Weekly Update: August 31, 2026
Upcoming Meetings This Week
Sea Mullet (Kingfishes) Scoping Meetings
The NC Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) will hold a scoping period from Sept. 1 to 30, to provide fishermen and other stakeholders an opportunity to share ideas on potential management strategies and to discuss priorities for the scheduled 5-year review of the N.C. Kingfishes Fishery Management Plan (FMP). Two scoping meetings will be held Sept. 3 and Sept. 17.
There are three species of Kingfishes, commonly called sea mullet or whiting, found in North Carolina waters: Southern, Gulf and Northern. All three species are managed collectively under the Kingfishes FMP.
DMF will consider input gathered during the scoping period to determine if management changes should be considered. If changes are identified, the division will draft an Amendment to the FMP. If no changes are identified, the division may develop an information update that maintains current management.
Beginning Sept. 1, the public may provide input in writing or at either of the two meetings. More information — including a scoping document with background information, links to the livestream and public comment forms — will be made available closer to the opening of the scoping period.
Thursday September 3, 2026
6pm-8pm
DMF Central District Office
5285 Highway 70 West
Morehead City, NC 28557
This meeting will also be livestreamed.
A listening location will be available at:
DMF Manteo Field Office
1021 Driftwood Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Thursday, September 17, 2026
6pm-8pm
DMF Wilmington Regional Office
127 Cardinal Drive Extension
Wilmington, NC 28405
This meeting will be in-person only.
SAFMC Snapper/Grouper Amendment 60 Public Hearing
The South Atlantic Fisheries Management Council (SAFMC) is holding a scoping webinar meeting Monday, August 31st for Amendment 60, Commercial Snapper/Grouper 1 Permit and Trip Efficiency.
Purpose of Amendment 60:
The amendment has two main objectives:
- To address issues related to the commercial Snapper Grouper Unlimited (SG 1) permit.
- To increase commercial trip efficiency.
Action Summary:
- Revise the 2-for-1 snapper grouper commercial unlimited permit policy;
- Establish dynamic (step-down) trip limits;
- Revise existing stowage requirements for gear on board.
Monday, August 31st, 2026
6pm-8pm
Click Here to Register for Webinar
Snapper Grouper Amendment 60 Website
ASMFC Spot Stock Assessment Subcommittee
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is hosting a check-in call for the Spot Stock Assessment Subcommittee to review progress on tasks for the benchmark assessment. The public is welcome to listen in, but there will be limited opportunity to provide comments during the call/webinar.
Monday, August 31st, 2026
9am-11am
Click Here to Join Spot Stock Assessment Meeting
Thursday, September 3rd, 2026
1pm-3pm
Click Here to Join Spot Stock Assessment Meeting
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please reach out.
Thomas Newman
Fisheries Liaison
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