News & Updates
Sign up for E-News and receive SAFMC news releases, announcements, and bi-monthly issues of the South Atlantic Bite newsletter. Relevant Fishery Bulletins from NOAA Fisheries are also forwarded from the Council office as a courtesy.
Reminder! Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel Meeting and Public Scoping for Management Strategy Evaluation
Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel will meet this week in Charleston, SC. Agenda items include a trends report from the Southeast Reef Fish Survey, discussions of management measures for Yellowtail Snapper, Scamp, and Yellowmouth Grouper, as well as the Wreckfish fishery.
Reminder! SAFMC Soliciting Applicants for Open Seats on Advisory Panels and Workgroup
Persons interested in becoming more involved in federal fisheries management may 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.
The South Atlantic Bite
Members of South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and Socio-Economic Panel (SEP) will come together in Charleston, South Carolina April 17-20, 2023 to discuss a broad range of topics relevant to federal fisheries. The members include biologists, stock assessment scientists, economists, social scientists, and natural resource specialists from academic institutions, and state and federal marine resource agencies.
SAFMC Recruitment Announcement
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking a meeting coordinator/office assistant that will support the Council’s travel and meeting commitments. The Council, headquartered in North Charleston, SC, is responsible for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the federal 200-mile limit of the Atlantic off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and east Florida to Key West.
The South Atlantic Bite
Federal fisheries management is complex. Effective management involves input from persons directly involved in the fisheries. Congress recognized this back in 1976 when it passed legislation establishing eight regional fishery management councils in the United States (the Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act) and required the councils to have advisory panels. These advisory panels include private recreational, charter/for-hire, commercial fishermen, researchers, and others directly involved in and knowledgeable about fisheries. AP members provide information and recommendations at the grassroots level to better inform the federal fishery management process.
Council Seeks Applicants for Federal Fishery Advisory Panels and Workgroup
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.
Mark Your Calendar – Upcoming Meetings for Federal Fisheries Issues
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.
The South Atlantic Bite
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!
Council Approves Management Measures for Red Snapper, Gag, and Black Grouper During March Meeting
Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved measures to reduce the annual catch limit for Red Snapper and help address release mortality for Red Snapper and other species managed as part of the snapper grouper complex. Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 35 would reduce the total Annual Catch Limit from 42,510 fish to 28,000 fish once implemented.
Reminder – SAFMC Meeting March 6-10 in Jekyll Island, GA
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.
