Public Hearings Scheduled for Black Sea Bass, Red Grouper and Wreckfish Fisheries

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will hold a series of seven public hearings beginning Monday, November 14, 2011 to solicit public input on management measures impacting federal fisheries for black sea bass, red grouper and wreckfish. Amendments are being developed to the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Plan in order to: address overcapacity in the commercial black sea bass pot fishery and reduce the rate of harvest (in both recreational and commercial sectors) to help extend the fishing season; end overfishing and rebuild the red grouper stock; and address the current Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) program for wreckfish.

Written comments on proposed measures will be accepted until November 21, 2011.

Additional information, including a schedule, public hearing documents and instuctions for submitting comments, is available on the Council's website.