The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, headquartered in Charleston, S.C., is responsible for the conservation and management of fish stocks within the federal 200-mile limit of the Atlantic off the coasts of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and east Florida to Key West. Council members are citizens from each of these southeastern states who are knowledgeable of some aspects of the fisheries. They serve three-year terms and are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce from lists of nominees submitted by the governors of the states. The official responsible for marine fisheries management in each state, as well as the regional director of the National Marine Fisheries Service are also voting members. Non-voting members include representatives of the U.S. Coast Guard, State Department, and Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. Public Participation:
The Council meets four times each year, once in each of the southeastern states. Before final action on any proposed rule change is taken, the Council involves the public through informal public scoping meetings, public hearings and input at Council meetings. Proposed rule changes are then sent to NMFS for further review, public comment and approval before being implemented. In addition, the Council receives input and recommendations from knowledgeable people from other state and federal agencies, universities and members of the public who serve on various committees and panels. These include species-specific Advisory Panels, the Scientific & Statistical Committee and Stock Assessment Panels.
