📝 S.A.F.E. SUBMITS COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC INPUT TO SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

September 22, 2022 - S.A.F.E. has submitted extensive public comments to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC), providing detailed recommendations on multiple fishery management issues affecting Southeast coastal communities. The submission represents months of research, member input, and scientific analysis aimed at ensuring sustainable fisheries for future generations.

🏛️ ABOUT THE SOUTH ATLANTIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

📋 S.A.F.E.‘S PUBLIC INPUT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS

1. 🐟 DOLPHIN-WAHOO FISHERY MANAGEMENT

Current Crisis: As documented in our previous reports, the dolphin (mahi-mahi) fishery is experiencing dramatic declines.

Our Recommendations:

• 🏭 Immediate commercial trip limits: 3,000-pound daily maximum
• 🎣 Reduced recreational vessel limit: 30 fish (down from 60)
• 📊 Real-time monitoring: Mandatory reporting for all sectors
• 🔬 Emergency stock assessment: Funded within 90 days
• 🌊 Ecosystem considerations: Account for climate change impacts

Scientific Basis:

• 📉 60% decline in recreational catches (2017-2022)
• 🐟 Loss of breeding stock: “Slammer” dolphin virtually absent
• 💰 Economic impacts: Charter businesses suffering
• 👥 Social impacts: Angler frustration at record levels

2. 🎣 SNAPPER-GROUPER COMPLEX AMENDMENTS

Background: The snapper-grouper complex includes over 73 species managed under a single Fishery Management Plan.

Our Recommendations:

Red Snapper Management:

• 📊 Improved data collection: Enhanced reporting requirements
• 🎯 Science-based seasons: Rather than fixed calendar dates
• 🤝 Sector allocation: Fair distribution between recreational and commercial
• 🌊 Habitat protection: Essential fish habitat designations

Gag Grouper Conservation:

• 🐟 Spawning aggregations: Seasonal protections
• 📏 Size limits: Protection of large breeding females
• 🎣 Gear restrictions: Circle hook requirements
• 📊 Stock assessment: Accelerated timeline

Multi-Species Considerations:

• 🔄 Ecosystem approach: Consider predator-prey relationships
• 🌡️ Climate adaptation: Management that accounts for warming waters
• 💰 Economic analysis: Impact assessments for all proposed measures
• 👥 Stakeholder process: Meaningful public involvement

3. 🦈 SHARK CONSERVATION MEASURES

Background: Several shark species are experiencing population declines.

Our Recommendations:

• 🦈 Prohibit finning: Complete ban on shark finning
• 🎣 Circle hook requirements: For all shark fishing
• 📏 Size limits: Protection of juvenile and breeding sharks
• 📊 Improved data: Better species-specific reporting
• 🔬 Research funding: For population studies

4. 🦀 SHRIMP FISHERY SUSTAINABILITY

Background: Shrimp trawling can impact bycatch species.

Our Recommendations:

• 🎯 Bycatch reduction devices: Mandatory use and improvement
• 🌊 Habitat protection: Avoidance of essential fish habitat
• 📊 Turtle excluder devices: Enhanced design requirements
• 💰 Economic support: For gear modification costs
• 🔬 Research collaboration: Industry-scientist partnerships

📊 THE PUBLIC INPUT PROCESS

HOW PUBLIC COMMENTS WORK

1. 📅 Council announces proposed actions or amendments
2. 📝 Public comment period opens (typically 30-90 days)
3. 🤝 Stakeholders submit written comments, attend hearings
4. 👥 Council staff review and summarize all input
5. 🏛️ Council considers public comments in decision-making
6. 📜 Final regulations developed and implemented

WHY PUBLIC INPUT MATTERS

• 🗣️ Ensures diverse perspectives are considered
• 🔬 Brings local knowledge to scientific management
• 💰 Highlights economic impacts on communities
• 🌊 Connects managers with on-the-water realities
• ⚖️ Provides democratic oversight of resource management

S.A.F.E.‘S APPROACH TO PUBLIC COMMENTS

• 🔬 Science-based: Grounded in data and research
• 🤝 Collaborative: Seeks common ground among stakeholders
• 📊 Data-driven: Provides specific numbers and metrics
• 🎯 Solution-oriented: Offers practical recommendations
• 👥 Representative: Incorporates member perspectives

📈 DATA AND EVIDENCE PROVIDED

FISHING COMMUNITY SURVEYS

S.A.F.E. conducted surveys of our membership to gather data on:

• 🎣 Catch rates and trends over past 5 years
• 💰 Economic impacts of proposed regulations
• 👥 Social concerns about fishery access
• 🌊 Environmental observations from the water
• 🔬 Scientific data collected by anglers

ECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS

Our submission included analysis of:

• 💵 Direct economic value of affected fisheries
• 👥 Employment impacts in coastal communities
• 🚤 Marine industry effects on manufacturers and dealers
• 🏆 Tournament economics and community benefits
• 🏠 Property values tied to fishing access

SCIENTIFIC REFERENCES

We cited numerous scientific studies including:

• 📊 Stock assessment reports from NOAA Fisheries
• 🔬 Peer-reviewed research on fish populations
• 🌡️ Climate change impacts on marine species
• 🔄 Ecosystem modeling of predator-prey relationships
• 🎣 Fishery-dependent data from state agencies

🤝 COLLABORATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

COALITION BUILDING

S.A.F.E. coordinated with other organizations to ensure consistent messaging:

• 🎣 Recreational fishing groups: IGFA, CCA, ASA
• 🌊 Conservation organizations: Ocean Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy
• 🏭 Commercial fishing representatives: Responsible industry groups
• 💰 Business associations: Chambers of commerce, tourism boards
• 🏛️ Local governments: Coastal county commissions

JOINT RECOMMENDATIONS

Where possible, we aligned our recommendations with:

• 🔬 Scientific consensus from marine biologists
• 🎣 Practical realities of fishing operations
• 💰 Economic feasibility for affected businesses
• ⚖️ Legal requirements under Magnuson-Stevens Act
• 🌊 Ecological necessity for sustainable fisheries

🎯 EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND NEXT STEPS

COUNCIL RESPONSE TIMELINE

• 📅 September 2022: Public comment period closes
• 📊 October 2022: Council staff summarize all input
• 🏛️ November 2022: Council discusses at quarterly meeting
• 📜 December 2022 - January 2023: Draft regulations developed
• 🎣 Spring 2023: Possible implementation of some measures

MONITORING AND FOLLOW-UP

S.A.F.E. will:

• 📊 Track council decisions on our recommendations
• 🗣️ Provide additional testimony as needed
• 🔬 Monitor implementation of adopted measures
• 📈 Evaluate effectiveness of new regulations
• 🤝 Continue engagement in ongoing processes

LONG-TERM ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

• 📅 Regular submissions on all relevant amendments
• 👥 Member mobilization for public hearings
• 📰 Media outreach to highlight key issues
• 🤝 Coalition maintenance with partner organizations
• 🔬 Scientific partnership with research institutions

📄 RESOURCES AND DOCUMENTS

🎯 HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PUBLIC PROCESS

FOR S.A.F.E. MEMBERS:

1. 📧 Stay informed through our action alerts
2. 🗣️ Attend public hearings (virtual options available)
3. 📝 Submit individual comments to supplement organizational input
4. 📊 Provide data from your fishing experiences
5. 🤝 Recruit others to participate in the process

FOR ALL CONCERNED CITIZENS:

1. 📅 Monitor council agendas at safmc.net
2. 📧 Sign up for email updates from SAFMC
3. 🗣️ Speak at public hearings - your voice matters
4. 📝 Write personalized letters to council members
5. 📱 Follow the process on social media

FOR FISHING BUSINESSES:

1. 💰 Provide economic data on regulation impacts
2. 👥 Mobilize employees and customers to participate
3. 🏢 Join business coalitions advocating for sustainable fisheries
4. 📊 Collect and share operational data
5. 🤝 Partner with conservation groups on solutions

🏆 THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

WHY IT MATTERS

Public input in fishery management:

• ⚖️ Ensures democratic governance of public resources
• 🔬 Brings practical knowledge to scientific management
• 💰 Highlights real-world economic impacts
• 🌊 Connects policy with on-the-water reality
• 🤝 Builds trust between managers and stakeholders

SUCCESS STORIES

Past public engagement has led to:

• ✅ Improved regulations based on stakeholder input
• ✅ Better data collection through collaborative programs
• ✅ More effective enforcement with community support
• ✅ Sustainable fisheries through shared stewardship
• ✅ Stronger coastal communities with viable fishing industries

S.A.F.E.‘S COMMITMENT

We believe that:

• 🗣️ Every voice matters in resource management
• 🔬 Good science needs good stakeholder input
• 🤝 Collaboration produces better outcomes than conflict
• 📊 Data from all sources improves management
• 🌊 Sustainable fisheries require engaged communities

S.A.F.E. - South Atlantic Fishing Environmentalists   Ensuring fishermen’s voices are heard where it matters most

Special thanks to all S.A.F.E. members who contributed data, perspectives, and insights to this public input submission. Your participation makes our advocacy stronger and more effective.

🏛️ FINAL THOUGHT: DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

The public input process for fishery management represents democracy in action for natural resources. It’s the mechanism through which:

Citizens influence how public resources are managed   Local knowledge informs scientific decision-making   Economic realities shape regulatory approaches   Future generations’ interests are protected   Sustainable balance is achieved among competing uses

S.A.F.E.’s September 2022 public input submission represents more than just comments on proposed regulations. It represents:

Months of research by our team and members   Years of experience from fishermen on the water   Commitment to science-based conservation   Dedication to sustainable fishing communities   Belief in collaborative problem-solving

The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council now has detailed, evidence-based recommendations from the fishing community. The question is: Will they listen?

As we await the council’s response and decisions, we remain committed to the process. We’ll continue to engage, provide input, advocate for science-based management, and fight for sustainable fisheries.

Because at the end of the day, public input isn’t just about commenting on regulations—it’s about shaping the future of the fisheries we love.

“The most important office in a democracy is the office of citizen. In fishery management, that office is exercised through public comment.”