SAFMC has planned a series of public hearings spanning Nov. 13 to Dec. 3 to hear open discussion concerning Amendments 15A and 15B.

Amendment 15A concentrates on rebuilding snowy grouper, black sea bass and red porgy stocks. New regulations are vital to prevent the current overfishing of each species, and also make sure the species are viable for future economic dollars. From 2001 to 2005, snowy grouper, red porgy and black sea bass represented an average of 21% of the total annual commercial landings of snapper and grouper in the South Atlantic, valued at $7.73 million.

Amendment 15B has a smorgasbord of elements. Discussion topics include actions to prohibit the sale of recreationally caught snapper and grouper species, reduce the effects of incidental hooking on sea turtles and smalltooth sawfish, change the commercial permit renewal period and transferability requirements, implement a plan to monitor and assess bycatch and establish management reference points. “Establish management reference points” is science-speak for finding the best balance between harvesting fish for sale and sustaining the stock. Maximum Sustainable Yield and Optimum Yield for tilefish is an example.

Amendment 15B will also establish allocations between commercial and recreational fishermen for snowy grouper and red porgy. Written comments for Amendments15A are being accepted by the Council until 5:00 pm, December 3, and written comments for 15B are due by 5:00 p.m. on January 11. For more information, visit www.safmc.net. Below are the hearing locations, most of which begin at 6 p.m.

November 13, 2007
Sombrero Cay Club
19 Sombrero Boulevard
Marathon, FL 33050
Phone: 305-743-2250

November 14, 2007
Sheraton Yankee Clipper Hotel
1140 Seabreeze Boulevard (A1A)
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Phone: 954-524-5551

November 15, 2007
Radisson Resort at the Port
8701 Astronaut Boulevard
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
Phone: 321-784-0000

November 16, 2007
Comfort Inn Oceanfront
1515 North 1st Street
Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Phone: 904-241-2311

November 27, 2007
Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum
175 Bourne Avenue
Pooler, GA 31322
Phone: 912-748-8888

November 28, 2007
Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Airport
5265 International Boulevard
North Charleston, SC 29418
Phone: 843-308-9330

November 28, 2007
Avista Resort
300 N. Ocean Boulevard
North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Phone: 843-249-2521

November 29, 2007
Shell Island Resort
2700 Lumina Avenue
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480
Phone: 910-256-0418

November 30, 2007
NC Aquarium on Roanoke Island
374 Airport Road
Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: 252-473-3494

December 3, 2007 (Begins at 7:00 p.m.)
Sheraton Atlantic Beach
2717 W. Fort Macon Road
Atlantic Beach, NC 28512