Members of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council meet four times each year, once in each of the four states in the southeast region.  Meetings generally last five days and involve meetings of the Council's committees and a Council session involving all members.  Advisory panels meetings, public hearings, and public comment sessions may also be scheduled during the week.

Before final action on any management proposal is taken, the Council involves the public through public hearings and input at Council meetings.  Proposed management changes are then sent to NOAA's National Marine Fisherie's Service for further review, public comment, and approval before being implemented.

Meeting weeks are consistently held the first week of March (Georgia), the second week of June (Florida), the third week of September (South Carolina), and the first week of December (North Carolina).  The Council's Scientific and Statistical Committee meets in conjuction with the June and September meetings.  Except for designated closed sessions, the public is invited to attend all meetings.

Click on the meeting date links below for additional information regarding meeting locations, agendas, and briefing book materials. NOTE: The briefing book materials contain the latest versions of the Council's Amendments as they're being developed.

Download Council 2012 Meeting Schedule (pdf)