South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
Interested in federal fisheries management and want to become more involved? Apply now for open seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels or to serve as a fishing representative on the System Management Plan (SMP) Workgroup.
Fishermen and others interested in following and participating in the federal fishery management process mark your calendars now! During April and May, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold meetings of its advisory panels, Scientific and Statistical Committee, Socio-Economic Panel, and a webinar focusing on scientific studies.
With the approval of two amendments to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan, a public hearing on measures proposed for the Wreckfish fishery, and discussion of topics ranging from beach renourishment policies to mackerel port meetings, last week’s Council meeting in Jekyll Island, Georgia was a busy one!
Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet next week in Jekyll Island, Georgia to discuss federal fishery management issues. The meeting begins on Monday, March 6th and continues through Friday, March 10th at the Westin Jekyll Island.
The Council’s Seminar Series continues next Tuesday, February 14th with a presentation from The Nature Conservancy on anglers’ release practices and attitudes towards the use of descending devices.
The Council held a series of in-person public hearings from Morehead City, NC to Key Largo, FL in the past two weeks to gather public input and help answer concerns and questions as the Council continues to solicit public comment for two actions proposed in Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 35.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold public hearings and scoping meetings in January and early February to solicit input on proposed measures for species in the snapper grouper management complex.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking a Best Fishing Practices (BFP) Outreach Specialist that will support the Council’s Best Fishing Practices Outreach Initiative and the Outreach and Communication Program.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting in North Carolina covered a broad range of topics as the Council addressed federal fishery management issues. The Council held meetings of its Snapper Grouper Committee, Mackerel Cobia Committee, Outreach and Communications Committee, and meetings of the Full Council throughout the week. A public comment session was also held on Wednesday.
The Council is seeking a contractor to study and document interests, motivations, and concerns of fishermen who might participate in the SAFMC’s growing Citizen Science Program. The Council’s Citizen Science Program involves fishermen, scientists, and managers in the design and support of projects that address research needs identified by the Council. For many fisheries in the South Atlantic, there are long-standing data needs and limited resources for data collection.
