King and Spanish Mackerel Port Meetings Continue in Florida and South Carolina

A series of port meetings continues in late September and October, providing a unique opportunity for fishermen and others interested in the King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel fisheries to share their perspectives and vision for the future. The port meetings are being hosted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and state partners along the Atlantic coast in 2024. Meetings were held in North Carolina in April, New England in May, New York in June, and Georgia in July.

“These port meetings are more than public comment opportunities,” explained Council Chair Dr. Carolyn Belcher. “They are designed to gain a better understanding of the impacts of things like climate change and shift in fisheries on communities, consider interjurisdictional management, and discuss ways to maintain long-term sustainability of stocks for these important fisheries.”

Attendees at the port meetings will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members. The informal meetings allow stakeholders to share their insights and help determine the future of these fisheries. A complete list of the Council’s goals and objectives for the meetings is available from the Council’s website.