Lines of Communication Initiative Heads to North Carolina This February
Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council continue their Lines of Communication: Conversations with the Council initiative with a series of meetings planned along the coast of North Carolina in early February 2026. The meetings provide fishermen and other stakeholders with an opportunity to share concerns and perspectives directly with Council members in an informal, conversational setting.
Lines of Communication meetings are not public hearings. They are designed to open a two-way dialogue and facilitate mutual learning between local stakeholders and Council representatives. During each session, attendees can talk about issues important to their fishery, ask questions, and learn more about the fisheries management process. Council members and staff will be available throughout the evening to engage with participants.
“Lines of Communication meetings provide a chance for local fishermen and other constituents to bring forward what they are experiencing on the water and for Council members to share information on current management efforts and initiatives,” said Trish Murphey, Council Chair. “These conversations help strengthen relationships and increase understanding of how management decisions are made.”
The North Carolina Lines of Communication meetings will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. at the following locations:
Wilmington | February 2
Town Creek Community Center | 6420 Ocean Highway East, Winnabow, NC 28479
Morehead City | February 3
NC DMF Central District Office | 5285 Highway 70 West Morehead City, NC 28557
Hatteras | February 4
Hatteras Civic Center | 57688 NC- Hatteras Hwy, Hatteras, NC 27943
Manteo | February 5
Virginia S. Tillett Community Center | 950 Marshall C Collins Dr, Manteo, NC 27954
Participation in the meetings is open to anyone interested in federal fisheries management — no formal registration is required. However, RSVPs are encouraged to assist with planning.
Lines of Communication is an ongoing initiative that will continue across the South Atlantic, with meetings planned in South Carolina and Florida following the North Carolina sessions. For more information and updates, check out the webpage:
Questions? Contact Christina Wiegand, Council Staff, at christina.wiegand@safmc.net.