January 19, 2018 — CHARLESTON, S.C. — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council is currently soliciting applicants for open advisory panel seats as well as positions to serve on a newly formed workgroup to address future needs of managed areas in federal waters in the South Atlantic. The Council’s advisory panel members provide information and guidance in the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans. The Council has 13 advisory panels composed of individuals who are engaged in the harvest of managed species, or are knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of the fishery or managed species. Members include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, scientists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as environmental groups, fishing organizations, etc., and concerned citizens.
Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council and serve for a three-year period, based on the frequency of meetings. As those appointments expire, members currently serving on the AP may reapply for their positions. These seats also become open to new applicants. Members may serve for three consecutive terms before reaching their term limit. AP members generally meet no more than once or twice each year and are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for all meetings. Applications are now being solicited for the following advisory panel positions:
System Management Plan Workgroup Positions
The Council is also soliciting applicants to serve on its System Management Plan (SMP) Workgroup. This newly formed workgroup will provide recommendations on managed areas in federal waters under the Council’s jurisdiction. The Council currently has system management plans in place for Deepwater Marine Protected Areas, Spawning Special Management Zones, and the Oculina Experimental Closed Area. Additional areas will be added, with the goal to eventually have a single system management plan in place for all managed areas.
The System Management Plan Workgroup will be responsible for drafting reports on the recommendations for size, configuration, and regulations for managed areas; discussing research, outreach, and enforcement efforts; and commenting on research priorities. The workgroup will meet two times per year. Travel and per diem expenses will be covered if in-person meetings are held.
The Council is soliciting applicants for the following positions on the System Management Plan Workgroup:
Advisory Panel and Workgroup Applicants
Application forms for individual advisory panels and the SMP Workgroup are available online from the Council’s website at: http://safmc.net/about-safmc/advisory-panels/. For questions about the advisory panel seats please contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, at Kim.Iverson@safmc.net or call the Council office at 843/571-4366. Questions regarding the SMP Workgroup should be directed to Dr. Chip Collier at chip.collier@safmc.net or by calling the Council office.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact area Council representatives to discuss their interest in serving. Contact information for all Council members is available from the “About Us” section of the Council’s website at www.safmc.net or through the Council office.
Advisory panel and workgroup members will be selected during the Council’s March 5 -9, 2018 meeting in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Applications must be received by February 9, 2018 for consideration by the Council during the March meeting.
To view the release from the SAFMC in its entirety click here.