Despite what we often hear, both the South Atlantic Fishery Management and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Councils were created to conserve and manage our country’s marine species and their habitats. Formed by congress in 1976, the Magnuson Act extended jurisdiction of fisheries offshore to 200 miles. This created a new form of regional government by establishing eight fishery management councils.

In 1996, the Sustainable Fisheries Act (renamed the Magnuson-Stevens Act) became law to protect marine species through efforts to prevent and stop over fishing, minimize by catch and protect habitat. In early 2007, the reauthorization of this law, now the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Act, mandated the establishment of Annual Catch Shares, and Accountable Measures to end overfishing. It also allowed the use of limited access privilege programs.

The primary function of these councils is to prepare fishery management plans and plan amendments for fisheries that require conservation and management in their region.

What this means to the average angler is directly attached to their perception of government. It could mean more red tape or better managed fish.

The important part of this process is each council’s encouragement of public participation and the many ways in which you can share your opinion and get involved.

To learn more the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, visit www.safmc.net and www.gulfcouncil.org.