Council Begins Lines of Communication Initiative with Georgia Meetings in November

Posted October 7, 2025

Meetings aim to build relationships with fisheries stakeholders and offer an avenue for mutual sharing of information

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. The initiative, Lines of Communication: Conversations with the Council, or “Lines” for short, involves in-person meetings in fishing communities that allow attendees to actively discuss their concerns and perspectives with Council members in an informal setting.

Lines meetings will be held in person throughout the South Atlantic, beginning with a series of meetings scheduled for early November along coastal Georgia. “These meetings are not public hearings,” explained Trish Murphey, Council Chair. “The Lines of Communication meetings will be hosted by area Council representatives with the goal to have an open dialogue and mutual learning from local constituents.” The meetings will be facilitated, and both Council members and staff will be available throughout the evening.

Lines of Communication is an ongoing initiative, with two series of meetings held in two states within the Council’s jurisdiction annually. Following the Georgia meetings, the next series of meetings is planned for North Carolina in early February 2026. “Unlike formal public comment sessions, these meetings are designed to allow an exchange of information,” said Murphey. “We encourage participants to bring their concerns and observations and in turn, learn more about the federal fisheries management process, current issues, and build relationships with local Council members.“

Learn more about Lines of Communication: Conversations with the Council, including details on what to expect during the meetings and expected outcomes, by visiting the Council’s website: https://safmc.net/lines-of-communication-meetings/.

Upcoming Lines of Communication Meetings

Note: Meetings will be held from 6 – 8 p.m.

Interested in participating? Registration is not required, but an RSVP will be much appreciated. Questions? Contact Christina Wiegand, Council Staff, at christina.wiegand@safmc.net.