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.
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