SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public hearing documents, an online public comment form, and other materials will be posted to the Council's website at safmc.net/​events/​nov-2026-public-hearings-snapper-grouper-regulatory-amendment-39/​ as they become available. Written comments should be addressed to John Carmichael, Executive Director, SAFMC, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, N Charleston, SC 29405. Written comments must be received by 5 p.m. November 13, 2026. During the hearings Council staff will provide an overview of actions being considered in the amendment. Staff will answer clarifying questions on the presented information and the proposed actions. Following the presentation and questions, the public will have the opportunity to provide comments on the amendment.

Regulatory Amendment 39 (Sunsetting of the Spawning Special Management Zones)

In 2016, Amendment 36 established five spawning special management zones (SSMZs): South Cape Lookout, North Carolina; Georgetown/Devil's Hole, Area 51 and Area 53, South Carolina; and Warsaw Hole, Florida. The goal of these areas was to protect spawning fish and their habitat. Three of the SSMZs, South Cape Lookout, Georgetown/Devil's Hole, and Warsaw Hole had a sunset provision on the regulations put in place through this amendment. The sunset provision allowed 10 years to conduct research and monitoring in the SSMZs to determine if they provided protection for spawning fish. The Council is now considering extending the sunset provision for an additional 10 years to allow more time for additional research and monitoring.

Special Accommodations

These meetings are physically accessible to people with disabilities. Requests for auxiliary aids should be directed to the council office (see ADDRESSES ) 5 days prior to the meeting.

Note:

The times and sequence specified in this agenda are subject to change.

(Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.)