Federal fishery representatives from four southeastern states will meet in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina December 8-12, 2003 to discuss fishery management issues. The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold its quarterly meeting to review and discuss options for managing marine species, including those found in the snapper/grouper management complex, a total of 73 species commonly known as “reef fish”. In addition, issues affecting the shrimp and mackerel fisheries will also be discussed. The 17 member Council is responsible for managing these and other marine species found in federal waters off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and the east coast of Florida south to Key West.
The Council will hold meetings of several of its committees during the early part of the week and then conduct a meeting of the full Council on Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. The Council’s Snapper Grouper Committee will meet jointly on Monday and Tuesday of the week with the Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel. The Advisory Panel consists of both recreational and commercial fishermen, charter captains, wholesale/retail dealers, scientists and representatives from conservation organizations. During the meeting, members will review management measures affecting reef fish as proposed in Amendment 13B to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This amendment is needed to address the Sustainable Fisheries Act, a congressional mandate that may have long-range implications in setting fishing regulations for both recreational and commercial fishermen. A total of 73 species are included in the south Atlantic snapper/grouper management complex. The Council will hold a series of public hearings throughout the southeast for input on Amendment 13B beginning in 2004.
In addition, the Council will hold meetings of its Shrimp Committee and Mackerel Committee to develop management options for proposed amendments to current management plans. The Highly Migratory Species Committee will meet to review the status of the bluefin tuna quota (as determined by the National Marine Fisheries Service) and harvest in North Carolina. Other committee meetings include the Information & Education Committee and a joint meeting of the Executive and Finance Committees.
All meetings will be held at the Blockade Runner Resort Hotel, 275 Waynick Blvd., Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina; phone, 910/256-2251. Additional information regarding the meeting can be obtained by contacting the Council office at 843/571-4366 or toll free at 866/SAFMC-10.