The South Atlantic Bite

The Council is seeking proposals for Phase III of its Communities Project, which focuses on modeling how ecosystem changes affect fisheries and dependent communities. Building on earlier phases that will identify community vulnerabilities and improved outreach, this phase will use the Ecopath with Ecosim and Ecospace (EwE) modeling framework to evaluate ecosystem scenarios and develop indicators linking ecological change to fishery and community outcomes. Results will help inform management decisions, including evaluating risks and tradeoffs. The project is expected to run from June 2026 to September 2027, and proposals are due May 22^nd, 2026.

The SAFMC Seminar Series continues with a presentation on “Florida’s Acropora and the 4th Global Coral Bleaching Event,” featuring Derek Manzello of NOAA Coral Reef Watch. This seminar will explore how increasing marine heatwaves are driving more frequent and severe coral bleaching, including the record-setting 2023 event on Florida’s coral reefs. The talk will highlight impacts on vulnerable species like elkhorn and staghorn corals and discuss broader ecological consequences. Join to learn more about how climate-driven changes are affecting shallow coral reef ecosystems in the South Atlantic.

The Sea Grant South Atlantic Release Rodeo is Back!

The Sea Grant South Atlantic Release Rodeo is returning in 2026 and will kick off on May 1. During this challenge, South Atlantic fishermen can earn entries into Sea Grant giveaways by submitting information about released shallow water grouper and Red Snapper through the citizen science project, SAFMC Release. Learn how to get started on the Sea Grant webpage linked above and reach out to Ryan McMullen (ryan.mcmullen@safmc.net) with any questions.