South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
South Atlantic Update Newsletter
A Quarterly Publication of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
Spring 2019
On Point - The Council Chair's Perspective
Council Chair Jessica McCawley emphasizes the important role recreational anglers have in providing catch information and biological samples as this year's red snapper season approaches, and options the Council is considering for 2020.
Council Seeks Public Comment on Best Practices and Use of Powerhead Gear
Requirements for descending devices, venting tools, and circle hooks for both commercial and recreational fishermen are being considered to help improve survival of released fish. The Council is also considering standardizing regulations for the use of powerhead gear by divers.
Managers Focus on Fisheries Movement Along the Atlantic Coast
Fishery managers representing the entire Atlantic coast met in March to continue discussions on the best approach to address shifts in stocks across jurisdictional boundaries. Learn More
Recreational Anglers Speak Out About Snapper Grouper Management
What makes a recreational bottom fishing trip a success? How should these species, including red snapper, be managed? Council member Spud Woodward provides an overview on recent efforts by the American Sportfishing Association, Coastal Conservation Association, and Yamaha Marine Group to gather input, and the resulting report presented to the Council. Learn More
From the Executive Director's Desk
Executive Director Gregg Waugh focuses on efforts underway to improve recreational data collection, including federal for-hire electronic reporting requirements, the MyFishCount pilot project, and future approaches. Read More
June 10-14, 2019 Council Meeting Highlights
The Council's June meeting will take place in Stuart, Florida at the Hutchinson Island Marriott. Best Fishing practices, proposed measures for dolphin wahoo, red snapper, Atlantic king mackerel commercial trip limits, and many more fishery issues top the agenda.
Citizen Science - Intros and CitSci 2019 Highlights
Julia Byrd introduces herself as the Council's new Citizen Science Program Manager and talks about CitSci 2019, a national conference with over 800 attendees, and how the Council's program was well-represented. Read more