Public Hearings Scheduled for Black Sea Bass November 14th 2011 in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
News Release
October 18, 2011
CONTACT: Kim Iverson
Public Information Officer
(843) 571-4366

Public Hearings Scheduled for Black Sea Bass, Red Grouper and Wreckfish Fisheries



Members of the South AtlanticThe South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a series of seven public hearings beginning November 14, 2011 to solicit public input on management measures impacting federal fisheries for black sea bass, red grouper, and wreckfish. Amendments are being developed to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan in order to: address overcapacity in the commercial black sea bass pot fishery and reduce the rate of harvest for both commercial and recreational sectors; end overfishing and rebuild the red grouper stock; and address the current Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) program for wreckfish.

Black Sea Bass Restrictions: Amendment 18A
Annual Catch Limits (in numbers of pounds) have been established by the Council for black sea bass as mandated in the Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act to end overfishing and help rebuild the stock. Increased restrictions on the harvest of other species in the snapper grouper complex have led to an increase in fishing effort for black sea bass. As a result, the catch limits have been reached earlier by both commercial and recreational fishermen, resulting in closures. The fishing year for black sea bass begins June 1st. For the 2011/2012 fishing season, the commercial fishery met its ACL in just 45 days and the fishery was closed. After NOAA Fisheries Service accounted for overages in landings by the recreational sector for the 2010/2011 season, it was announced the recreational fishery had met its adjusted ACL of 341,747 pounds for this fishing year. The recreational black sea bass fishery will close on October 17, 2011 and reopen June 1, 2012. Amendment 18A is being developed to limit the commercial black sea bass pot fishery and reduce harvest rates for both commercial and recreational sectors. A new stock assessment for black sea bass is currently underway. The Council will receive the results of the assessment during its December 5-9, 2011 meeting in Raleigh, NC.
Measures Included in Amendment 18A:
• For the commercial black sea bass pot fishery: limit participation through an endorsement program, limit the number of pots used during a permit year, and other measures to limit harvest and reduce bycatch
• Establish commercial trip limits (all gear types)
• Increase size limits (commercial and recreational)
• Establish a spawning season closure (for both commercial and recreational sectors)
• Modify the current rebuilding strategy to allow for an increase in the Annual Catch Limit as the stock continues to rebuild, based on the results of the most recent stock assessment.
• Improve commercial and for-hire data reporting requirements

Ending Overfishing and Rebuilding Red Grouper: Amendment 24
A stock assessment conducted in 2010 identified the red grouper stock in the South Atlantic region as overfished and undergoing overfishing. Amendment 24 will set Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures, establish a rebuilding plan, and revise certain population parameters for red grouper to end overfishing and rebuild the stock. The amendment also establishes allocations between recreational and commercial sectors.

Wreckfish ITQs: Amendment 20A
Wreckfish, a deepwater species in the snapper grouper management complex, is currently harvested through an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) program. With an anticipated reduction in the Annual Catch Limit for wreckfish, the Council is considering measures to adjust the distribution of wreckfish shares in order to remove inactive effort and allow the commercial sector’s ACL to be harvested effectively.

Public hearings for the amendments will take place from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM unless otherwise noted. Note: some hearings will be held on concurrent dates. Council staff will provide an overview of each amendment and be on hand to answer questions. Local Council representatives will take formal comments on the public hearing documents any time between those hours. The Council is accepting written and email comments from October 21, 2011 until 5:00 p.m. on November 21, 2011. Copies of the public hearing documents with details on how to submit written comments will be posted on the Council’s web site at www.safmc.net and available by contacting the Council office at 843/571-4366 or Toll Free 866/SAFMC-10.

Public Hearing Schedule


Monday, November 14
Avista Resort
300 N. Ocean Boulevard
Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Phone: 843/249-2521

Monday, November 14
Hampton Inn Savannah/Midtown
20 Johnston Street
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: 912/721-3700

Tuesday, November 15 (5:30 – 7:30 PM)
Charleston Marriott Hotel
170 Lockwood Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843/723-3000

Tuesday, November 15
Jacksonville Marriott
4670 Salisbury Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Phone: 904/296-2222

Wednesday, November 16
Radisson Resort at the Port
8701 Astronaut Blvd. meeting
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone: 321/784-0000

Thursday, November 17
Key Largo Bay Marriott
103800 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
Phone: 305/453-0000

*Tuesday, December 6
Holiday Inn Brownstone
1707 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27605
Phone: 919/828-0811
*Hearing in conjunction with the December 5-9, 2011 Council meeting. Begins at 5:30 PM



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.

http://www.safmc.net/News/NewsReleases/NROctober182011/tabid/700/Default.aspx

Public Hearings Scheduled for Black Sea Bass, Red Grouper and Wreckfish Fisheries

Members of the South AtlanticThe South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a series of seven public hearings beginning November 14, 2011 to solicit public input on management measures impacting federal fisheries for black sea bass, red grouper, and wreckfish. Amendments are being developed to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan in order to: address overcapacity in the commercial black sea bass pot fishery and reduce the rate of harvest for both commercial and recreational sectors; end overfishing and rebuild the red grouper stock; and address the current Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) program for wreckfish.

Black Sea Bass Restrictions: Amendment 18A
Annual Catch Limits (in numbers of pounds) have been established by the Council for black sea bass as mandated in the Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act to end overfishing and help rebuild the stock. Increased restrictions on the harvest of other species in the snapper grouper complex have led to an increase in fishing effort for black sea bass. As a result, the catch limits have been reached earlier by both commercial and recreational fishermen, resulting in closures. The fishing year for black sea bass begins June 1st. For the 2011/2012 fishing season, the commercial fishery met its ACL in just 45 days and the fishery was closed. After NOAA Fisheries Service accounted for overages in landings by the recreational sector for the 2010/2011 season, it was announced the recreational fishery had met its adjusted ACL of 341,747 pounds for this fishing year. The recreational black sea bass fishery will close on October 17, 2011 and reopen June 1, 2012. Amendment 18A is being developed to limit the commercial black sea bass pot fishery and reduce harvest rates for both commercial and recreational sectors. A new stock assessment for black sea bass is currently underway. The Council will receive the results of the assessment during its December 5-9, 2011 meeting in Raleigh, NC.

Measures Included in Amendment 18A:
For the commercial black sea bass pot fishery: limit participation through an endorsement program, limit the number of pots used during a permit year, and other measures to limit harvest and reduce bycatch
Establish commercial trip limits (all gear types)
Increase size limits (commercial and recreational)
Establish a spawning season closure (for both commercial and recreational sectors)
Modify the current rebuilding strategy to allow for an increase in the Annual Catch Limit as the stock continues to rebuild, based on the results of the most recent stock assessment.
Improve commercial and for-hire data reporting requirements

Ending Overfishing and Rebuilding Red Grouper: Amendment 24
A stock assessment conducted in 2010 identified the red grouper stock in the South Atlantic region as overfished and undergoing overfishing. Amendment 24 will set Annual Catch Limits and Accountability Measures, establish a rebuilding plan, and revise certain population parameters for red grouper to end overfishing and rebuild the stock. The amendment also establishes allocations between recreational and commercial sectors.

Wreckfish ITQs: Amendment 20A
Wreckfish, a deepwater species in the snapper grouper management complex, is currently harvested through an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) program. With an anticipated reduction in the Annual Catch Limit for wreckfish, the Council is considering measures to adjust the distribution of wreckfish shares in order to remove inactive effort and allow the commercial sectors ACL to be harvested effectively.

Public hearings for the amendments will take place from 4:00 PM 7:00 PM unless otherwise noted. Note: some hearings will be held on concurrent dates. Council staff will provide an overview of each amendment and be on hand to answer questions. Local Council representatives will take formal comments on the public hearing documents any time between those hours. The Council is accepting written and email comments from October 21, 2011 until 5:00 p.m. on November 21, 2011. Copies of the public hearing documents with details on how to submit written comments will be posted on the Councils web site at www.safmc.net and available by contacting the Council office at 843/571-4366 or Toll Free 866/SAFMC-10.

Public Hearing Schedule


Monday, November 14
Avista Resort
300 N. Ocean Boulevard
Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Phone: 843/249-2521

Monday, November 14
Hampton Inn Savannah/Midtown
20 Johnston Street
Savannah, GA 31405
Phone: 912/721-3700

Tuesday, November 15 (5:30 7:30 PM)
Charleston Marriott Hotel
170 Lockwood Boulevard
Charleston, SC 29403
Phone: 843/723-3000

Tuesday, November 15
Jacksonville Marriott
4670 Salisbury Road
Jacksonville, FL 32256
Phone: 904/296-2222

Wednesday, November 16
Radisson Resort at the Port
8701 Astronaut Blvd. meeting
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone: 321/784-0000

Thursday, November 17
Key Largo Bay Marriott
103800 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
Phone: 305/453-0000

*Tuesday, December 6
Holiday Inn Brownstone
1707 Hillsborough Street
Raleigh, NC 27605
Phone: 919/828-0811
*Hearing in conjunction with the December 5-9, 2011 Council meeting. Begins at 5:30 PM



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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Kim Iverson
October 18, 2011 Public Information Officer
Toll Free 866/SAFMC-10 or 843/571-4366
kim.iverson@safmc.net
Federal Fishery Advisory Panel Seats Open to Applicants
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is soliciting applications for seats currently available on
its advisory panels. Working at the grass roots level, advisory panel members provide information and
guidance in the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans. The Council has
11 separate advisory panels composed of individuals who are engaged in the harvest of, or are
knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of the fishery or managed species.
Members include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors,
conservationists, scientists, and concerned citizens.
Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council and serve for a three-year period, based 2on the
frequency of meetings. As those appointments expire, members currently serving on the AP may reapply
for their positions. These seats also become open to new applicants. AP members generally meet no more
than once or twice each year and are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for all meetings.
Applications are now being solicited for the following positions:
Coral Advisory Panel (1) Deepwater Coral Scientist Seat
Dolphin Wahoo Advisory Panel ( Recreational Seats; (6) Charter Seats;
(2) Commercial Seats; and (1) NGO Seat
Habitat Advisory Panel (1) SC Recreational, (1) SC Commercial, and
(1) SC Conservation; (1) GA Recreational, and
(1) GA Commercial; (1) FL Recreational,
(1) FL Commercial, and (1) FL Conservation; and
(1) At-Large Research Seat
King & Spanish Mackerel Advisory Panel (1) Recreational Seat; (6) Commercial Seats; and
(1) NGO Seat
Deepwater Shrimp Advisory Panel (1) Open Seat
Shrimp Advisory Panel (2) Open Seats and (1) NGO Seat
Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel (1) NGO Seat
SEDAR Stock Assessment Pool Open Seats
Applicants appointed to the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Pool are eligible to serve
on species-specific panels for future stock assessments.
(Continued)
Advisory Panel Openings (continued)
If you are interested in serving as a member on the Council's advisory panels, please submit an
application to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North
Charleston, SC 29405. Applications can be obtained by contacting the Council office at 843/571-4366 or
toll free 866/SAFMC-10. Application forms are also available online at www.safmc.net. Applicants are
strongly encouraged to contact area Council representatives to discuss their interest in serving.
Contact information for all Council members is available at www.safmc.net or through the Council office.
Advisory panel members will be selected during the next meeting of the South Atlantic Fishery
Management Council, scheduled for December 5-9, 2011 in Raleigh, North Carolina. Applications must
be received by November 18, 2011.
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.

http://www.safmc.net/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=zhnIJfl9hMo%3d&tabid=139

It's Official Recreational Black Sea Bass will close on October 17 2011 till June 1 2012...

See attached:

NOAA Fisheries Service Announces Closure Date for the
South Atlantic Recreational Black Sea Bass Fishery

NOAA Fisheries Service has determined that the 2011-2012 recreational annual catch limit of 341,747 pounds for black sea bass has been reached. As a result, the recreational sector for black sea bass in federal waters of the South Atlantic from 35°15.19' N. latitude, (the latitude of Cape Hatteras Light, NC) to Key West, FL, will close, effective 12:01 a.m. (local time) October 17, 2011, through 12:01 a.m. June 1, 2012.

For vessels with a valid federal charter vessel/headboat permit for South Atlantic Snapper-grouper, the closure applies to state and federal waters. The operator of a vessel that has a federal for-hire permit for snapper-grouper must land any black sea bass harvested from either state or federal waters prior to 12:01 a.m., local time, October 17, 2011.

Background:

Amendment 17B to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region implemented annual catch limits and accountability measures for nine species in the snapper-grouper complex. Accountability measures are actions intended to prevent the annual catch limit from being exceeded. If the recreational annual catch limit is projected to be met, the recreational sector would be closed. If the recreational annual catch limit is exceeded, the annual catch limit for the following fishing year will be reduced by the amount of the overage. A determination on a reduction of the annual catch limit will be made before the following fishing year begins.

Black sea bass are overfished (population is too low), and experiencing overfishing (rate of removal is too high). The commercial quota is 309,000 pounds. The recreational annual catch limit was adjusted to 341,747 pounds from 409,000 pounds to account for the recreational overage during the 2010-2011 fishing year. Harvest levels must be kept below these levels to prevent fish from being removed too quickly, and to rebuild the black sea bass population.

Commercial Sector:

Commercial harvest of black sea bass closed on July 15, 2011, because NOAA Fisheries Service projected landings would reach the quota by that time. It remains closed until June 1, 2012.

Link to more info: http://www.southcarolina-offshore.com/ftopict-2962.html

Adjustments to 2011-2012 Recreational Annual Catch Limit for
Black Sea Bass in the South Atlantic

On January 31, 2011, NOAA Fisheries Service implemented a final rule establishing commercial and recreational annual catch limits and accountability measures for black sea bass. Annual catch limits are set at levels that prevent overfishing (population is too low). Accountability measures include in-season closures and annual catch limit adjustments during the next fishing year to recover any overages from the prior fishing year.

NOAA Fisheries Service monitored recreational black sea bass landings and projected that the 2010-2011 annual catch limit would be met and recreational harvest closed on February 12, 2011. When final recreational landings data for the 2010-2011 fishing year became available, it was determined that the annual catch limit was exceeded by 67,253 lb. Therefore, this rulemaking adjusts the 2011-2012 recreational annual catch limit from 409,000 lb to 341,747 lb to make up for the 67,253 lb overage.
It is anticipated that the adjusted recreational annual catch limit will be met in mid-to-late October 2011. Available landings for June-August indicate 64 percent of the annual catch limit has been caught. NOAA Fisheries Service expects to announce when the recreational fishing season for black sea bass will close within the next week, and will give fishers ten days notice of the exact closure date.

Background
Black sea bass are overfished, and experiencing overfishing (rate of removal is too high). The commercial quota is 309,000 pounds, and the recreational annual catch limit is being adjusted from 409,000 pounds to 341,747 pounds to account for the recreational overage during the 2010-2011 fishing year. The commercial sector was closed on July 15, 2010, because the commercial quota of 309,000 pounds was projected to be met by that date. Harvest levels must be kept below these annual catch levels to prevent overfishing from occurring, and to rebuild the black sea bass population. Annual catch limits and accountability measures are requirements of the Reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

More Information
For more information please refer to Amendment 17B Frequently Asked Questions, Black Sea Bass Frequently Asked Questions, or the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Web page at: www.safmc.net.
Southeast Fishery Bulletin
National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701

Link to more info: http://www.southcarolina-offshore.com/ftopict-2961.html

Reminder: Black Sea Bass to Re-open in the South Atlantic

Commercial and recreational fishing for black sea bass will open at 12:01 a.m. June 1, 2011. Both sectors will remain open until May 31, 2012, or until the commercial quota or recreational annual catch limit is met.

The recreational bag limit is 15 fish per person per day. A final rule for Regulatory Amendment 9 to the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic Region (Regulatory Amendment 9) is under review. If approved, the final rule would reduce the black sea bass bag limit from 15 fish per person per day to 5 fish per person per day. NOAA Fisheries Service will provide notice of these regulation changes as soon as the rule files in the Federal Register.

Other Fisheries Opening Soon
The vermilion snapper commercial fishery will open at 12:01 a.m. July 1, 2011.

More Information
For more information please refer to Regulatory Amendment 9 Frequently Asked Questions, Black Sea Bass Frequently Asked Questions, and or the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Web page at: www.safmc.net.
Southeast Fishery Bulletin
National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast Regional Office, 263 13th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Link to more info: http://southcarolina-offshore.com/ftopict-2720-.html

Shallow-water Grouper fishing to Reopem May 1st

Shallow-Water Grouper, Red Porgy, and Greater Amberjack Fisheries to Reopen in the South Atlantic


Shallow-Water Grouper
A four-month spawning season closure for shallow- water grouper in the South Atlantic will end at 12:01 a.m., local time, May 1, 2011. The prohibition on recreational and commercial harvest of gag, black grouper, red grouper, scamp, rock hind, red hind, coney, graysby, yellowfin grouper, yellowmouth grouper, and tiger grouper is effective January 1 through April 30 each year.
Red Porgy and Greater Amberjack
The seasonal closure for the commercial fisheries for red porgy and greater amberjack will also end May 1, 2011.

If you have any suggestions on how we may improve the contents of future fishery bulletins please contact:
Southeast Regional Office Communications
Phone: 727-551-5707, FAX: 727-824-5320,
e-mail: sero.communications.comments@noaa.gov.
If you would like to receive these fishery bulletins via e-mail as soon as they are published, please email us at
sero.communications.comments@noaa.gov.

Federal Fisheries Managers Hold 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 scheduled in the coming weeks regarding federal fisheries that is of interest to you. Please see the list below and mark your calendars. All meetings are open to the public and public comment is being solicited as noted below. Additional information, including meeting agendas and briefing book materials are posted on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Web site at www.safmc.net as they become available.



April 5-7 – SAFMC Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) Meeting

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a 3-day meeting of its SSC beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5th. The SSC is the body responsible for reviewing the regional fishery management council’s scientific materials as outlined in the reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Act. The SSC will meet in North Charleston, SC to discuss several fishery management issues including: control rules for setting Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) levels for species managed by the Council; Amendment 18 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan (FMP) to establish Annual Catch Limits (ACLs) and Accountability Measures (AMs) for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia to prevent overfishing; the Comprehensive ALC Amendment that sets ACLs and AMs for species not currently listed as undergoing overfishing, including dolphin, wahoo, and several species of snapper and grouper; Regulatory Amendment 11 to the Snapper Grouper FMP outlining options to modify the current prohibition of deepwater species at depths greater than 240 feet; measures for spiny lobster, and others. A complete meeting agenda and briefing book materials are available from the Council’s website. Meeting location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4831 Tanger Outlet Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29418; Hotel phone (843) 405-4236.



April 6-7 – SAFMC Mackerel Advisory Panel Meeting

The Council will hold a meeting of its King and Spanish Mackerel AP to review draft Amendment 18 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagic FMP establishing ACLs and AMs for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia. The AP will receive a presentation from Dr. Michael Denson with the SC Department of Natural Resources regarding cobia research in SC. In addition, the AP will review a discussion paper regarding options for the sale of bag limit caught mackerel and cobia. The AP will provide recommendations to the Council for consideration. Meeting location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4831 Tanger Outlet Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29418; Hotel phone (843) 405-4236.



April 7-8 – SAFMC Dolphin Wahoo Advisory Panel Meeting

The Council’s Dolphin Wahoo AP will meet to review the Comprehensive ACL Amendment establishing ACLs and AMs as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act for species not currently listed as undergoing overfishing by the end of 2011. The amendment includes snapper grouper species as well as dolphin and

wahoo. Public hearings for the amendment were held earlier this year. The AP will receive an update on

dolphin research findings, review the actions in the amendment relative to dolphin and wahoo, and provide recommendations to the Council for consideration. Meeting location: Crowne Plaza Hotel, 4831 Tanger Outlet Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29418; Hotel phone (843) 405-4236.



April 11 – 20 – SAFMC Public Hearings: Mackerel and Spiny Lobster

The Council will hold a series of 7 public hearings from New Bern, NC to Key West, FL beginning April 11th regarding Amendment 18 to the Coastal Migratory FMP (king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia) and Amendment 10 to the Spiny Lobster FMP relative establishing ACLs and AMs to prevent overfishing and other management measures. The Council is accepting written comment on the amendments until April 29, 2011. Details, including a news release specific to the hearings, dates, locations, and public hearing documents are available at www.safmc.net.



April 13-14 – SAFMC Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel Meeting

The Snapper Grouper AP will review and provide recommendations on several amendments addressing management measures for the 72 species covered in the Snapper Grouper FMP including: the Comprehensive ACL Amendment as it addresses measures for snapper grouper species; Regulatory Amendment 11 to the Snapper Grouper FMP (options for the current restrictions in place for deepwater species in waters greater than 240 feet deep); Amendment 18A addressing golden tilefish and black sea bass commercial regulations; Amendment 24 addressing rebuilding of the red grouper stock; and regional management approaches. Meeting location: Town and Country Inn, 2008 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29507; Hotel phone (843) 571-1000.



April 20 – SAFMC Spiny Lobster Advisory Panel Meeting

Members of the Spiny Lobster AP will meet in Key West, FL to review and provide recommendations to the Council regarding Amendment 10 to the Spiny Lobster FMP, including establishment of ACLs, AMs, allocations, area restrictions, gear marking requirements, use of “shorts” as attractants, and other management measures proposed for the spiny lobster fishery. Meeting location: Doubletree Grand Key, 3990 S. Roosevelt Blvd., Key West, FL 33040; Hotel phone (305) 293-1818.



April 26-28 - SEDAR 25: Stock Assessment for Black Sea Bass and Golden Tilefish – Data Workshop

The Southeast Data, Assessment, and Review (SEDAR) stock assessment process involves three workshops: 1) Data Workshop, 2) Assessment Workshop, and 3) a Review Workshop. The Data Workshop for SEDAR 25 will take place at the Marriott Lockwood, 170 Lockwood Blvd., Charleston, SC 29403; Phone (800) 968-3569. Additional information about SEDAR, including a complete listing of dates and locations for the SEDAR 25 workshops is available at www.safmc.net. Persons interested in participating in the SEDAR process should contact Kim Iverson at kim.iverson@safmc.net or call 843/571-4366.



May 3-5 – Council Coordination Committee Meeting

The Council Coordination Committee (CCC), established under Section 302(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, consists of the chairmen, vice-chairmen, and executive directors of each of the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils. The CCC meets semiannually to discuss regional and national fishery management issues of relevance to all Councils, most recently addressing issues related to the implementation of the Act. In May the CCC will address a number of critical issues including: fishery resource allocation; national catch share policy; marine recreational fishery data; law enforcement; and Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning. Meeting location: Doubletree Hotel, 181 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401, Hotel phone (843) 577-2644.



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.