August 22, 2019 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold its next meeting September 16-20, 2019 at the Town and Country Inn, 2008 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407. The meeting week begins with a series of committee meetings and concludes with a meeting of the Full Council on Friday.
A formal public comment session will be held on Wednesday, September 18th beginning at 4:00 PM. An online comment form will be available for written comments, and the meeting will be available via webinar as it occurs.
Agenda Highlights:
- Red Snapper – The Council is considering alternatives to modify the start dates, days of the week, and minimum number of fishing days required for opening the red snapper seasons. Public hearing comments received in August will be reviewed as the Snapper Grouper Committee continues discussion of Regulatory Amendment 33.
- Best Fishing Practices and Use of Powerhead Gear – The Council is scheduled to approve Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 29 addressing best fishing practices including requirements for descending devices and modifications to current hook regulations. The amendment would also modify restrictions on powerhead gear.
- Dolphin Wahoo – The Dolphin Wahoo Committee will continue to discuss management actions and alternatives for both dolphin and wahoo to include in draft Amendment 10 to the Dolphin Wahoo Fishery Management Plan.
Additional Information:
Additional meeting information will be available from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/council-meetings/ as it becomes available. Briefing book materials, including the meeting agenda, committee agendas/overviews, and the public comment form will be available on August 30, 2019.