April 1, 2020 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will postpone the scheduled April 15-16, 2020 meeting of its Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel due to concerns over the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on the AP members. “Advisory panel members provide grass-roots level recommendations to the Council and are a key part of the decision-making process,” said Executive Director John Carmichael. “Snapper Grouper AP members include commercial fishermen, charter captains, seafood dealers, private anglers and others currently dealing with impacts to their businesses and their lives. We want to be sensitive to our constituents’ needs and ensure their involvement in the Council process,” explained Carmichael. The Council is currently collecting input from several of its advisory panels as the impacts of COVID-19 continue.
Reminder for Upcoming Meetings
Meanwhile, meetings noted below will be held as scheduled via webinar. The meetings are open to the public and webinar registration is required. Additional information, including meeting agendas, overviews, and briefing book materials will be posted on the Council’s website two weeks prior to each meeting. Online comment forms will also be available.
Please note the meeting dates listed below and mark your calendars!
Advisory Panel Meetings
https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/current-advisory-panel-meetings/
Information and Education Advisory Panel
April 14-15, 2020
Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
April 22, 2020
Scientific and Statistical Committee
https://safmc.net/safmc-meetings/scientific-and-statistical-committee-meetings/
SSC Socio-Economic Panel Meeting
April 8-9, 2020
Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting
April 28-April 30, 2020
Council members and staff will continue to monitor advisories. We encourage you to stay involved with fisheries management issues via webinars and utilize the meeting materials available online, including the public comment forms. Please reach out with any questions you may have. Stay safe, support local businesses when possible, and keep washing your hands!