The Gulf of Mexico will host a Coral Stakeholder Engagement Meeting in Louisiana to educate fishermen using bottom contacting gear on the importance of deep-water coral reef habitats, and to gather input on potential coral protection mechanisms and proposed areas that may warrant Habitat Area of Particular concern designation.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. local time with a brief presentation on deep-water corals. Staff will then describe proposed protections on priority areas that have been identified by the Council’s scientific and fishermen advisors. The proposed expansion of the Flower Garden Sanctuary will be included in the presentation. Finally, staff will take comments to gather local knowledge on deep-water coral areas and discuss any unintended consequences that may occur as a result of management action.

Monday, September 26, 2016 

Courtyard Marriott
142 Library Drive
Houma, Louisiana
(985)223-8996

Click here to submit comments online:

http://gulfcouncil.org/council_meetings/comment_forms/Deep%20Sea%20Coral%20Amendment%205.php