As concern over red snapper and potential East Coast fishing closures escalates to a fevered pitch, fisheries managers meet the public this week and next in seven hearings from Newport News, Virginia, to Key Largo, Florida. At this writing, two meetings have been held, one in South Carolina, one in North Carolina. The remaining meetings begin with Thursday's gathering in Pooler, Georgia, just south of Savannah, followed by four more hearings beginning Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council want input on Snapper/Grouper Amendments 17A and B and 18. Amendment 17A establishes annual catch limits and accountability measures for red snapper management. Options include closure of the red snapper fishery as well as alternatives for area closures for all snapper/grouper fishing to address bycatch; permitted fishing zones; and monitoring programs.
Recreational fishing groups say a closure will devastate the already fragile marine industry. The council, however, faces a mandate from the Magnuson-Stevens Act to end snapper overfishing within one year, based on a 2008 stock assessment. That assessment, which shows the stock to be undergoing overfishing at eight times the sustainable level, has since been heavily disputed.
At its September meeting, the council discussed recommendations from its advisory panels and fishermen and formulated additional management alternatives that may allow tightly monitored fishing zones within the proposed closed areas.
Amendment 17B looks at the nine remaining species in the snapper/grouper complex listed as undergoing overfishing. Amendment 18 covers additional measures for snapper/grouper.
Hearings run from 3 to 7 p.m. Local SAFMC members will take formal comments, and the hearings will be video-streamed live online at USTREAM.com. Anglers may also write and email comments until 5 p.m., Nov. 25. Copies of public-hearing documents with details on how to submit written comments are posted on the SAFMC website, www.safmc.net. Or, call the council office at 866-SAFMC10.
To check the public-hearing schedule, go to www.sportfishingmag.com/news/news/safmc-to-hold-public-hearings-on-snapper-and-grouper-management-issues-1000077164.html.
