The South Atlantic Bite
Newsworthy Notes August 20th, 2026
Several Commercial Closures Begin August 24
NOAA Fisheries has announced three South Atlantic commercial closures beginning at 12:01 a.m. on August 24. Commercial harvest of red snapper, blueline tilefish, and the scamp and yellowmouth grouper complex will close for the remainder of the applicable fishing year. The closures are triggered when commercial landings reach or are projected to reach the respective annual catch limits. For more information on each closure, visit the fishery bulletins page here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/news-and-announcements/bulletins
Final Amendment 60 Public Hearing Coming Up
The final public hearing for Snapper Grouper Amendment 60: Commercial Management Measures will be held via webinar on Monday, August 31, at 6 p.m. This is the final opportunity to provide verbal input during the August hearing series prior to the Council meeting. Written comments to be included in the summary for the September Council meeting will be accepted through 5 p.m. on September 1, and the Council will take comment at its September meeting in Charleston, SC. Learn more about the proposed actions and the upcoming webinar here: https://safmc.net/events/august-2026-public-hearings-snapper-grouper-amendment-60/
NOAA Seeks Input on Potential Changes to Large Whale Take Reduction Plan
NOAA Fisheries has announced a 60-day public scoping period to gather input on potential modifications to the Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan (ALWTRP). The process will help inform future recommendations and environmental analysis related to commercial fixed-gear fisheries. NOAA is seeking information on existing and innovative commercial fishing gear and their impacts on North Atlantic right whales to inform potential changes to the plan. Comments must be received by October 16, 2026 and instructions for commenting can be found here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/17/2026-16756/notice-of-intent-to-prepare-an-environmental-analysis-assessing-potential-modifications-to-the#addresses
NOAA Proposes Changes to Atlantic HMS Gear Regulations
NOAA Fisheries is seeking public comment on a proposed rule that would revise fishing gear regulations for Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fisheries. Proposed changes include allowing power assistance for buoy gear, expanding the permits and species eligible for buoy gear, allowing the use of spearguns to retain and sell certain tunas under some commercial permits, and allowing small nets and other gear used to collect bait. Public comments are due October 13, 2026, with public webinars scheduled for August 31 and October 1 from 1–3 p.m. ET. Public webinars and more information are available here: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/proposed-rule-revise-fishing-gear-regulations-atlantic-highly-migratory-species-fisheries
Free First Aid & CPR Training for Commercial Fishermen
Commercial fishermen are invited to a free, hands-on First Aid and CPR/AED training on September 18, 2026, at the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant office in Brunswick, Georgia. The training is designed specifically for fishermen and covers practical skills including patient assessment, CPR/AED, traumatic injuries, heat illness, wound care, marine bites and stings, and more. Participants who complete the course will receive Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certification and a free first-aid kit customized for fishing vessels. The course meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements under 46 CFR 28.210. Space is limited and registration is required. Contact Sydnee Adams at sba26085@uga.edu or 770-906-2918 to register.
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!