A series of port meetings continues in July and August, providing a unique opportunity for fishermen and others interested in the King Mackerel and Spanish Mackerel fisheries to share their perspectives and vision for the future. The port meetings are being hosted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and state partners along the Atlantic coast in 2024. Meetings were held in North Carolina in April, New England in May, and New York in June.
“These are not public hearings,” explained Council Chair Dr. Carolyn Belcher. “These port meetings are more than public comment opportunities. They are designed to gain a better understanding of the impacts of things like climate change and shift in fisheries on communities, consider interjurisdictional management, and discuss ways to maintain long-term sustainability of stocks.”
Attendees at the port meetings will have the chance to actively discuss their perspectives with other fishery participants and local Council members. The informal meetings allow stakeholders to share their insights and help determine the future of these fisheries. A complete list of the Council’s goals and objectives for the meetings is available from the Council’s website.
Upcoming Port Meetings
Note: All meetings will be held from 6-8pm
Tuesday, July 30
National Museum of the Mighty 8th Air Force
175 Bourne Avenue
Pooler, GA
Thursday, August 1
Sapelo Saltwater Fishing Club
3576 Old Shellman Road
Townsend, GA
Wednesday, August 7
Murrells Inlet Community Center
4462 Murrells Inlet Road
Murrells Inlet, SC
Thursday, August 8
SC Department of Natural Resources
Outdoor Classroom
217 Ft. Johnson Road
Charleston, SC
Persons interested in attending a port meeting are encouraged to sign up using the online form. Port meeting flyers are also available for those wishing to help promote the port meetings in their area. Additional port meetings will be scheduled in Florida and the Mid-Atlantic region throughout the remainder of 2024.
Questions? Contact Christina Wiegand at [email protected] or 843-571-4366.
