News & Updates
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Remembering Dewey Hemilright
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council mourns the loss of Council member Francis “Dewey” Hemilright, a longstanding commercial fisherman, passionate advocate for his industry, and dedicated steward of our region’s fisheries. Dewey passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, leaving behind a lasting legacy in fisheries management and an immeasurable impact on the people fortunate enough to know him.
September Council Meeting Advances Measures on Commercial Management and Headboat Limits
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council met September 14-18, 2026, in North Charleston, South Carolina. There were awards, new appointments, and discussions around fisheries management, largely in the Snapper Grouper Committee.
June Council Meeting Addresses Commercial Management, Headboats, Black Sea Bass, and Dolphin
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council met June 8-12, 2026, in St. Augustine, Florida. Read more about some of the notable topics that were covered throughout the week.
50 Years of Regional Fisheries Management
The nation’s eight Regional Fishery Management Councils commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Council system this week during the Council Coordinating Committee meeting in Homer, Alaska.
Council Considers Changes Affecting Commercial Fishermen, Headboats, and Spawning Areas
Much of the week was spent in the Snapper Grouper Committee, addressing topics such as commercial management measures, fishery management unit revision, and headboat vessel limits. The Council also discussed the SEDAR committee, including a name change to the program, and the scheduling of the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel meeting in fall of 2026 and subsequent assembly of the committee in March 2027.
(POSTPONED) 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.
Council Receives Updates on Red Snapper State Management Efforts; Approves Black Sea Bass and Blueline Tilefish Measures During December Meeting
Cold winds continued to blow across the Outer Banks as members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council met this past week in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
Council Begins Lines of Communication Initiative with Georgia Meetings in November
Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council have launched a new initiative to give fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to share their perspectives and help shape the future of federally managed species.
Council Addresses Broad Range of Federal Fishery Issues During September Meeting
Executive Orders, options for state management of red snapper, an increase in blueline tilefish catch limits, and measures for black sea bass were included in a week-long meeting.
Reminder! Council Meeting September 15 – 19, 2025
Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet next week, September 15-19, 2025, in North Charleston, South Carolina to address federal fishery management issues.
