Notices of upcoming public hearings and scoping meetings will be posted on the homepage. Copies of public hearing documents and related materials will be posted in this section of the Library as they become available. Additional information regarding these issues may also appear in recent copies of the South Atlantic Update Newsletter. 

Public Hearing/Scoping Documents 

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is not solicting public comment on issues at this time.  Please check back to this page for updates and document postings   

National Marine Fisheries Service Seeks Comment on the Following Issues:

For additional information visit NMFS Southeast Regional Office

Snapper Grouper Amendment 16: Measures to end overfishing for gag grouper and vermilion snapper (includes spawning season closures, commercial quotas, recreational seasonal closures for vermilion snapper, reductions in bag limits, and other measures).

NOAA Fisheries' National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on Amendment 16 to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan and the Proposed Rule for the Amendment.  Amendment 16 is designed to address overfishing of gag grouper and vermilion snapper. The Council approved the amendment for submission to the Secretary of Commerce in an 8 to 5 split vote during its September 2008 meeting.  The National Marine Fisheries Service is seeking public comment on Amendment 16 as part of the review process.  A copy of Amendment 16 is available in the "Library" section of this web site. 

Notice of Availablity:  Comments may be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service until February 23, 2009.  For more information, read NOAA Fisheries' Fishery Bulletin (December 30, 2008).  Federal Register Notice

Proposed Rule: Comments may be submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service until March 9, 2009.  For more information, read NOAA Fisheries' Fishery Bulletin.   Federal Register Notice

Control Dates for Commercial Fisheries

Black Sea Bass Pot Fishery - A revised Control Date of December 4, 2008 has been proposed for the commercial black sea bass pot fishery.  See Fishery Bulletin.  Comments are due to the National Marine Fisheries Service by March 23, 2009.

Golden Tilefish Fishery - A control date of December 4, 2008 has been proposed for the commercial golden tilefish fishery.  See Fishery Bulletin.  Comments are due to the National Marine Fisheries Service by March 23, 2009.