Listening Session for Shrimp Fishery Management – | Outdoor Alabama

Report on Public Consultation for Sustainable Shrimp Fishery Management Plan

Introduction

The Marine Resources Division (MRD) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) has scheduled public listening sessions to inform the development of a new shrimp fishery management plan. This initiative is a critical step towards aligning local resource management with global sustainability targets, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The primary objective is to gather stakeholder and public feedback on proposed goals for the fishery, ensuring the plan promotes both ecological integrity and economic stability.

Event Details and Objectives

The public consultation is designed to foster a collaborative approach to resource management, a core principle of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). MRD staff will present the initial framework, after which attendees will have multiple opportunities to provide comments and suggest additions.

1. Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025
2. Time: 12:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
3. Location: Gulf Shores Activity Center, 260 Clubhouse Dr., Gulf Shores, AL 36542

The session’s purpose is to ensure the final management plan is comprehensive, effective, and reflects the priorities of the community it serves, directly supporting sustainable development.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The development of this fishery management plan is fundamentally linked to several key SDGs:

• SDG 14: Life Below Water: The plan’s central aim is to conserve and sustainably use marine resources. By establishing science-based management practices, the MRD seeks to prevent overfishing, protect marine ecosystems, and ensure the long-term health of shrimp populations, directly addressing Target 14.4 on regulating harvesting.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: A sustainably managed fishery is essential for the long-term economic viability of the Alabama shrimping industry. This plan will support sustained, inclusive economic growth by ensuring the resource base remains productive for current and future generations of fishers.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The initiative promotes sustainable production patterns within the seafood industry. A well-managed fishery is the first step in a supply chain that provides responsibly sourced seafood to consumers.

Contact and Accommodations

For additional information regarding the listening sessions, or to request accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact:

• Name: John Mareska, Marine Resources Division
• Email: john.mareska@dcnr.alabama.gov
• Phone: (251) 968-9737

It is requested that accommodation requests be made at least two days prior to the scheduled meeting to ensure availability.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water

   • The article directly relates to SDG 14 as it focuses on the development of a “new shrimp fishery management plan.” This initiative is a core component of conserving and sustainably using marine resources. The goal of such a plan is to ensure the long-term health of the shrimp population and the marine ecosystem it inhabits, which aligns with the overall objective of SDG 14.

2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • The process described in the article connects to SDG 16. The Marine Resources Division (MRD) is actively creating an inclusive and participatory process by hosting “listening sessions” to “gather feedback” from the public and industry stakeholders. This demonstrates a commitment to responsive and representative decision-making by a public institution (ADCNR), which is a key aspect of building effective and accountable institutions at all levels.

3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The article touches upon SDG 10 by explicitly mentioning the provision of accommodations for individuals with disabilities. The statement, “if Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations are needed, please contact John Mareska,” shows a conscious effort to ensure that the public participation process is accessible to all, thereby promoting social inclusion and reducing potential inequalities in access to decision-making processes.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 14.4: Effectively regulate harvesting and implement science-based management plans

   • The article’s central theme is the development of a “new shrimp fishery management plan.” This directly corresponds to the part of Target 14.4 that calls for the implementation of “science-based management plans” to “effectively regulate harvesting” and restore fish stocks to sustainable levels. The listening sessions are a foundational step in creating such a plan.

2. Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels

   • This target is identified through the methodology the MRD is using. By organizing two “listening sessions” and inviting both the “Alabama shrimping industry and the general public” to “comment on the proposals and suggest additional goals,” the MRD is actively ensuring that its decision-making process is inclusive and participatory.

3. Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of… disability

   • The specific provision for “Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations” directly addresses this target. It is a concrete action to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities in a public, political process (providing feedback on government policy), ensuring they are not excluded from participating.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Indicator for Target 14.4

   • The primary indicator implied in the article is the development and eventual implementation of the new shrimp fishery management plan. The article states the plan is “currently in development,” making its completion a measurable milestone toward this target.

2. Indicators for Target 16.7

   • The article implies several process-based indicators. These include the number of public listening sessions held (two are announced), the establishment of formal “public comment periods” within these sessions, and the level of participation from different stakeholder groups (the shrimping industry and the general public).

3. Indicator for Target 10.2

   • A direct indicator mentioned is the availability and provision of accommodations for people with disabilities. The article provides a contact person for arranging these accommodations, making the commitment to inclusivity measurable and actionable.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: outdooralabama.com