The South Atlantic Bite

Posted 18 hours ago

Newsworthy Notes – July 29th, 2025

The Council will hold two public hearings in August, one virtually and the other in person to gather public input on measures proposed to allow the rock shrimp industry access to historic fishing grounds along the eastern edge of the Oculina Bank Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC). The Oculina Bank HAPC is located off the east coast of Florida and encompasses areas where deepwater coral, Oculina varicosa and associated habitats are found. Within the Coral HAPCs, the use of fishing gear (bottom longline, bottom and mid-water trawl, dredge, pot, and trap), anchoring by fishing vessels, and possession of deepwater coral is prohibited.

Background

In 2013, the Oculina Bank HAPC was expanded through Amendment 8 to the Coral Fishery Management Plan (FMP). During the development of the amendment, the Council received information from the rock shrimp industry that a discrete area along the eastern edge of the northern extension was an important fishing ground for rock shrimp. Coral Amendment 8 was almost completed when this information came forward, so the Council decided to complete the amendment and adjust the boundary in the future. The Council took action through Amendment 10 to establish the Shrimp Fishery Access Area that had been mistakenly included when the HAPC was expanded in 2013. Coral Amendment 10 was disapproved by the Secretary of Commerce because it: 1) did not include adequate analysis to guarantee the action would minimize adverse effects on the Oculina coral and habitat, and 2) adequately demonstrate how bycatch would be minimized.

In December 2023, the Council reinitiated action to establish the same Shrimp Fishery Access Area proposed in Coral Amendment 10 and address the reasons for its disapproval. Thus the development of a joint amendment modifying both the Coral Fishery Management Plan and the Shrimp Fishery Management Plan began.

Public Hearings

Amendment 11 to the Coral FMP and Amendment 12 to the Shrimp FMP

Tuesday, August 5 | 6:00 p.m. | Via Webinar

Thursday, August 7 | 6:00 p.m. | Willie Galimore Community Center, 399 Riberia Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

Additional information, including webinar registration, an online public comment form, a public hearing document with maps of the preferred alternative, and a video presentation are available on the Council’s website: https://safmc.net/events/august-2025-public-hearings-comprehensive-amendment-coral-11-shrimp-12/.

Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025. The Council will consider public comment on the joint amendment during its September 15-19, 2025 meeting in Charleston, SC.

Changes Under Consideration for the Commercial Snapper Grouper Fishery

In June 2024, the Council established the Snapper Grouper Commercial Sub-Committee to focus on revising policies to improve the commercial snapper grouper fishery. Based on recommendations from the Sub-Committee, the Council is currently hosting an online scoping of Snapper Grouper Amendment 60 for the South Atlantic Region.

Amendment 60 aims to revise policies and requirements for the federal Snapper Grouper Commercial Unlimited (SG1) permit and increase trip efficiency. Scoping is an early step in the development of an amendment, in which the Council solicits public input on what actions and alternatives should (or should not) be considered in an amendment.

A Public Scoping document outlining additional details, along with the public comment form is now available from the Council’s website. Comments are being accepted until August 8, 2025.

Council to Address Executive Order 14276 Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness

Joint advisory panel meeting scheduled, additional public input is being solicited by the SAFMC

On April 17, 2025 President Trump issued Executive order 14276: Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness. Among other things, the Executive Order requires the eight regional fishery management councils in the U.S. to identify actions that would stabilize markets, improve access, enhance economic profitability, and prevent closures.

As part of this process, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will gather input from their advisory panels to prioritize which management actions may achieve the goals stated in the Executive Order. The meeting of the advisory panel members will be held on August 11, 2025 via webinar beginning at 6 p.m. The meeting is open to the public. Details, including the meeting agenda and webinar registration is available from the Council’s website.

Public Comment

The Council is currently seeking public input on the Executive Order through August 15, 2025. An online comment form and background information is available from the Council’s Executive Order webpage. The web page includes a list of discussion questions to assist in generating comments on the topics of reducing burdens and increasing productivity, as well as innovative science and management.Take a few minutes to learn more and provide your suggestions!

The Council will consider input from its advisory panels and members of the public during its September meeting in Charleston, South Carolina.

Additional Snippets:

Commercial Closure for Blueline Tilefish in South Atlantic Federal Waters on July 23, 2025

The commercial harvest of Blueline Tilefish in federal waters of the South Atlantic closed at 12:01 a.m., local time on July 23, 2025. The current commercial catch limit is 117,148 pounds whole weight. NOAA Fisheries predicted the catch limit was reached on July 23, 2025. Details are available in the NOAA Fisheries Fishery Bulletin.

What Your Birth Month Says About Your Next Seafood Recipe

Celebrate National Culinary Arts Month by finding a new sustainable seafood recipe based on your birth month

July is Culinary Arts Month, and NOAA Fisheries is serving up something to celebrate: seafood recipes matched to the trait of your birth month! From January trailblazers, to July optimists, to December free spirits, these sustainable seafood flavors will match your personality – and inspire you any month of the year. See this feature article from NOAA Fisheries to treat your tastebuds, support local fisheries and aquaculture farms, and enjoy seafood for your birthday (or whatever your’re celebrating)!

Mark Your Calendar

Keep track of meetings scheduled by the Council from the Meetings page of the website and register for meeting webinars as information becomes available. Register early and receive email reminders as the meeting date(s) approach!