What It Means To Me
The SAFMC’s “What It Means to Me” video series highlights the stories of South Atlantic fishermen in an effort to improve relationships between fishermen and the Council while promoting involvement in the management process.
Project Goals
- Help bridge the trust gap between the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and fishermen.
- Encourage more fishermen to use best fishing practices such as descending devices.
- Encourage fishermen to get more involved in fisheries management by joining advisory panels, attending Council meetings, making public comments, becoming a SAFMC Release participant, and participating in the Best Fishing Practices Master Volunteer Program.
- Document the stories of those involved in South Atlantic fisheries in a positive light.
Episodes
Bonding in Blue Water with Captain Chip Berry
In this episode, we hear from Captain Chip Berry, a member of the SAFMC Dolphin Wahoo Advisory Panel, on his background in fishing, the personal bonds fostered through mutual experiences at sea, and why getting involved in the management process is so important.
Every Day is a New Adventure with Captain Mark Phelps
In this episode, we hear from Captain Mark Phelps, a SAFMC Outreach and Communications Advisory Panel member, on the similarities between guiding and teaching, his involvement in fishery management, and the benefits of constructively voicing your concerns and ideas.
Full Time Fisherman with Captain Chris Kimrey
In this episode, we hear from Captain Chris Kimrey, Vice Chair of the SAFMC Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel, on balancing life as a commercial and charter fisherman, the value of catch and release, and what he has learned from his involvement in fisheries management.
I’m Going Fishing! with Council Member, Tim Griner
In this episode, we hear from Tim Griner, a SAFMC Council Member from North Carolina, on what inspired him to become a Council Member, the benefits of being involved in the fishery management process, and how to do so.
Fishing for the Future with Council Member, Robert Spottswood Jr.
In this episode, we hear from Robert Spottswood Jr., a SAFMC Council Member from Florida, on his experiences as a Council Member so far, the importance of being involved in the management process, and how best fishing practices can help preserve our fishery for future generations. Plus, we get a special surprise visit from Robert’s daughter, Florence!
Education is Power with Haley Stephens
In this episode, we hear from Haley Stephens, a headboat owner and operator from Ponce Inlet, Florida. She serves as Vice Chair of both the Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel (AP) and the SEFHIER Improvement Ad Hoc, and is also a member of the Citizen Science AP and the MREP Steering Committee. Haley shares how she became involved in fisheries management, how it has empowered her, the effectiveness of best fishing practices, and why making a difference in her fishery matters—especially when it comes to access for her kids and future generations.