Reminder – King and Spanish Mackerel Port Meetings Begin in April for NC

Posted March 26, 2024

Fishermen and others interested in the King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel fisheries will have a unique opportunity to share their perspectives and vision for the future of these fisheries as a series of port meetings kicks off in North Carolina in early April.

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council manages King and Spanish Mackerel as well as other economically important fisheries. Members of the Council’s Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel requested the Council hold a series of port meetings to gather more information and take a focused look at the fisheries given changing environmental conditions that alter fishery dynamics.

Port meetings are more than public comment opportunities. “These meetings are designed to gain a better understanding of the impacts of things like climate change and shifts in fisheries to fishing communities, discussing ways to maintain long-term sustainability of stocks, and considering inter-jurisdictional management and cooperation with other councils and commissions,” explained Council Chair Dr. Carolyn Belcher. “These are not public hearings and the format for these meetings will be different, allowing for an exchange of information.”

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 throughout 2024. Attendees will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members. The informal port 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.

The 2024 series of port meetings begins in April in North Carolina.

All meetings will be held from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Additional 2024 port meetings are being planned to continue to reach fishermen and other stakeholders in New England, New York, the Mid-Atlantic, and along the South Atlantic coast. Additional efforts will also be taken by the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.

Learn more about the King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel Port Meetings by visiting the Council’s website and sign up now if you wish to attend a meeting in North Carolina. Questions? Contact Christina Wiegand at Christina.Wiegand@safmc.net.