50 Years of Managing South Atlantic Fisheries
For five decades, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has played a vital role in the management of the region’s marine resources. Established in 1976 under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Council is entrusted with the long-term sustainability of fisheries from North Carolina through the Florida Keys.
SAFMC by the Numbers
The South Atlantic region is unique in many respects, some of which are highlighted below:
- Regional Demographics: The South Atlantic region leads the nation in marine recreational fishing trips, with over a third of all trips in the U.S.
- Conservation Efforts: The Council has led groundbreaking initiatives, including early measures to reduce gear conflicts and establishing the largest network of deepwater coral habitat areas of particular concern (HAPCs) in the world.
- Engagement and Transparency: The Council has long supported outreach and communication with its constituents and developed a unique Citizen Science Program to involve fishermen in data collection.
Feature Articles
As the Council commemorates its 50th anniversary, this page will be populated with a series of feature articles that highlight the people, programs, and pivotal management milestones that have defined the Council’s work.
- The Council’s Citizen Science Program
- SEDAR Stock Assessment Program
- Protecting Areas and Habitats
- Efforts to Reduce Discards and Release Mortality
- Collaboration to Manage Species Throughout Their Range
Gallery
Take a look back through five decades of fisheries management, community engagement, and on the water memories.
