April 30, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
At the request of state marine resource agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is considering designating existing artificial reefs in federal waters as Special Management Zones (SMZs).
The designation, as proposed in Regulatory Amendment 34 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan would restrict allowable gear and limit harvest for species in the snapper grouper management complex. The measures are being considered in order to prohibit gear that has the potential to result in overexplortation of snapper grouper species at the artificial reefs. The SMZ designation will help optimize fishing opportunities and also define the areas as Essential Fish Habitat.
Proposed Measures
Regulatory Amendment 34 would:
- Designate 30 artificial reefs in federal waters off NC as SMZs
- Allow only hand-held fishing gear: handline, rod and reel and spear
- Restrict harvest of snapper grouper species with spear to the recreational bag limit
- Designate 4 artificial reefs in federal waters off SC as SMZs
- Allow only hand-held fishing gear: handline, rod and reel and spear
- All harvest of snapper grouper species would be limited to the recreational bag limit
Public Hearings and Comment
Public hearings will be held via webinar May 4 and 5, 2020. Hearings begin at 6:00 p.m. Webinar registration is required.
- Monday, May 4 – Register for webinar
- Tuesday, May 5 – Register for webinar
Additional information, including a public hearing document, presentation with detailed maps, and an online comment form is available at: https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/public-hearings-scoping-meetings/.