The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, responsible for the management of fishery resources in federal waters off the coast of South Atlantic states, including North Carolina, have begun a new initiative to gain input for fisheries stakeholders. Lines of Communication: Conversations with the Council, or simply “Lines,” is a new Council initiative aimed toward building relationships with fisheries stakeholders and providing an opportunity for mutual sharing of information. Unlike other outreach efforts and public comment opportunities, Lines allows attendees to actively discuss their perspectives with local Council members, Council staff, and other fishery participants.
Lines will be held in-person throughout the South Atlantic, with discussions being held in North Carolina the first week of February 2026. “Unlike formal public comment sessions, these meetings are designed to allow an exchange of information,” explained Trish Murphey, North Carolina representative and current Council Chair. “We encourage participants to bring their concerns and observations and in turn, learn more about the federal fisheries management process, current issues, and build lasting relationships with local Council members.”
Learn more about the Lines of Communication: Conversations with the Council, including details on what to expect during the meetings and expected outcomes, by visiting the Council’s website: https://safmc.net/lines-of-communication-meetings/.
Meeting date Morehead City – Feb 3 meeting runs from 6:00p – 8:00p.
Location: NC DMF Central District Office.