The South Atlantic Bite

This week, SouthEast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) hosted a review of the South Atlantic Red Snapper Research Program (SARSRP). SARSRP is evaluating the population of red snapper across the South Atlantic region to better inform stock assessments and management. The SEDAR 90 stock assessment is underway, which may include new findings from the South Atlantic Red Snapper Research Program and other recent studies to improve our understanding of the red snapper population. 

What’s Next: Based on the outcomes of the discussion, deliberations, and work sessions, the SARSRP team will incorporate the review’s feedback into the research program. Then, SEDAR assessment panel will make a decision on whether to use the program’s data in the SEDAR 90 stock assessment. Follow along here: SARSRP Homepage 

Members of the Council will meet virtually on January 23^rd, from 10am-12pm to consider the approval of Coral Amendment 11/ Shrimp Amendment 12. This amendment aims to establish a Shrimp Fishery Access Area (SFAA) along the eastern boundary of the northern extension of the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC). The meeting will begin with a presentation from Council staff before members of the public submit their verbal public comment. Following the public comment session, Council members will vote on whether to submit the amendment to the National Marine Fisheries Service for formal review. The public will have more opportunities to comment on the amendment during the federal rulemaking process.  

 Meeting details and webinar registration can be found here: January 2026 Council Meeting 

The Council has launched a new initiative designed to strengthen relationships with fisheries stakeholders and encourage open, two-way communication. Called Lines of Communication: Conversations with the Council (or “Lines”), the initiative features in-person meetings held in fishing communities where stakeholders can share concerns and perspectives directly with Council members in an informal setting. 

Unlike public hearings, Lines meetings are hosted by local Council representatives and focus on open dialogue and mutual learning. Meetings will be held throughout the South Atlantic, continuing with a series scheduled for the first week of February 2026 along the coast of North Carolina. 

Learn more and RSVP for a meeting near you: Lines Homepage 

The Council’s Law Enforcement Advisory Panel will convene on January 20th from 1-5pm and January 21st from 9am-4pm in Charleston, SC. The panel intends to discuss commercial management measures being considered for the Snapper Grouper fishery (removal of the 2 for 1 policy for limited access permits, trip limit efficiency, modification to regulations for transiting with certain gear on board), revision of the Snapper Grouper fishery management unit (FMU), and vessel limits for headboats; among other items. Register for the webinar and read more here: LEAP Meeting Webpage 

The Council’s Habitat and Ecosystem Advisory Panel will convene on January 28^th from 12-4pm and January 21^st from 10am-2pm via webinar. The panel will review and discuss various updates including resilient fisheries projects, spawning special management zones, the annual SAFMC habitat report, space industry activity, and others. Register for the webinar and read more here: HEAP Meeting Webpage 

The Council is seeking a Citizen Science Project Assistant to support its Citizen Science Program and contribute to the advancement of citizen science in the South Atlantic. This position is a part-time, time-limited contract and will work closely with the Citizen Science Program Manager and the Citizen Science Project Coordinator. The primary focus of the role is supporting the SAFMC Release project, which engages commercial, recreational, and for-hire fishermen in collecting data on released fish. Participants use the SciFish mobile app to record information that helps improve understanding of release outcomes and supports science-based fisheries management. The application deadline is January 29, 2026. Learn more and apply for the position here: Citizen Science Project Assistant Recruitment Announcement 

The South Carolina Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program invites applications for hands-on training in commercial fishing and mariculture. Based in McClellanville, this one-month, paid apprenticeship (May 4–29, 2026) combines classroom instruction and at-sea experience to prepare participants for careers in fishing, shellfish farming, and seafood business operations. Apply by February 13, 2026, here: SC Commercial Seafood Apprenticeship Program