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

A series of port meetings continues in July and August, 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, and New York in June.

“These are not public hearings,” explained Council Chair Dr. Carolyn Belcher. “These port meetings are more than public comment opportunities. 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.”

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.