South Atlantic Fishery Management Council to host Port Meetings on king and Spanish mackerel fisheries

Brunswick, Ga.

Port Mackerel Meetings

UPDATE (July 29, 2024): Due to extenuating circumstances, the Mackerel Port Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 30 at the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force in Pooler, Ga., has been cancelled.

Additional King and Mackerel Port Meetings will be held as scheduled, including a meeting in Townsend, Ga., on Aug. 1. Persons planning to attend the meeting in Pooler are encouraged to attend the Townsend meeting at the Sapelo Saltwater Fishing Club on Aug. 1 at 6 p.m.

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE:

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is set to host a series of port meetings along the Atlantic coast throughout 2024. These meetings aim to gather vital information on the Atlantic king and Spanish mackerel fisheries, in response to requests from the Council’s Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel (AP). Two meetings are being held in Georgia.

The AP emphasized the need for a focused examination of these fisheries, particularly as changing environmental conditions impact fishery dynamics. In light of this, the Council is providing an interactive platform where fishery participants can discuss their perspectives directly with local Council members and other stakeholders.

Goals and Objectives of the Port Meetings

The port meetings will address several key objectives:

  • Evaluate current goals and objectives of the Coastal Migratory Pelagics Fishery Management Plan.
  • Achieve the maximum economic and social yield from the fishery.
  • Maintain the long-term sustainability of stocks.
  • Maintain the integrity of fishing communities under climate change.
  • Achieve the most equitable management structure under climate change.
  • Identify underserved communities and equity and environmental justice concerns.
  • Consider inter-jurisdictional management and cooperation with other councils and commissions.

Upcoming Port Meetings

Pooler, Ga. [CANCELLED]

  • Date: Tuesday, July 30, 2024
  • Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Location: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, 175 Bourne Ave, Pooler, GA 31322

Townsend, Ga.

  • Date: Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024
  • Time: 6pm to 8pm
  • Location: Sapelo Saltwater Fishing Club, 3576 Old Shellman Rd, Townsend, GA 31331

Importance of Stakeholder Input

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council recognizes that stakeholder input is crucial for effective management of these fisheries. These port meetings provide a unique opportunity for stakeholders involved in the king and Spanish mackerel fisheries to share their insights and contribute to shaping the future of these important fisheries.

For more information, please contact:

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Click here for more information on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council's website.

To Register

Please click here to register for the Port Mackerel Meetings.