July 20, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
Please mark your calendar now to take advantage of a series of webinars scheduled by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council in August. The Council will solicit public input on management measures affecting red snapper and Atlantic cobia in federal waters.
Red Snapper – Q&A and Public Hearings via Webinar
Amendment 43 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan
This amendment would modify the current annual catch limit for red snapper in the South Atlantic. The Council proposes the modification in order to allow options for a limited harvest of red snapper in federal waters in 2018.
Webinar Schedule:
- August 3rd – Informal Question & Answer Session at 6:00 PM
- August 8th – Public Hearing at 6:00 PM
- August 10th – Public Hearings at 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM
Atlantic Cobia – Public Scoping via Webinar
Amendment 31 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan
- August 15th – Public Scoping via Webinar at 6:00 PM*
- *A second presentation and comment opportunity will be repeated at 7:00 PM or later, depending on the end time of the first comment session.
The Council is soliciting public input on options for the management of Atlantic cobia (GA to NY). The recreational fishery for Atlantic cobia was closed in federal waters earlier this year after NOAA Fisheries determined the annual catch limit would be met. Options currently in the amendment include continuing efforts to develop a complementary plan with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) or the complete transfer of Atlantic cobia management to the ASMFC. The Council is considering options to allow additional flexibility for managing the fishery.
Note that webinar registration is required. Written comments will also be accepted. Additional information, including webinar registration, online public comment forms, comment deadlines, and public hearing and scoping documents are being posted on the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearing-and-scoping-meeting-schedule/ as they become available.