Public Comment Sought for Sheepshead, Black Sea Bass, and Snapper Grouper Complex and an Informational Meeting on Striped Bass
The North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is proposing changes to sheepshead and striped bass management. Meetings will be held in Morehead City, NC on Tuesday, November 4th at 6pm for sheepshead and in Washington, NC on Wednesday, November 5th at 6:00pm for striped bass. The sheepshead meeting will also have a virtual option for attending and commenting online, the striped bass meeting will be in person only with no listed comment period.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is proposing management changes for black sea bass (south of Cape Hatteras) and changes to the composition of the Snapper Grouper Fishery Management Unit (FMU). There will be two public webinars about black sea bass management changes, Monday, November 3rd and Wednesday, November 12th, with both meetings beginning at 6:00pm. There is no meeting scheduled for changes to the Snapper Grouper FMU, instead public comments will be accepted through November 14th during the scoping period.
Sheepshead
Proactive Sheepshead Management Page
Sheepshead Management Issue Paper
Video on Proposed Sheepshead Management
Register to Attend Sheepshead Meeting Virtually
In person meeting to be held in Morehead City (with a virtual option) Tuesday, November 4th at 6:00pm
Striped Bass
Striped Bass Amendment 2 Information Page
Striped Bass Decision Document
Analysis of Neuse and Pamlico Rivers Striped Bass Data
Video on Striped Bass Amendment 2
It does not look like public comment is being considered on this issue at this time. The main agenda item will be to open a one month season with a one fish limit per person, per day in the upper Neuse and Pamlico Rivers for both commercial and recreational fishermen for 2026.
In person meeting to be held in Washington, NC on Wednesday, November 5th at 6:00pm.
South Atlantic Black Sea Bass (South of Cape Hatteras)
Black Sea Bass (SG Regulatory Amendment 37) Information Page
Black Sea Bass Public Hearing Document
Black Sea Bass Regulatory Amendment 37 Draft Document
Submit Public Comment on Black Sea Bass
Register to Attend One of Two Black Sea Bass Webinars
Snapper Grouper Complex
Snapper Grouper Amendment 61 (Changes to the Complex) Information Page
Snapper Grouper Evaluation of the Fisheries Management Unit
Snapper Grouper Evaluation of the Fisheries Management Unit Revised
Video on Snapper Grouper Amendment 61
Submit Public Comment on Snapper Grouper Amendment 61
I know this is a lot of information in a short update. Please contact me with any question related to these or any other issues of concern. We will provide you with more details about these meetings before next week.
Thomas Newman
Fisheries Liaison