Public Hearings

Informational Public Hearings for Marine Protected Areas Scheduled

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a series of informational public hearings to collect input from area fishermen and others that may be impacted by the designation of marine protected areas (MPAs) in federal waters. The Council is considering the use of marine protected areas as one of several management options to address overfishing for some deepwater species of fish included in the Council’s snapper/grouper management complex. Nine proposed candidate sites are being considered for designation.

“These hearings are an important step in the collection of information from people who may be directly impacted by designation of marine protected areas,” said Bill Cole, Council member and vice-chair of the Council’s Marine Protected Area Committee. MPAs are being considered as one of several options in Amendment 14 to the Snapper/Grouper Fishery Management Plan to protect deepwater species. “This is not a decision hearing process on these sites,” said Mr. Cole. “It is a social and economic informational gathering exercise. We are looking for the ‘people impacts’ of these proposed MPAs. I would encourage people who use the proposed areas and are familiar with activities within these areas to attend a public hearing and provide the Council with additional input.”

Deepwater species such as snowy grouper, speckled hind, and golden tilefish are vulnerable to overfishing because of their complex life histories and the depths at which these fish are found. Even when released alive, fishing mortality can still be high. With the exception of two sites proposed as newly created artificial reef MPAs, all of the MPA candidate sites being considered would prohibit fishing for these deepwater species, while at the same time allow trolling for pelagics such as tuna, dolphin and sailfish.


Marine Protected Area Informational Public Hearings
(All Meetings Begin at 6:00 pm)

Monday, January 19, 2004
Sea Turtle Inn
One Ocean Boulevard
Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Phone: (904) 249-7402

Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Ramada Inn
1200 S Federal Highway
Stuart, FL 34994
Phone: 772-287-6900

Thursday, January 22, 2004
The Islander
82100 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL 33036
Phone: 305-664-2031

Tuesday, January 27, 2004
Crystal Coast Civic Center
3505 Arendell Street
Morehead City, NC 28557
Phone: 252-247-3883

Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Blockade Runner
275 Waynick Boulevard
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
800-541-1161 or 910-256-2251

Tuesday, February 10, 2004
University of Georgia Marine Extension
715 Bay Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
Phone: 912-264-7268

Wednesday, February 11, 2004
Richmond Hill City Hall
40 Richard R. Davis Drive
Richmond Hill, GA 31324
Phone: 912-756-3345

Tuesday, February 17, 2004
Holiday Inn
722 Highway 17
Little River, SC 29566
Phone: 843-281-9400

Thursday, February 19, 2004
Town & Country Inn
2008 Savannah Highway
Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: 800-334-6660 or 843-571-1000