South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
South Atlantic Update Newsletter
A Quarterly Publication of the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council
Fall 2020
On Point - The Council Chair's Perspective
Newly-elected Council Chair Mel Bell takes an opportunity to introduce himself, including his dual careers in both the Navy and with the SC Department of Natural Resources, and talks candidly about the challenges of working through the pandemic. Read more
Further Reductions in Harvest Anticipated for Red Porgy
For the past three decades the Red Porgy stock has presented challenges to fisheries managers. A recent assessment shows the stock continues to be overfished and undergoing overfishing, as recruitment levels remain lower than projected. Read more
MyFishCount Recreational Reporting Project Transitions to New Home
Users of MyFishCount won't likely notice the change in reporting, but the voluntary recreational electronic reporting program is moving to a new home! Learn more about the MyFishCount transition to Angler Action Foundation and how you can help improve recreational reporting!
From the Executive Director's Desk
In his first year as the Council's Executive Director, John Carmichael reflects on 2020 and how the Council, its Scientific and Statistical Committee, advisory panel members, staff and partners have all rallied to keep business moving in a virtual world. Read more
December 7-10, 2020 Council Meeting Highlights
The Council will once again meet via webinar for its quarterly December meeting. Management measures for several species will be addressed in addition to the Council's Citizen Science Program. Public comment will be taken during the meeting and an online public comment form is available.
AFS Symposium Highlights Utility of Citizen Science in Fisheries Data Collection
How can citizen science projects provide data that will improve stock assessments and management? This was one of the questions addressed as presenters from across the country shared during a citizen science focused symposium, co-sponsored by the Council's Citizen Science Program at this year's annual American Fisheries Society meeting. Learn more
Snippets

  • FISHstory Citizen Science Project Continues to Receive Recognition - The Council's Citizen Science Project FISHstory, a crowd source project using historic fishing photos, is growing as stories are spread far and wide! Check out these recent postings:
  • Discover Magazine
  • SciStarter Blog
  • Featured in the 2020 Into the Zooniverse book highlighting the program's top projects
  • Stay tuned as Seven Seas Media features an article in its December 2020 online issue.

  • Fish for Greater Amberjack? – Join Sea Grant as they host upcoming listening sessions in December to get input from recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood industry representatives, and others. It's all part of the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Greater Amberjack Research Program. Register online and get involved in the future of GAJ.

  • Law Enforcement @ Work– Federal agents are investigating the deaths of six critically endangered smalltooth sawfish in Everglades City, Florida. NOAA Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward up to $20,000 for information.

  • Meet the Ebony Anglers, Five Black Women Catching Fish and Stares - Check out this feature in the New York Times as these lady anglers from North Carolina rock the tournament world!

  • Study Finds Some Sport Fish are Caught Repeatedly - Which Could Throw Off Population Estimates – a recent study from researchers at NC State University shows that for some species such as Black Sea Bass, Gray Triggerfish, and Red Grouper, survival was significantly higher after multiple releases. Read More

  • Are Black Sea Bass Sensitive to Ocean Noise? - Scientists looking at the effects of underwater pile driving and construction noise on sea life have found that Black Sea Bass can hear these sounds. Their study is the first to look at the impact of ocean noise on this fish.

  • Annual NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest - The clock is ticking as the deadline approaches for this annual art contest for students K-8 to help raise awareness about marine debris. Submit your artwork by December 15, 2020. A little too old to enter? Download your FREE 2021 Marine Debris Calendar by visiting the website!