November 28, 2017 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
Agenda Highlights
- Snapper Grouper Committee
The Committee will address measures to reduce the annual catch limit for red grouper to end overfishing. Members will continue to work on long-term management measures for red snapper, improving recreational data, and the use of powerhead gear through actions currently in draft Amendment 46. The Committee will also discuss a proposed moratorium on federal For-Hire/Charter permits in the snapper grouper fishery.
- Citizen Science Committee
Program partner Rick Bonney (Cornell University, Lab of Ornithology) will provide an update on an upcoming pilot project addressing scampgrouper discards and other items of interest. Development of the program continues as the committee receives Action Team progress reports.
- Data Collection Committee
The committee will receive an update on the status of an amendment approved by the Council in December 2016 to require federally permitted for-hire (6-pack) vessels to provide electronic reports. An update on outreach efforts for the proposed reporting requirement will also be provided.
Workshop: Recreational Reporting
Join Council members Tuesday, December 5th from 8:30 a.m. until 12:00 noon as they receive an update on the 2017 results of the red snapper recreational reporting pilot program MyFishCount.com and receive presentations relative to recreational reporting of red snapper and other reef fish in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as big game tagging.
Additional Meeting Information
Can’t attend? Watch the meeting live via webinar at it occurs! Webinar registration is required for each day of the meeting. Registration information – along with meeting materials including committee agendas, overviews, presentations, and documents – is available from the December 2017 Council Meeting page.
Public Comment Session
Wednesday, December 6 – 4:30 PM
Formal public comment
The Council will be accept comments on meeting agenda items. The Council Chair, based on the number of individuals wishing to comment, will determine the amount of time provided to each commenter.
Learn more about the SAFMC at their site here.