Saving Sawfish and Manta Rays from Shrimp Traps – Join the Meeting!
Published Date: 3/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is holding a Shrimp Workgroup meeting on March 24, 2026, to find ways to protect smalltooth sawfish and giant manta rays from shrimp fishing gear. Fishermen and ocean lovers will be affected as the group reviews data and plans new rules. The meeting is online, free, and open for public comments, so everyone can join the conversation without spending a dime.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Free public webinar; you can join
You can join the Shrimp Workgroup webinar for free on March 24, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT. Registration is required, briefing materials and an online public comment form will be available two weeks before the meeting at https://safmc.net/workgroups/.
Workgroup may lead to new fishing rules
The Council formed a Shrimp Workgroup to identify ways to reduce interactions of smalltooth sawfish and giant manta rays with the South Atlantic Federal shrimp trawl fishery; fishermen and ocean lovers will be affected as the group reviews data and plans recommendations. The workgroup will review existing data and policies and discuss information needed to develop recommendations.
Accessibility: accommodations available
The meeting is physically accessible to people with disabilities; you can request auxiliary aid by contacting the council office at least 5 days before the meeting. This helps ensure people with disabilities can participate in the webinar and comment process.
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