August 15, 2015 — MOREHEAD CITY, N.C. — Few people showed up for a public hearing on a proposal that federal fisheries officials say could have a big impact on rebuilding declining stocks in the snapper-grouper fishery.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a series of public hearings this week and next on a proposal that would establish up to nine Special Management Zones from North Carolina to eastern Florida to protect valuable spawning sites.
While bottom fishing for the snapper grouper species would be prohibited, activities such as trolling for tuna, dolphin and billfish would still be allowed.
SAFMC Deputy Executive Director Gregg Waugh said the proposed SMZs are smaller, more targeted areas focused on spawning sites rather than the larger scale Marine Protected Areas that have met with opposition in the past.
The idea is to designate small, localized areas that are proven to be productive spawning locations for snapper-grouper species that have seen a decline in population.
It’s a more strategized effort to help rebuild populations by targeting spawning grounds.
“This is a way we can get a lot more bang for the investment and higher return on investment,” he said.
The proposed sites off of North Carolina range in size from one to five square miles.
This is the final round of public hearings before the council makes a decision at its September meeting on which sites to consider for final designation.
Read the full story at The Daily News