Fishery Council Schedules Another Routine Meeting
Published Date: 5/21/2026
Notice
Summary
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is meeting June 8-12, 2026, in St. Augustine, FL, and online to discuss important fishery rules affecting fishermen, businesses, and ocean lovers. They’ll review fishing limits, appoint experts, and hear public comments, which can be sent from May 22 through June 12. These decisions could impact fishing seasons, catch limits, and local economies along the South Atlantic coast.
Analyzed Economic Effects
9 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 8 mixed.
Council Decisions Could Change Seasons
From June 8–12, 2026 the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council will consider rules that could change fishing seasons, catch limits, and local economies along the South Atlantic coast. If adopted later, those decisions could affect fishermen and fishing-dependent businesses in the region.
Headboat Vessel Limit Changes Under Review
The Council will review Regulatory Amendment 38, which addresses headboat vessel limits for snapper-grouper species during its June 9–11, 2026 committee meetings. Any changes could affect headboat operators and the number of fish they can land or sell.
Sunsetting of Spawning Protection Zones Discussed
The Council will consider Regulatory Amendment 39 about sunsetting Spawning Special Management Zones for snapper-grouper species during the June 9–11, 2026 meetings. Changes to these zone rules could alter where and when fishing is allowed.
Possible Reopening of Nearshore Areas
Regulatory Amendment 40 will be discussed to consider re-opening nearshore seasonal closed areas to on-demand Black Sea Bass pot gear and to modify pot gear trip limits. Discussion occurs June 9–11, 2026. If adopted later, these changes could affect pot-gear fishermen's ability to fish in nearshore areas.
Wreckfish ITQ Program Review Underway
The Council will review an outline and progress on the Wreckfish Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Program Review during the Snapper Grouper Committee meetings on June 9–11, 2026. Outcomes of the review could affect quota holders and how wreckfish quota is allocated or transferred.
Vermilion Snapper Sector Allocation Review
The Council will review a draft report on sector allocations for Vermilion Snapper and may consider approving it for public hearings during the June 9–11, 2026 sessions. Changes to sector allocations could shift catch share between commercial and recreational sectors.
Dolphin/Wahoo Management Measures Considered
On June 11, 2026 the Dolphin Wahoo Committee will review the Dolphin Management Strategy Evaluation (MSE) and discuss measures that may be considered in Regulatory Amendment 3 to the Dolphin and Wahoo Fishery Management Plan. Future measures could affect fishing practices and limits for dolphin and wahoo fishermen.
Return 'Em Right Program Expansion Planned
The Outreach and Communications Committee will receive a presentation on expanding the Return 'Em Right Program to the South Atlantic on June 11, 2026. This outreach program expansion could affect recreational anglers by promoting best practices for releasing fish.
Exempted Fishing Permit Applications Reviewed
The Snapper Grouper Committee will receive updates on Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) applications during the June 9–11, 2026 meetings. EFPs can allow experimental or research fishing activities that affect participants who apply for or operate under those permits.
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