January 16, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is currently seeking input on proposed commercial trip limit reductions for Spanish mackerel in the Atlantic Northern Zone (federal waters from the North Carolina/South Carolina line northward to the New York/Rhode Island/Connecticut line). The reductions are proposed to help extend the commercial season.
Public Hearings via webinar
(Coastal Migratory Pelagic Framework Amendment 9)
Wednesday, January 22 (register for webinar)
Thursday, January 23 (register for webinar)
Hearings begin at 6:00 p.m.
Additional details, including a public hearing summary document, video presentation, and online public comment form are available at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/. During the hearings Council staff will provide an overview of Framework Amendment 9, answer any questions, and accept formal comments.
Online Public Comment
In addition to the public hearings, members of the public may also provide comment via an online public comment form (available at the above link) until 5:00 p.m. on February 7, 2020.
The Council will review public comments during their March 2-6, 2020 meeting in Jekyll Island, Georgia and consider approval of Framework Amendment 9 for Secretarial Review.