Total 11 2 9 0 0 0 2 8 1 0 0 0 

NEFMC/ 

MAFMC FSSI 3 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 

NonFSSI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Total 3 2 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 

SAFMC FSSI 21 10 10 1 0 0 4 6 11 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 65 1 11 51 2 0 0 1 62 2 0 0 

Total 86 11 21 52 2 0 4 7 73 2 0 0 

GMFMC FSSI 17 5 8 4 0 0 2 5 0 10 0 0 

NonFSSI 37 0 5 30 2 0 0 0 1 36 0 0 

Total 54 5 13 34 2 0 2 5 1 46 0 0 

SAFMC/ 

GMFMC FSSI 10 0 9 1 0 0 0 7 3 0 0 0

NonFSSI 2 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0

Total 12 0 9 2 1 0 0 7 4 1 0 0

CFMC FSSI 8 4 1 3 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 1

NonFSSI 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 1

Total 22 5 1 16 0 0 4 0 16 0 0 2

PFMC FSSI 48 2 28 17 1 0 6 26 13 3 0 0

NonFSSI 119 0 15 51 0 53 0 13 52 0 53 1

Total 167 2 43 68 1 53 6 39 65 3 53 1 

WPFMC FSSI 16 2 4 10 0 0 1 6 9 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 20 0 3 15 2 0 0 1 17 2 0 0 

Total 36 2 7 25 2 0 1 7 26 2 0 0 

PFMC/ 

WPFMC FSSI 6 1 2 3 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 

Total 10 1 2 7 0 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 

NPFMC FSSI 35 0 32 3 0 0 2 27 0 6 0 0 

NonFSSI 34 0 25 8 1 0 0 6 0 28 0 0 

Total 69 0 57 11 1 0 2 33 0 34 0 0 

PFMC/ 

NPFMC FSSI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 

Total 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 

HMS FSSI 21 9 8 4 0 0 9 7 4 0 0 1 

NonFSSI 3 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 

Total 24 9 8 7 0 0 9 7 7 0 0 1 

TOTAL FSSI 230 46 133 48 3 0 46 114 48 20 0 2 

NonFSSI 300 2 61 176 8 53 1 22 153 69 53 2 

Total 530 48 194 224 11 53 47 136 201 89 53 4 

* NEFMC = New England Fishery Management Council; MAFMC = Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; SAFMC = South Atlantic Fishery 

Management Council; GMFMC = Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; CFMC = Caribbean Fishery Management Council; PFMC = 

Pacific Fishery Management Council; WPFMC = Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; NPFMC = North Pacific Fishery Management 

Council; HMS = Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. 

15
Management Actions to Address Overfishing and 

Overfished Determinations 

In 2006, several stocks were added to the list of stocks subject to overfishing 

and stocks overfished (see Table 1). NMFS, through its regional offices, is 

working closely with the relevant Councils to address these determinations and 

reverse downward trends. Below is a summary of new management actions 

planned or begun to address overfishing and overfished determinations. 

Northeast Region 

• NMFS notified the NEFMC on October 17, 2006, that winter skate was 

subject to overfishing. No action has been taken to date.

• Monkfish north and monkfish south are both managed under plans 

implemented due to a 1997 overfished determination. In 2001 the 

rebuilding northern stock came off the overfished list, and in 2003 the 

southern stock followed. In 2006, however, survey indices indicate that 

both stocks have both fallen below their overfished thresholds. NMFS is 

proposing interim rebuilding measures for the 2007 monkfish fishery, 

pending results of a new stock assessment that will be conducted in the 

summer of 2007.

Southeast Region

• NMFS notified the GMFMC on October 11, 2006, that gag and gray 

triggerfish were subject to overfishing. Amendment 30 to the Reef Fish 

FMP is currently under development. This amendment examines a range of 

alternatives to end overfishing for these stocks. The Council expects to 

submit the amendment for review during the summer of 2007. 

• Pink shrimp was listed as overfished on November 3, 2006. The SAFMC 

Shrimp Review Advisory Panel met in February 2007 to review the cause 

of the decline in status of the pink shrimp stock and recommend any 

appropriate Council action. Pink shrimp are an annual crop. The Panel 

concluded the apparent decline in pink shrimp abundance does not appear 

to be due to overfishing and recommended no management actions at this 

time. The Panel feels that the pink shrimp stocks in some areas along the 

Southeast coast are depleted due to factors other than fishing, such as 

environmental and climatic factors. 

Southwest Region 

• The PFMC was notified on October 25, 2006, that yellowfin tuna–Eastern 

Pacific was subject to overfishing. The U.S. harvest for yellowfin tuna in 

the Eastern Pacific is less than one-half percent of the stockwide catch.10

The PFMC has proposed to work with NMFS, the Department of State, and 

the U.S. delegations to Pacific tuna Regional Fishery Management 

Organizations to develop recommendations to end overfishing. To be 

consistent with the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC) 

resolution C-04-09 (June 2004), NMFS prohibited fishing for tuna with 

purse seine gear in the Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean for a 6-week period 

 

10 Pacific Fishery Management Council. 2006. Status of the U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species through 

2005: Stock Assessment and Fishery Evaluation. Portland, OR. 128 pp. 

16
(November 20 to December 31) in 2004, 2005, and 2006. For 2007, NMFS 

published a proposed rule to implement Resolution C-06-02 (June 2006). 

The comment period for this proposed rule closed March 28, 2007. At this 

time, NMFS is addressing comments to this proposed rule. The final rule 

will include a closure of the tuna purse seine fishery for a 6-week period in 

2007. 

Northwest Region 

• NMFS notified the PFMC on February 14, 2007 that petrale sole was 

subject to overfishing. The overfishing status determination is based on 

catch exceeding the 2005 acceptable biological catch level by 0.14 

percent. Preliminary information suggests that overfishing did not continue 

in 2006. Management measures such as reduced trip limits and improved 

data tracking have been implemented for 2007–2008. 

Highly Migratory Species 

• The HMS division published a notice in the Federal Register on November 

7, 2006 (71 FR 65086), indicating that porbeagle shark and sandbar shark

are overfished, and that dusky shark is overfished and subject to 

overfishing. NMFS is examining management alternatives for an 

amendment to the HMFS FMP to end overfishing and rebuild these 

overfished stocks. 

These management actions, as with all management actions, require time to 

implement, and still more time to show an impact in the fishery. Regardless, 

management actions can have a real and positive impact on a stock, even if it is not 

reflected in a change in its listed status. For instance, darkblotched rockfish, a slowgrowing stock from the Pacific Northwest, has been under a rebuilding plan since 

2002. As the catch (as proxy for fishing mortality) has decreased (see Figure 1), the 

biomass has increased significantly (See Figure 2). While this stock remains listed as 

overfished because stock size is still below the overfished threshold, important 

progress has been made. 

 

Figure 1. Changes in Darkblotched Rockfish total fishing mortality (in mt) Relative to 

Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC), 1997–2005. 

0

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1997 1999 2001 2003 2005

Year

Catch, in mt

Catch

ABC

17
Figure 2. Changes in darkblotched rockfish stock status, 1997–2005. Stock status for 

darkblotched rockfish is based on spawning output in terms of eggs. From: "Status of the 

Darkblotched Rockfish (Sebastes crameri) Resource in 2005" by Dr. Jean Beyer Rogers (SAFE, 2006). 

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Year

Effective Spawning Biomass (mt)

Overfished Threshold

18
Status Determinations by Region 

Northeast Region

Thirteen FMPs containing 49 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS and the 

New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils: Atlantic Sea 

Scallop; Northeast Multispecies; Northeast Skate; Atlantic Herring; Red Crab; 

Monkfish; Spiny Dogfish; Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass; Atlantic 

Bluefish; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and 

Butterfish; Tilefish; and Atlantic Salmon. Within these FMPs, 13 stocks are 

subject to overfishing, 19 stocks11 are overfished, and no stocks are approaching 

an overfished condition. See Table 3. 

Table 3. Northeast Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are 

approaching an overfished condition. 

Council FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching 

Atlantic salmon - Atlantic salmon - 

Northeast 

Multispecies 

cod - Gulf of Maine

cod - Georges Bank 

- 

- 

yellowtail flounder –

Georges Bank

yellowtail flounder - 

Southern New England 

(SNE)/Mid-Atlantic (MA)

yellowtail flounder - 

Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine

white hake 

-

winter flounder – 

SNE/MA

winter flounder – 

Georges Bank 

- 

-

cod - Gulf of Maine

cod - Georges Bank

haddock - Gulf of Maine

haddock - Georges Bank

American plaice

yellowtail flounder –

Georges Bank

yellowtail flounder - 

Southern New England 

SNE/MA

yellowtail flounder - 

Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine

white hake

windowpane flounder – 

SNE/MA

winter flounder – 

SNE/MA

- 

- 

ocean pout

Atlantic halibut

- 

NEFMC 

Northeast 

Skate 

- 

winter skate

thorny skate 

- - 

NEFMC/ 

MAFMC Monkfish monkfish - North 

monkfish – South 

monkfish - North 

monkfish – South - 

Summer 

Flounder, Scup 

and Black Sea 

Bass 

summer flounder 

scup 

- 

scup - 

MAFMC 

Atlantic 

Mackerel, 

Squid, and 

Butterfish 

butterfish - 

 

11 There is currently no definition in the Spiny Dogfish FMP to make a determination of biomass target. Based on the current 

NMFS-recommended biomass threshold, however, the biomass estimates indicate this stock is overfished. 

19
Southeast Region

Eighteen FMPs12 containing 175 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS and 

the South Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils: 

South Atlantic Golden Crab; South Atlantic Shrimp; South Atlantic Snapper 

Grouper; Atlantic Coast Red Drum; Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom 

Habitats of the South Atlantic Region; Pelagic Sargassum Habitat of the South 

Atlantic Region; Dolphin Wahoo; Coastal Migratory Pelagics of the Gulf of Mexico 

and South Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico/South Atlantic Spiny Lobster; Gulf of Mexico 

Stone Crab; Gulf of Mexico Shrimp; Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; 

Gulf of Mexico Red Drum; Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico; Reef Fish 

Fishery of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Spiny Lobster Fishery of 

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico 

and the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Corals and Reef Associated Invertebrates of 

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Within these FMPs, 21 stocks are subject 

to overfishing, 10 stocks are overfished, and 2 stocks are approaching an 

overfished condition. See Table 4.

Table 4. Southeast Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are 

approaching an overfished condition 

Council FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching 

South Atlantic Snapper 

Grouper 

vermilion snapper

red snapper

snowy grouper

red grouper

black sea bass

gag

speckled hind

warsaw grouper

tilefish

black grouper

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

snowy grouper

-

black sea bass

- 

-

-

- 

-

- 

-

red porgy

None 

South Atlantic Shrimp - pink shrimp None 

SAFMC 

Atlantic Coast Red Drum red drum - None 

Reef Fish Resources of the 

Gulf of Mexico 

red snapper

red grouper

greater amberjack

- 

- 

gag

gray triggerfish 

red snapper

- 

greater amberjack

-

-

- 

- 

None 

GMFMC 

Gulf of Mexico Red Drum - - None 

Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto 

Rico and the USVI 

Grouper Unit 1 

- 

Grouper Unit 4 

Snapper Unit 1 

Parrotfishes 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 2 

Grouper Unit 4 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

Snapper Unit 1 

Parrotfishes

CFMC 

Queen Conch Resources of 

Puerto Rico and the USVI queen conch queen conch - 

 

12 Last year’s report listed a Calico Scallop FMP as under development; however, no plans exist to implement an FMP in the EEZ 

for this species.

20
Southwest Region

Two FMPs containing 19 stocks or complexes13 are managed by NMFS and the 

Pacific Fishery Management Council: Coastal Pelagic Species and the new West 

Coast Highly Migratory Species. Within these FMPs, 2 stocks are subject to 

overfishing, no stocks are overfished, and no stocks are approaching an 

overfished condition. See Table 5. 

Table 5. Southwest Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are 

approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching

West Coast Highly Migratory 

Species 

yellowfin tuna - Eastern Pacific

bigeye tuna - Pacific*

- 

- None 

*

 This stock also appears in Table 7 as a stock subject to overfishing in the Pacific Islands Region’ s Pelagic Fisheries of the 

Western Pacific Region FMP. Each of the 10 stocks shared between these two FMPs is listed only once in the support tables as a 

single stock managed under both FMPs. The Southwest and the Pacific Islands Regions, along with the Pacific and Western 

Pacific Fishery Management Councils, are working together to end overfishing in this stock. 

 

13 Total includes 10 pelagic species shared with the Pacific Islands Region. 

21
Northwest Region

Two FMPs containing 158 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS and the 

Pacific Fishery Management Council: West Coast Salmon and Pacific Coast 

Groundfish. In addition, Pacific halibut is managed jointly with the Alaska Region 

and the International Pacific Halibut Commission. Within these FMPs, 1 stock is 

subject to overfishing, 6 stocks are overfished, and 1 stock is approaching an 

overfished condition. See Table 6. 

Table 6. Northwest Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are 

approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching

Pacific Coast Groundfish 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Petrale sole

bocaccio

canary rockfish

darkblotched rockfish

cowcod

yelloweye rockfish

Pacific ocean perch 

- 

None 

West Coast Salmon 

- - Klamath River fall 

(Klamath and Trinity 

Rivers) Chinook 

salmon 

22
Pacific Islands Region

Five FMPs containing 45 stocks or complexes14 are managed by NMFS and the 

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council: Pelagic Fisheries of the Western 

Pacific Region; Crustaceans Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region; Precious 

Coral Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region; Bottomfish and Seamount 

Groundfish Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region; and Coral Reef Ecosystems of 

the Western Pacific Region. Within these FMPs, 3 stock or stock complexes are 

subject to overfishing, 1 stock or stock complex is overfished, and no stock or 

stock complexes are approaching an overfished condition. See Table 7. 

Table 7. Pacific Islands Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or 

are approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching 

Pelagic Fisheries of the Western 

Pacific Region 

bigeye tuna - Pacific *

yellowfin tuna – central 

Western Pacific

- 

- None 

Bottomfish and Seamount 

Groundfish Fisheries of the 

Western Pacific Region 

- 

Bottom Multispecies complex 

– Hawaiian archipelago

Seamount Groundfish 

complex – Hancock 

Seamount**

- 

None 

* This stock also appears in Table 5 as a stock subject to overfishing in the Southwest Region’s West Coast Highly Migratory 

Species FMP. Each of the 10 stocks shared between these two FMPs is listed only once in the support tables as a single stock 

managed under both FMPs. The Southwest and the Pacific Islands Regions, along with the Pacific and Western Pacific Fishery 

Management Councils, are working together to end overfishing in this stock. 

** Pelagic armorhead is assessed as the indicator species of a 3-species groundfish complex that includes raftfish and alfonsin. 

 

14 Total includes 10 pelagic species shared with the Southwest region. 

23
Alaska Region

Five FMPs containing 69 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS and the 

North Pacific Fishery Management Council: GOA Groundfish; BSAI Groundfish; 

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab; Alaska Weathervane 

Scallops; and Alaska High Seas Salmon. In addition, Pacific halibut is managed 

jointly with the Northwest Region and the International Pacific Halibut 

Commission. Within these FMPs, no stocks or stock complexes are subject to 

overfishing, 2 stocks or stock complexes are overfished, and no stocks or stock 

complexes are approaching an overfished condition. See Table 8. 

Table 8. Alaska Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are 

approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching 

BSAI King and Tanner 

Crab 

- 

- 

blue king crab - Pribilof Islands

blue king crab – Saint Matthew Island

None 

24
Atlantic Highly Migratory Species

One FMP15 containing 23 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS. Within this 

FMP, 9 stocks or stock complexes are subject to overfishing, 9 stocks or stock 

complexes are overfished, and one stock is approaching an overfished condition. 

See Table 9. 

Table 9. Atlantic Highly Migratory stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, 

or are approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching 

Atlantic Highly Migratory 

Species 

blue marlin - Atlantic

white marlin - Atlantic

sailfish - West Atlantic

bigeye tuna - Atlantic

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna - West Atlantic

- 

finetooth shark

dusky shark 

sandbar shark*

blue marlin - Atlantic

white marlin - Atlantic

sailfish - West Atlantic

bigeye tuna - Atlantic

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna - West Atlantic

porbeagle shark 

- 

dusky shark 

sandbar shark*

yellowfin tuna - Atlantic 

* This stock is part of the Large Coastal Shark complex, but is assessed separately.

 

15 A final rule, implemented on October 2, 2006 (67 FR 58057), amended the Atlantic Billfish FMP and the Atlantic Tunas, 

Swordfish, and Sharks FMP by consolidating them into a single Highly Migratory Species FMP. 

25
Table 11. Comparing stocks or stock complexes with “subject to overfishing” 

determinations in 2005 and 2006. Stocks in BOLD were added to the list in 2006. Stocks 

in ITALICS under “2005” were removed from the list in 2006. 

COUNCIL 2005 2006 COUNCIL 2005 2006 

NEFMC cod - Gulf of Maine 

cod - Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder - 

SNE/ Mid-Atlantic 

yellowtail flounder - 

Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine 

white hake 

winter flounder - SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

ATLANTIC SEA SCALLOP

yellowtail flounder – 

Georges Bank 

winter flounder – 

Georges Bank 

cod - Gulf of Maine 

cod - Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder - SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

yellowtail flounder - Cape 

Cod/Gulf of Maine 

white hake 

winter flounder - SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

yellowtail flounder – 

Georges Bank 

winter flounder – Georges 

Bank 

WINTER SKATE

CFMC Queen conch 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 4 

parrotfishes 

Snapper Unit 1 

Queen conch 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 4 

parrotfishes 

Snapper Unit 1 

NEFMC/MAFMC monkfish - North 

monkfish – South 

monkfish - North 

monkfish – South 

PFMC None YELLOWFIN TUNA –

EASTERN PACIFIC

PETRALE SOLE

MAFMC scup 

summer flounder

scup 

summer flounder 

WPFMC bottomfish multi-species 

complex – Hawaiian 

archipelago 

yellowfin tuna – Central 

Western Pacific 

bottomfish multi-species 

complex – Hawaiian 

archipelago 

yellowfin tuna – Central 

Western Pacific 

SAFMC vermilion snapper 

red snapper 

snowy grouper 

tilefish 

red grouper 

black sea bass 

gag 

speckled hind 

warsaw grouper 

black grouper 

red drum 

vermilion snapper 

red snapper 

snowy grouper 

tilefish 

red grouper 

black sea bass 

gag 

speckled hind 

warsaw grouper 

black grouper 

red drum 

PFMC/ 

WPFMC 

bigeye tuna – Pacific bigeye tuna – Pacific 

SAFMC/GMFMC None None NPFMC None None 

GMFMC red snapper 

red grouper 

VERMILION SNAPPER

greater amberjack

red snapper 

red grouper 

greater amberjack 

GRAY TRIGGERFISH

GAG

HMS blue marlin - Atlantic 

white marlin - Atlantic 

sailfish - West Atlantic 

bigeye tuna - Atlantic

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna - West 

Atlantic 

sandbar shark 

finetooth shark 

LARGE COASTAL SHARK 

COMPLEX* 

blue marlin - Atlantic 

white marlin - Atlantic 

sailfish - West Atlantic 

bigeye tuna - Atlantic

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna - West 

Atlantic 

sandbar shark 

finetooth shark 

DUSKY SHARK

NEFMC = New England Fishery Management Council; MAFMC = Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; SAFMC = South Atlantic Fishery

Management Council; GMFMC = Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; CFMC = Caribbean Fishery Management Council; PFMC = Pacific 

Fishery Management Council; WPFMC = Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; NPFMC = North Pacific Fishery Management Council; HMS = 

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species.

* Based on the results of the 2006 stock assessment, this stock complex status is unknown. 

26
Table 12. Comparing stocks or stock complexes with “overfished” determinations in 2005 

and 2006. Stocks in BOLD were added to the list in 2005. Stocks in ITALICS under “2005” 

were removed from the list in 2006. 

Council 2005 2006 Council 2005 2006 

NEFMC cod - Gulf of Maine 

cod - Georges Bank 

haddock - Gulf of Maine 

haddock - Georges Bank 

American plaice 

yellowtail flounder – SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

yellowtail flounder - Cape 

Cod/Gulf of Maine 

yellowtail flounder – 

Georges Bank 

white hake 

windowpane Flounder – 

SNE/ Mid-Atlantic 

winter Flounder – SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

ocean pout 

Atlantic halibut 

thorny skate 

Atlantic salmon 

cod - Gulf of Maine 

cod - Georges Bank 

haddock - Gulf of Maine 

haddock - Georges Bank 

American plaice 

yellowtail flounder – SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

yellowtail flounder - Cape 

Cod/Gulf of Maine 

yellowtail flounder – 

Georges Bank 

white hake 

windowpane Flounder – 

SNE/ Mid-Atlantic 

winter Flounder – SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

ocean pout 

Atlantic halibut 

thorny skate 

Atlantic salmon 

CFMC queen conch 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 2 

Grouper Unit 4 

queen conch 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 2 

Grouper Unit 4 

NEFMC/ 

MAFMC 

None MONKFISH – NORTH

MONKFISH – SOUTH

PFMC bocaccio 

canary rockfish 

darkblotched rockfish 

cowcod 

yelloweye rockfish 

Pacific ocean perch 

bocaccio 

canary rockfish 

darkblotched rockfish 

cowcod 

yelloweye rockfish 

Pacific ocean perch 

MAFMC butterfish 

scup 

butterfish 

scup 

WPFMC Seamount Groundfish 

complex - Hancock 

Seamounts 

Seamount Groundfish 

complex - Hancock 

Seamounts 

SAFMC RED SNAPPER* 

snowy grouper 

RED GROUPER* 

black sea bass 

SPECKLED HIND* 

WARSAW GROUPER* 

BLACK GROUPER* 

red porgy 

GOLIATH GROUPER* 

NASSAU GROUPER* 

RED DRUM* 

snowy grouper 

black sea bass 

red porgy 

PINK SHRIMP**

PFMC/ 

WPFMC 

None None 

SAFMC/ 

GMFMC 

None None NPFMC blue king crab - Pribilof 

Islands 

blue king crab - Saint 

Matthew Island 

blue king crab - Pribilof 

Islands 

blue king crab - Saint 

Matthew Island 

GMFMC red snapper 

greater amberjack 

VERMILION SNAPPER

NASSAU GROUPER* 

GOLIATH GROUPER*

RED DRUM*

red snapper 

greater amberjack 

HMS blue marlin (Atlantic) 

white marlin (Atlantic) 

sailfish (West Atlantic) 

bigeye tuna (Atlantic)

albacore (North Atlantic)

bluefin tuna (West Atlantic) 

LARGE COASTAL SHARK 

COMPLEX*** 

blue marlin (Atlantic) 

white marlin (Atlantic) 

sailfish (West Atlantic) 

bigeye tuna (Atlantic)

albacore (North Atlantic)

bluefin tuna (West Atlantic) 

SANDBAR SHARK

PORBEAGLE SHARK

DUSKY SHARK

NEFMC = New England Fishery Management Council; MAFMC = Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; SAFMC = South Atlantic Fishery

Management Council; GMFMC = Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; CFMC = Caribbean Fishery Management Council; PFMC = Pacific 

Fishery Management Council; WPFMC = Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; NPFMC = North Pacific Fishery Management Council; HMS = 

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species 

* The SDC used to determine overfished status is not appropriate. Consequently, this stock status is unknown. 

** Pink shrimp are an annual crop. A panel concluded the apparent decline in pink shrimp abundance appears to be due to environmental factors, 

rather than overfishing. 

*** Based on the results of the 2006 stock assessment, this stock complex status is unknown. 

27
28