January 18, 2017 — 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. Working at the grass roots level, advisory panel members provide information and guidance in the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans. The Council has twelve 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, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), scientists, 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 positions:
Habitat Advisory Panel
- (1) North Carolina Recreational Seat
- (1) At-Large Research Seat
Information & Education Advisory Panel
- (3) Open Seats
Law Enforcement Advisory Panel
- (1) Open Commercial Seat
Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel
- (2) Open Seats; (1) NGO Seat; and (1) Florida Seat for the Cobia Sub-panel
Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
- (2) North Carolina Open Seats; (4) Florida Open Seats; and (1) Consumer Representative
SEDAR Pool Advisory Panel (Pool)*
- Open Seats
*Applicants appointed to the Southeast Data, Assessment and Review (SEDAR) Pool are eligible to serve on species-specific panels for future stock assessments.
Advisory Panel Applicants
If you are interested in serving as a member on the Council’s advisory panels, please contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, at kim.iverson@safmc.net or call the Council office at 843/571-4366 (Toll Free 866/SAFMC-10). Application forms are available from the Council office and may also be downloaded from the “Advisory Panel” page of the Council’s website at www.safmc.net
Applications should be mailed to Kim Iverson, South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, North Charleston, SC 29405 or submitted via email to the above address.
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 members will be selected during the Council’s March 6 -10, 2017 meeting in Jekyll Island, Georgia. Advisory panel applications must be received by February 10, 2017 for consideration by the Council during the March meeting.