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Council to Hold Series of Public Scoping Meetings in February
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Posted by Dawg on Thursday, January 17, 2008 @ 07:56:39 EST (174 reads)
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Council to Hold Series of Public Scoping Meetings in February
Topics include allocations, Annual Catch Limits, Limited Access Privilege Programs, and mackerel quotas
From Marathon to Manteo, fishermen who fish in federal waters along the South Atlantic coast should plan to attend one of a series of public scoping meetings/workshops being held by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council in February. These informal scoping meetings/workshops provide the public an opportunity to weigh in on several fisheries issues before the Council determines if management actions are warranted.
These issues include options for determining allocations of fisheries between recreational and commercial sectors, as well as allocations within these sectors. For example, recreational allocations may be considered between for-hire (charter and headboats) and private recreational fishermen. For the commercial sector, allocations may be considered based on gear types. Other issues open for scoping include possible amendments to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan that will establish Annual Catch Limits for species undergoing overfishing as outlined in the reauthorized Magnuson Stevens Act. These ACLs may lead to further restrictions on certain fisheries. Additionally, the Council is soliciting public comment on the establishment of a Limited Access Privilege Program for the commercial snapper grouper fishery as well as input on the allocation of the commercial Atlantic king mackerel quota.
While the Council has held public scoping meetings in the past, this series is unique in that several members of the Council staff and local Council representatives will be on hand to hold informal round table discussions in a workshop format, answer questions, and provide participants with information regarding the scoping topics and other issues addressed by the Council. The meetings/workshops will be open from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM and again from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Council staff and members will be available during these hours for informal discussions and members of the public can provide formal comments for Council consideration during these time periods.
The Council is also accepting written comments on these issues until5:00 p.m. on February 22, 2008. Copies of the public scoping documents with details on how to submit written comments on each topic are available by contacting the Council office and will be posted on the Council’s web site at www.safmc.net as they become available. The scoping documents contain additional background information on these individual issues and will be helpful in preparing for the scoping meetings.
The public is encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn first hand about current federal fisheries issues, discuss details with Council members and staff, and provide comments. The information and recommendations provided by the public will be instrumental in determining the future course of fishery management decisions.
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
Public Scoping Meeting Dates and Locations
Monday, February 4, 2008
The Mutiny Hotel
2951 South Bayshore Drive
Coconut Grove, Florida 33133
Phone: 305-441-2100
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Radisson Resort at the Port
8701 Astronaut Boulevard
Cape Canaveral, Florida 32920
Phone: 321-784-0000
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Quality Inn – Stellar Conference Center
125 Venure Drive
Brunswick, Georgia 31525
Phone: 912-265-4600
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Sheraton New Bern
100 Middle Street
New Bern, North Carolina 28560
Phone: 252-638-3585
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Hilton Garden Inn
5265 International Blvd.
North Charleston, South Carolina 29418
Phone: 843-308-9331
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Council Begins New Year with Meetings of Public Interest
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Posted by Dawg on Tuesday, January 15, 2008 @ 07:28:25 EST (179 reads)
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Council Begins New Year with Meetings of Public Interest
If you fish in federal waters more than three miles off the South Atlantic coast, chances are there is a meeting being held by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council in the coming weeks that will be of interest to you. These actions are required in large part by the Reauthorized Magnuson Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The Council begins the New Year with a long list of fisheries issues under consideration and it is soliciting public input on many of these.
Meetings scheduled for early 2008 include:
January 15-16 and February 12-13 – Limited Access Privilege (LAP) Program Exploratory Workgroup Meetings Established at the beginning of 2007, the Workgroup will continue its work to develop recommendations for the Council regarding a possible LAP Program for the commercial snapper grouper fishery. The Workgroup will present its final report to the Council’s LAP Program Committee during the Council’s March 3-7, 2008 meeting in Jekyll Island, GA. LAPP Workgroup Meetings will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Charleston Airport, 5265 International Blvd., N. Charleston, SC 29418, phone 877/782-9444 or 843/308-9331.
January 16 – Public Scoping Meeting for Shrimp Amendment 7– The final meeting in a series to address current landings requirements for South Atlantic endorsements for rock shrimp fishermen. Meeting location: Hilton Garden Inn, Charleston Airport, 5265 International Blvd., N. Charleston, SC 29418; phone 877/782-9444 or 843/308-9331. 6:00 PM.
January 24 – Public Scoping Meeting for Spiny Lobster Imports –The Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Councils will receive comments on measures to address the importation of spiny lobster products that do not meet U.S. conservation standards. Meeting location: Islander Hotel, 82100 Overseas Highway., Islamorada, FL; phone 800/753-6002 or 305/664-2031. 6:00 PM.
January 27-29 – Meeting of the Council’s Deepwater Shrimp and Golden Crab Advisory Panels– The APs will provide recommendations on the potential impacts of proposed deepwater coral habitat areas of particular concern on their respective fisheries. Meeting location: Radisson Resort at the Port, 8701 Astronaut Blvd., Cape Canaveral, FL 32920; phone 800/333-3333 or 321/784-0000.
January 29 – February 1 – SEDAR (Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review) 15 Review Workshop (greater amberjack, red snapper, and Florida mutton snapper)–The SEDAR stock assessment program will conduct the last of three workshops to review updated stock assessment data. Meeting location: Holiday Inn Brownstone Hotel, 1707 Hillborough St., Raleigh, NC 27605; phone 800/331-7919 or 919/828-0811.
February 4-8 and February 20 – Public Scoping Meeting Series -Topics include a proposed Comprehensive Allocation Amendment outlining how fisheries resources will be distributed between fishing sectors; draft Amendment 17 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan to set Annual Catch Limits that may reduce harvest of some species, extend regulations through the Mid-Atlantic Council’s area of jurisdiction, and address bycatch; Amendment 18 to establish a Limited Access Privilege Program for the commercial snapper grouper fishery; and allocation of the commercial king mackerel quota in the South Atlantic. Meetings will be held February 4th in Coconut Grove, FL, February 5th in Port Canaveral, FL, February 6th in Brunswick, GA, February 7th in New Bern, NC, and February 20th in Charleston, SC. Meeting details will be publicized and posted on the Council’s web site within the next week.
February 11-15 – SEDAR 16 Data Workshop (king mackerel) –The SEDAR stock assessment program will conduct the first of three workshops to address updated stock assessment data for king mackerel. Meeting location: Holiday Inn Airport, 5265 International Blvd., N. Charleston, SC 29418; phone 800/holiday or 843/576-0300.
February 19 – Public Hearing for Gulf of Mexico Draft Aquaculture Amendment– This is a joint hearing with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council on a proposal to allow permits to construct and operate aquaculture facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. Meeting location: Islander Hotel, 82100 Overseas Highway., Islamorada, FL; phone 800/753-6002 or 305/664-2031. 6:00 PM.
February 19-20 – Allocation Committee Meeting– The South Atlantic Council recently formed the Allocation Committee to review options for the allocation of fisheries resources. Meeting location: Hilton Garden Inn, Charleston Airport, 5265 International Blvd., N. Charleston, SC 29418, phone 877/782-9444 or 843/308-9331.
All meetings are open to the public. Additional information regarding these meetings, including public scoping documents, comment opportunities, meeting agendas, and briefing book materials will be posted at www.safmc.net as they become available.
The next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is scheduled for
March 3-7, 2008 in Jekyll Island, GA.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional councils, conserves and manages fish stocks from three to 200 miles offshore of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and east Florida.
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South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Limited Access Privilege Program Explo
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Posted by Dawg on Thursday, January 10, 2008 @ 08:04:21 EST (124 reads)
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South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Limited Access Privilege Program Exploratory Workgroup Meeting January 15-16 and February 12-13, 2008
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold meetings of its Limited Access Privilege (LAP) Program Exploratory Workgroup in North Charleston, SC on January 15-16, 2008 and February 12-13, 2008. These meetings are being convened to address issues relevant to the Council's consideration of implementing a Limited Access Privilege Program (LAP) for the commercial snapper grouper fishery in the South Atlantic region. The meetings will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Charleston Airport, 5265 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29418; telephone: (877) 782-9444 or (843) 308-9330; fax: (843) 308-9331.
For additional information, please contact Kim.Iverson@noaa.gov, telephone: (843) 571-4366 or toll free (866) SAFMC-10
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SAFMC Scoping Meetings
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Posted by Dawg on Saturday, January 05, 2008 @ 08:03:45 EST (131 reads)
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SAFMC Scoping Meetings
Save the Date
Mark Your 2008 Calendars Now!
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will conduct a series of public scoping meetings in February 2008. Scoping topics include:
· A proposed Comprehensive Allocation Amendment
· Upcoming changes to fishery management measures for species in the Snapper Grouper management complex
· Limited Access Privilege Programs
· Allocation of the South Atlantic commercial king mackerel quota
These meetings will include opportunities for informal round table discussion with staff and local representatives from the Council as we travel throughout the southeast to bring you the latest information about fisheries issues and discuss your concerns. Then, go on record officially to let Council members know your opinions and recommendations. This is a unique opportunity – don’t miss your chance to participate!
2008 Scoping Meeting Dates and Location:
February 4 – Coconut Grove, FL
February 5 – Port Canaveral, FL
February 6 – Brunswick, GA
February 7 – New Bern, NC
February 20 – Charleston, SC
Your assistance in publicizing these meetings is appreciated. Thank you and Happy Holidays!
Kim Iverson
Public Information Officer
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201
North Charleston, SC 29405
843/571-4366 or toll free 866/SAFMC-10
Fax 843/769-4520
kim.iverson@safmc.net
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Rebuilding plans outlined for snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy
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Posted by Dawg on Friday, December 14, 2007 @ 05:56:56 EST (148 reads)
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Council Approves Amendment to Rebuild Fish Stocks
Rebuilding plans outlined for snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council approved stock rebuilding plans for three economically important species found in the snapper grouper management complex during its recent meeting in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. Amendment 15A to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan (FMP) will determine long-term rebuilding plans for overfished stocks of snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy. The Council is required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to develop the rebuilding plans.
The rebuilding plans specify the schedule or timeframe in which the stocks will be rebuilt as well as the management strategies used to recover the stocks. A rebuilding strategy gives managers the ability to establish an annual total allowable catch (TAC) based on the long-term plan for stock recovery. For example, the amendment outlines a rebuilding schedule for black sea bass of 10 years, beginning in 2006. The rebuilding strategy maintains a constant catch throughout the rebuilding timeframe, with a TAC for 2009 set at 847,000 pounds whole weight. The TAC would remain in effect beyond 2009 until modified through the stock assessment process. For snowy grouper, a much longer-lived species found in deeper waters, the Council has designated a rebuilding schedule of 34 years with a strategy to continue a 2009 TAC of 102,960 pounds whole weight. A red porgy TAC of 395,281 pounds whole weight has been set for 2009 and 2010. The TAC can be adjusted as stock assessment data become available and the stock continues to rebuild. Amendment 15A will be submitted later this month to the Secretary of Commerce for final review and approval.
The Council held a series of 10 public hearings from Marathon, Florida to Manteo, North Carolina in November and early December to solicit input on Amendments 15A and 15B to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan. While rebuilding plans were approved through Amendment 15A at the December meeting, the Council will continue to receive comments on Amendment 15B until January 11, 2008. The majority of comments received during public hearings involved actions in Amendment 15B, including those to address the sale of recreationally-caught snapper grouper species and allocations of snowy grouper and red porgy between recreational and commercial fishermen.
Opinions were divided regarding the issue of recreational sale, with some supporting the Council’s preferred management alternative to eliminate the sale of recreational bag limits for snapper grouper species harvested from federal waters in the South Atlantic. However, comments were received from fishermen, primarily in North Carolina, that supported the ability to sell recreational bag limits without possession of a federal snapper grouper commercial permit in order to allow continued flexibility for area fishermen with a state commercial permit. Amendment 15B also includes alternatives for the implementation of a plan to monitor and assess bycatch, measures to reduce the impacts of incidental take on sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish, permit renewal and transferability, and management reference points for golden tilefish. Copies of the Amendment 15B Public Hearing Document and details on how to comment can be found on the Council’s web site at www.safmc.net.
Other Actions
Work continued on a list of management alternatives required to reduce harvest and end overfishing for vermilion snapper and gag grouper. Alternatives in Amendment 16 to the Snapper Grouper FMP include a gag spawning closure January – April that applies to both recreational and commercial sectors and to all shallow water groupers, a gag quota where harvest and possession of shallow water groupers is prohibited once the quota is met, two separate quotas for gag (one for the Carolinas and another for Georgia and Florida), and modifications to the gag and black grouper aggregate bag limit. Management measures for vermilion snapper include seasonal closures, two commercial quotas occurring at two different times of the year, and adjustments to the size and bag limits. Additional alternatives include exclusion of the captain and crew on for-hire vessels from possession of the bag limit for shallow water groupers and vermilion snapper, and a requirement of dehooking tools, venting tools, and the use of circle hooks for both commercial and recreational sectors. Allocation alternatives between commercial and recreational sectors are also included in the document. The Council is scheduled to approve Amendment 16 for public hearings during its March 2008 meeting.
The Council also approved a new approach to public scoping in 2008 that will involve a series of meetings offering the public an opportunity for informal discussion with Council staff and area Council members. Public scoping comments will be taken on the following issues: a Comprehensive Allocation Amendment, Snapper Grouper Amendment 17, Limited Access Privilege Programs, and allocation of the Atlantic commercial king mackerel quota. The 2008 meetings will be held February 4th in Homestead, FL; February 5th in Port Canaveral, FL; February 6th in Brunswick, GA; February 7th in New Bern, NC; and February 20 in Charleston, SC. Additional information regarding the meetings will be publicized as they become available.
The next meeting of the Council is scheduled for March 3-7, 2008 in Jekyll Island, GA. For additional information regarding Council meetings, including briefing book materials and a summary of the motions from the December meeting, visit www.safmc.net or contact the Council office.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional councils, conserves and manages fish stocks from three to 200 miles offshore of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and east Florida.
Kim Iverson
Public Information Officer
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201
North Charleston, SC 29405
843/571-4366 or toll free 866/SAFMC-10
Fax 843/769-4520
kim.iverson@safmc.net
www.safmc.net
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South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Public Meetings
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Posted by Dawg on Friday, November 30, 2007 @ 07:32:34 EST (145 reads)
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South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Public Meetings
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold meetings of various committees as well as its full council during the month of December. Committees to meet include the Scientific and Statistical Committee, Spiny Lobster Committee, Snapper Grouper Committee and the Ecosystem-based Management Committee. The Council will also hold a meeting of the Limited Access Privilege Program Exploratory Workgroup and public hearings regarding rebuilding plans for snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy. For more information on specific times and dates for these meetings, click here. All meetings will be held at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, 2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512; telephone: (1-800) 624-8875 or (252) 240-1155.
Copies of documents related to these meetings and more information on upcoming meetings of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council are available from Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC 29405. Telephone: (843) 571-4366 or email: kim.iverson@safmc.net.
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Meeting Reminder - South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
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Posted by Dawg on Friday, November 30, 2007 @ 07:16:54 EST (178 reads)
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Meeting Reminder - South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet December 2-7, 2007 in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The meeting will take place at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, 2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512; phone 1-800/624-8875 or 252/240-1155. A complete meeting agenda and briefing book materials are available online at www.safmc.net.
Public Comment:
As part of the Council meeting, public scoping and public hearings will be held Monday, December 3, 2007 beginning at 7:00 PM. Items for comment:
Public Scoping
1. Allocation of the South Atlantic commercial king mackerel quota
2. Shrimp Amendment 7 – Rock shrimp limited access program (endorsements)
Public Hearings
- Snapper Grouper Amendment 15A – rebuilding plans for snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy
- Snapper Grouper Amendment 15B – sale of recreationally-caught snapper grouper species, allocation of snowy grouper and red porgy, permit renewal and transfer, implementation of a plan to monitor and assess bycatch, measures to reduce effects of incidental catch on smalltooth sawfish and sea turtles, etc.
Note: Public hearings for Snapper Grouper Amendments 15A and 15B are ongoing this week. For a complete listing of public hearings, upcoming scoping meetings, and supporting documents, visit: http://www.safmc.net/Library/PublicHearingDocuments/tabid/398/Default.aspx
Kim Iverson
Public Information Officer
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201
North Charleston, SC 29405
843/571-4366 or toll free 866/SAFMC-10
Fax 843/769-4520
kim.iverson@safmc.net
www.safmc.net
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The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
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Posted by Dawg on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 @ 07:46:08 EST (157 reads)
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The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will meet December 2-7, 2007 in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina. The meeting will take place at the Sheraton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel, 2717 W. Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach, NC 28512; phone 1-800/624-8875 or 252/240-1155. A complete meeting agenda and briefing book materials are available online at www.safmc.net.
Public Comment:
As part of the Council meeting, public scoping and public hearings will be held Monday, December 3, 2007 beginning at 7:00 PM. Items for comment:
Public Scoping
1. Allocation of the South Atlantic commercial king mackerel quota
2. Shrimp Amendment 7 – Rock shrimp limited access program (endorsements)
Public Hearings
- Snapper Grouper Amendment 15A – rebuilding plans for snowy grouper, black sea bass, and red porgy
- Snapper Grouper Amendment 15B – sale of recreationally-caught snapper grouper species, allocation of snowy grouper and red porgy, permit renewal and transfer, implementation of a plan to monitor and assess bycatch, measures to reduce effects of incidental catch on smalltooth sawfish and sea turtles, etc.
Note: Public hearings for Snapper Grouper Amendments 15A and 15B are ongoing this week. For a complete listing of public hearings, upcoming scoping meetings, and supporting documents, visit: http://www.safmc.net/Library/PublicHearingDocuments/tabid/398/Default.aspx
Kim Iverson
Public Information Officer
South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201
North Charleston, SC 29405
843/571-4366 or toll free 866/SAFMC-10
Fax 843/769-4520
kim.iverson@safmc.net
www.safmc.net
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Public Hearings Scheduled for Snapper Grouper Management
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Posted by Dawg on Wednesday, October 24, 2007 @ 18:18:07 EDT (156 reads)
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