Monday, July 18, 2011

SAFMC Meetings Scheduled


The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council has scheduled the following meetings:

July 20, 2011 – Law Enforcement Advisory Panel Meeting: Renaissance Orlando Hotel Airport, 5445 Forbes Place, Orlando, FL 32812
     The AP will provide recommendations on the Council’s Comprehensive Annual Catch Limit (ACL) Amendment, Snapper Grouper Regulatory Amendment 11 (addressing the current restrictions for harvest of some species in waters greater than 240’ in depth) and other issues.  Draft copies of the documents are available and posted as part of the briefing book materials (see link below).  The Council is scheduled to approve both the Comprehensive ACL Amendment and Snapper Grouper Amendment 11 for submission to the Secretary of Commerce during its August 9, 2011 meeting in Charleston, SC.

July 26, 2011 – Golden Crab Advisory Panel Meeting: Crowne Plaza Ft. Lauderdale Airport, 455 State Road 84, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
     The Golden Crab AP will review draft Amendment 6 to the Golden Crab Fishery Management Plan regarding alternatives for establishing a catch share program for the commercial fishery and provide recommendations for the Council’s consideration.

August 9, 2011 – SAFMC Meeting: Charleston Marriott Hotel, 170 Lockwood Blvd., Charleston, SC 29403
     The Council is scheduled to review and approve three amendments for review by the Secretary of Commerce:
Amendment 18 to the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan - establishes ACLs and accountability measures for king mackerel, Spanish mackerel and cobia;
Comprehensive ACL Amendment – establishes ACLs and accountability measures for species not currently undergoing overfishing
Snapper Grouper Amendment 11 (240’ closure)

Note: Copies of the agendas and briefing book materials for the advisory panel meetings are available from the Council’s website at: http://www.safmc.net/Meetings/AdvisoryPanelandCommitteeMeetings/tabid/616/Default.aspx

The agenda for the Council’s August 9, 2011 meeting is currently available at:
http://www.safmc.net/Meetings/CouncilMeetings/tabid/400/Default.aspx