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Public Hearing for Snapper Grouper Fishery: Nov. 3


Nov. 3 — 3-7 p.m., Hilton New Bern Riverfront (formerly the Sheraton), 100 Middle Street, New Bern.

Sponsored by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, one of eight regional Councils that conserves and manages fish stocks from three to 200 miles offshore of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and east Florida.


This public hearing is one in a series of public hearings regarding federal fisheries management measures proposed for 73 species in the snapper grouper management complex within the South Atlantic region. The measures will impact both commercial and recreational fishermen and include a proposed closure of the red snapper fishery to help end overfishing. Large area closures where fishing for all snapper grouper species would be prohibited are also being considered in order to address the discard mortality associated with red snapper. The alternatives for the closures stretch from offshore of South Carolina southward to Cape Canaveral, Florida. Alternatives for a permitted fishing zone are also included as part of the red snapper management options. To protect warsaw grouper and speckled hind from overfishing, the Council is considereing a deepwater closure throughout federal waters.  These measures are being proposed in response to mandates outlined in the reauthorized Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that require ending overfishing and the rebuilding of stocks.

The Council is soliciting public comment on three Snapper Group Amendments. Council staff will provide periodic presentations and will be on hand to answer questions. Local Council representatives will take formal comments on the public hearing documents any time between 3-7 p.m. The hearings will be video-streamed live online at USTREAM.com as they occur.

The Council is also accepting written and e-mail comments until 5 p.m. on Nov. 25. Copies of the public hearing documents with details on how to submit written documents on each are posted on the Council's web site at www.safmc.net and/or available by contacting the Council office at 843-571-4366 or 866-SAFMC-10 (toll free).