Fishermen in North Carolina are being invited to participate in a series of meetings aimed at improving communication between stakeholders and federal fisheries managers. The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Marine Fisheries is encouraging attendance at four upcoming “Lines of Communication” meetings, which are part of a new initiative by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
According to the department, “Lines of Communication is a new council initiative to build relationships with fisheries stakeholders and provide an opportunity for mutual sharing of information. The meetings allow attendees to provide their perspectives with local council members, council staff and other fishery participants. The meetings will be held in-person along the South Atlantic coast.”
The scheduled meetings will take place on February 2 in Winnabow, February 3 in Morehead City, February 4 in Hatteras, and February 5 in Manteo. Each session will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council oversees the conservation and management of fishery resources within federal waters extending from three to two hundred miles off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and eastern Florida. Managed species include dolphin, wahoo, mackerels, snapper, and grouper.
The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality manages the state’s natural resources through several divisions focused on areas such as air quality, water resources, waste management, and coastal protection. It operates regional offices throughout the state to support local oversight and public engagement.
