February 2, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
Public scoping meetings begin this week via webinar as members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council solicit comment on measures proposed for the Red Porgy fishery in federal waters off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the east coast of Florida. The Council is also soliciting public input on an action to establish a rock shrimp fishery access area in the Oculina Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern, a deepwater coral area located off the east coast of Florida.
Provide your comments on proposed management measures directly to Council members via webinar during the scoping meetings or review the scoping materials and provide written comment using online comment forms. Details are available at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.
Red Porgy (Snapper Grouper Amendment 50)
A recent stock assessment determined the Red Porgy stock is experiencing overfishingand the stock continues to be overfished despite a rebuilding plan being in place. Significant reductions in harvest are proposed in Amendment 50 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. The amendment also includes measures to adjust catch levels and allocations based on revisions to recreational estimates from NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP).
Red Porgy Public Scoping Webinars:
- Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at 6 PM – Register for webinar
- Thursday, February 4, 2021 at 6 PM – Register for webinar
Learn more and access the online comment form at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.
Rock Shrimp Fishery Access
(Coral Amendment 10)
The amendment contains a single action to establish a rock shrimp fishery access area along the eastern edge of the northern extension of the Oculina Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern. The action would provide limited access to traditional fishing grounds.
Shrimp Fishery Access Scoping Webinars:
- Monday, February 8, 2021 at 5 PM – Register for webinar
- Tuesday, February 9. 2021 at 9 AM – Register for webinar
Learn more and access the online comment form at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.