Saving Seafood

Council Actions

Western Pacific Scientists to Discuss NWHI Fishing Regulations and Longline Fishery Interaction Studies Next Week

November 25, 2022 — The following was released by Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council:

Scientists from throughout the Western Pacific Region will meet Nov. 29 to 30, 2022, to provide advice and comments to the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council on the fishing regulations in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI), fishery interaction studies and analyses with species protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), an assessment of area-based management areas in the United States and other topics. 

The Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet virtually via web conference. The full agenda, background documents and instructions for connecting to the meeting and providing oral public comments are available at www.wpcouncil.org/event/146th-scientific-and-statistical-committee-virtual-meeting.

Fishing Regulations in the NWHI 

At its 193rd meeting in December, the Council will take action on fishing regulations in the NWHI Monument Expansion Area (MEA). Presidential Proclamation 9478 that established the MEA in 2016 authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to manage noncommercial fishing consistent with the overall objectives of the area. The SSC will consider a report from community meetings held in November around the main Hawaiian Islands to gather feedback from the public regarding definitions for subsistence fishing. The SSC may provide the Council with advice and recommendations on refined fishing regulation alternatives.

 

False Killer Whale and Hawai‘i Deep-Set Longline Fishery Interaction Studies

The SSC will discuss outcomes from the FKW Take Reduction Team that met in November 2022 to review implications of the latest FKW interaction studies, assess the effectiveness of the current plan and brainstorm potential modifications to management measures. The Council is a member of the Team, formed under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to reduce impacts to FKWs that are accidentally hooked or entangled in the Hawai‘i deep-set longline fishery. Most FKWs are released alive, but MMPA guidelines assume the animals may become seriously injured if they are released with the hook in the mouth or trailing line. 

 

The Team formed working groups to refine options for gear modifications and handling guidance, and to develop a fighting line/cutter device, among other topics, in preparation for a follow up meeting in March 2023. The SSC may advise the Council on potential management measures considered by the Team in preparation for its next meeting in March 2023.

ESA Section 7 Consultations 

The SSC will review information presented in the final supplemental biological opinions (BiOps) for the Hawai‘i deep-set longline fishery and American Samoa longline fishery covering oceanic whitetip sharks and giant manta rays. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) issues biological opinions to document its determination on how certain actions affect ESA-listed species and designated critical habitat. NMFS concluded these fisheries are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of these two species. The BiOps include measures that require the release of animals caught alive in a manner that minimizes injury and ensures sufficient monitoring and reporting to confirm that the extent of take is not exceeded. The SSC may provide advice to the Council on the BiOp analyses.

 

Area-Based Management Report

The SSC will discuss a report from the Council Coordination Committee Area-Based Management Subcommittee that was tasked with indexing and evaluating existing Fishery Management Council actions throughout the United States. The assessment was meant to quantify the nation’s progress towards the Biden Administration’s goal to conserve 30% of all U.S. lands and waters by 2030 with its existing marine managed areas. The subcommittee found the majority of the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is conserved relative to environmentally adverse fishing activities. Bottom trawling and/or dredging is prohibited in 75% of the EEZ, and all bottom-tending gear and pelagic fishing gear are restricted in 57% and 55% of the federally managed area, respectively.

Other agenda topics include reviewing a paper inferring spillover benefits of the

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument and discussing ecosystem-based fisheries management priorities in the Pacific Islands Region.

Recommendations made by the SSC on these and other matters will be considered by the Council when it meets Dec. 5-8, 2022, in-person at the Pagoda Hotel. Instructions on connecting to the web conference, agendas a

States Schedule Public Hearings on Atlantic Striped Bass Draft Addendum I

November 23, 2022 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:
The Atlantic coastal states of Maine through North Carolina have scheduled hearings to gather public input on Draft Addendum I to Amendment 7 to the Atlantic Striped Bass Interstate Fishery Management Plan, which considers allowing voluntary transfers of striped bass ocean commercial quota between states that have ocean quota. Some hearings will be conducted via webinar and some hearings will be conducted in-person, or in a hybrid format. Additional details on participating in the webinars can be found later in this release. 
 
The public hearing details are as follows:
 
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The Board initiated Draft Addendum I in August 2021 after deciding that changes to the striped bass commercial quota system would not be considered during the ongoing development of Amendment 7. With the adoption of Amendment 7 earlier this year, the Board re-initiated discussions on Draft Addendum I to consider voluntary ocean quota transfers, which could provide some relief to states seeking additional quota. The Draft Addendum proposes a range of options that would permit voluntary transfers of ocean commercial quota, including options based on stock status and options allowing the Board to set criteria for transfers on a regular basis.


Webinar Instructions
For all virtual hearings (except Delaware), please note that in order to comment during virtual webinar hearings you will need to use your computer or download the GoToWebinar app for your phone. Those joining by phone only will be limited to listening to the presentation and will not be able to provide input. In those cases, you can send your comments to staff via email or U.S. mail at any time during the public comment period. To attend the webinar in listen only mode, dial 213.493.0005 and enter access code 199-116-984.
 
For all virtual hearings (except Delaware), please click HERE and select the hearing(s) you plan to attend from the dropdown menu to register for a public hearing webinar. Hearings will be held via GoToWebinar, and you can join the webinar from your computer, tablet or smartphone. If you are new to GoToWebinar, you can download the software by (clicking here) or via the App store under GoToWebinar. We recommend you register for the hearing well in advance of the hearing since GoToWebinar will provide you with a link to test your device’s compatibility with the webinar. If you find your device is not compatible, please contact the Commission at info@asmfc.org (subject line: GoToWebinar help) and we will try to get you connected. We also strongly encourage participants to use the computer voice over internet (VoIP) so you can ask questions and provide input at the hearing. 
 
For virtual participation at the Delaware public hearing, please visit the Delaware website to register for the webinar at https://publicmeetings.delaware.gov/#/meeting/73610.
 
For the listen-only livestream of the New York public hearing, the livestream link will be posted to the NYSDEC calendar at https://www.dec.ny.gov/calendar/. 
 
Hearing Presentation Recording
For those who cannot attend any in-person or virtual hearings, the Commission will also post a recording of the hearing presentation on the Commission’s YouTube page so that stakeholders may watch the presentation and submit comment at any time during the comment process. This recording will be available in early December.
Submitting Comments
The Draft Addendum is available at http://www.asmfc.org/files/PublicInput/AtlStripedBass_DraftAddendumI_PublicComment_Nov2022.pdf or via the Commission’s website at http://www.asmfc.org/about-us/public-input. All those interested in the management of Atlantic striped bass are encouraged to provide input either by participating in public hearings, which may be conducted via webinar, or providing written comment.Public comment will be accepted until 11:59 PM (EST) on January 13, 2023 and should be sent to Emilie Franke, FMP Coordinator, at 1050 N. Highland St., Suite 200 A-N, Arlington, Virginia 22201; or at comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Striped Bass Draft Addendum I).
 
If your organization is planning to release an action alert in response to the Draft Amendment, please contact Emilie Franke at efranke@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740, so she can work with you to develop a unique subject line to enable us to better organize and summarize incoming comments for Board review.

Comment Period Extended for Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment

November 18, 2022 — The following was released by Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council has extended the deadline for members of the public to submit written comments on the Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment. Written comments can now be submitted until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. The Council is extending the deadline to accommodate individuals who may have been affected by the canceled public hearing on November 14th.

The Council developed the draft amendment to address the increased occurrence of mixed catches in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. The draft amendment contains a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that would modify current regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels. Details about these management alternatives can be found in the Public Hearing Document and Public Hearing Presentation.

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 29, 2022.

Douglas Grout and Jason McNamee Named ASMFC Captain David H. Hart Award Recipients for 2020 and 2022

November 9, 2022 — The following was released Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

At its 80th Annual Meeting in Long Branch, New Jersey, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission presented Douglas Grout, New Hampshire’s Governor Appointee, and Dr. Jason McNamee, Rhode Island Administrative Commissioner, the Captain David H. Hart Award for 2020 and 2022, respectively. The Commission instituted the Hart Award in 1991 to recognize individuals who have made outstanding efforts to improve Atlantic coast marine fisheries. The Hart Award is named for one of the Commission’s longest serving members, who dedicated himself to the advancement and protection of marine fishery resources, Captain David H. Hart, from the State of New Jersey.

 
“Having just returned to in-person meetings this May, we have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to acknowledging the achievements of those who have contributed to the success of the Commission and fisheries management along the Atlantic coast,” stated ASMFC Awards Committee Chair Jim Gilmore from New York. “This week we have the privilege of honoring two outstanding recipients for the Captain David H. Hart Award – Douglas Grout as the 2020 recipient and Dr. Jason McNamee as the 2022 recipient. I cannot think of a better way for us to celebrate our first Annual Meeting together since 2019 by honoring these two worthy gentlemen.“


 
Douglas Grout, New Hampshire Governor Appointee to the Commission
For nearly four decades, Douglas Grout has worked across all levels of government in the fields of marine fisheries science, management, and policy. A longstanding Commission participant, Doug has played a role in nearly all aspects of the Commission’s science and management programs – from his early work as a member of the Management and Science Committee and numerous technical and stock assessment committees, to his involvement and leadership on several species management boards including northern shrimp, striped bass, and American lobster. As Commission Chair from 2015-2017, Doug oversaw the development of the Commission’s Stock Assessment and Peer Review Process, leading the way for external peer reviews of benchmark stock assessments for Atlantic sturgeon, American shad, horseshoe crab, and many more since.
 
Through his extensive involvement with the New England Fishery Management Council, Doug led the Council in the development of an amendment to improve catch monitoring and bycatch caps for shad and river herring. He also served in a leadership role on the Council’s Habitat Committee as it developed new protection measures, including those contained in the Omnibus Deep Sea Coral amendment.
 
­­Back in his home state, Doug devoted 36 years working for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department, starting as a fish culturist and ultimately serving as Chief of Marine Fisheries from 2008-2020. During his time as Chief, he oversaw programs that included marine and anadromous resource management, monitoring, and education. He was also actively involved with the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership, with the goal of protecting and enhancing these nationally significant estuarine resources. 
 
Doug’s full body of work clearly highlights his commitment to fisheries science, management, and environmental policy. Throughout it all, he has maintained a steadfast manner, collaborative nature, and relentless work ethic which make him a treasured colleague and a cherished member of the fisheries science and management community.
 


Dr. Jason McNamee, Deputy Director of the Marine Fisheries Division for the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM)
Dr. Jason McNamee is being recognized for his longstanding technical contributions, exceptional leadership, and commitment to sound fisheries management along the Eastern Seaboard. Since joining the RI DEM over two decades ago, Jason has advanced the quality of stock assessments and promoted the use of sound fisheries science in the management decision-making process. Jason has served in several positions within his agency and the Commission, and has been a contributing member, often in leadership positions, on numerous Commission species technical committees, stock assessment subcommittees, science advisory committees, and, more recently, species management boards.
 
Jason played a key role in a number of benchmark stock assessments, including those for Atlantic menhaden, summer flounder, tautog, and black sea bass. Notably, he led the Tautog Stock Assessment Subcommittee in developing an assessment that incorporated regional structure to address management board concerns. Further, he helped develop and implement a novel model approach to provide a method to assess this data-poor stock and further corroborate assessment results. As Atlantic Menhaden Technical Committee Chair, Jason took a leadership role in the development of modeling approaches and ecosystem-based reference points. He also played a lead role in the development of management strategy evaluation, now being used by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council for summer flounder, as well as the Commission’s risk and uncertainty policy.
 
In all the groups Jason has been a part of, he has consistently provided thoughtful and unbiased insights during committee discussions and has gone above and beyond to apply his technical knowledge and analytical skills to address challenging issues. Jason’s leadership in developing new models and reference points for stock assessments has made him an enormous asset to the Commission and to science-based fisheries management in general. 
 
In addition to his leadership and analytical support, Jason is an outstanding colleague, who is enthusiastic about his work, considerate of others’ viewpoints, and able to maintain a calm demeanor even under the most adversarial conditions.

Atlantic Striped Bass Assessment Update Finds Resource No Longer Experiencing Overfishing but Remains Overfished

November 8, 2022 — The following was released by Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Long Branch, NJ – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board reviewed the results of the 2022 Atlantic Striped Bass Stock Assessment Update, which indicates the resource is no longer experiencing overfishing but remains overfished relative to the updated biological reference points. Female spawning stock biomass (SSB) in 2021 was estimated at 143 million pounds, which is below the SSB threshold of 188 million pounds and below the SSB target of 235 million pounds. Total fishing mortality in 2021 was estimated at 0.14, which is below the updated fishing mortality threshold of 0.20 and below the updated fishing mortality target of 0.17.

 
The 2022 Assessment Update used the same model from the approved peer-reviewed 2018 Benchmark Stock Assessment. Data through 2021 were added to the model, and the model structure was adjusted for 2020-2021 to account for the regulation changes implemented through Addendum VI to Amendment 6. The assessment model was able to handle missing data due to COVID-19, but overall, COVID-19 increased uncertainty in the 2020 and 2021 data.
 
The 2022 Assessment Update also included short-term projections to determine the probability of SSB being at or above the SSB target by 2029, which is the stock rebuilding deadline. Under the current fishing mortality rate, there is a 78.6% chance the stock will be rebuilt by 2029, indicating a reduction in catch is not necessary at this time. The projections and the updated fishing mortality reference points took into account the period of low recruitment the stock has experienced in recent years.
 
“This 2022 assessment was the first check-in point for progress toward stock rebuilding by 2029,” said Board Chair Marty Gary with the Potomac River Fisheries Commission. “It is extremely important that we continue to monitor fishery removals and conduct regular stock assessments to keep evaluating rebuilding progress and stay on track.” The next stock assessment update is scheduled for 2024, and the Board will review the 2022 removals as soon as the data are available to evaluate whether catch remains at sustainable levels.


 
The Assessment Update will be available next week on the Commission’s website athttp://www.asmfc.org/species/atlantic-striped-bass under Stock Assessment Reports. An overview of the assessment is available athttp://www.asmfc.org/uploads/file/636967f9AtlStripedBassStockAssessmentOverview_2022.pdf.


 
Draft Addendum I
The Board also approved Draft Addendum I to Amendment 7 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Striped Bass for public comment. The Draft Addendum considers allowing for the voluntary transfer of striped bass commercial quota in the ocean region between states that have ocean quota.
 
The Board initiated Draft Addendum I in August 2021 after deciding that changes to the striped bass commercial quota system would not be considered during the ongoing development of Amendment 7. With the adoption of Amendment earlier this year, the Board re-initiated discussions on, and ultimately approved, Draft Addendum I for public comment to consider voluntary quota transfers which could provide some relief to states seeking additional quota. The Draft Addendum proposes a range of options that would permit voluntary transfers of commercial quota, including options based on stock status and options allowing the Board to set criteria for transfers on a regular basis.
 
The Draft Addendum will be posted to the website next week at http://www.asmfc.org/about-us/public-input. A subsequent press release will provide the details on the public hearing schedule and how to submit written comments. The Board will meet to review submitted comment and consider final action on the addendum in February 2023 at the Commission’s Winter Meeting in Arlington, VA.
 
For more information, please contact Emilie Franke, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, atefranke@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.

Mid-Atlantic Council to Hold Public Hearings on Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements

November 8, 2022 — The following was released by Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (Council) is requesting public comments on a draft amendment to modify the species separation requirements in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Comments may be submitted at any of three public hearings to be held on November 10, 14, and 17. Written comments will also be accepted through November 23.

This action is intended to address the increased occurrence of mixed catches in the Atlantic surfclam and ocean quahog fisheries. Current regulations do not allow for surfclam and ocean quahog to be landed on the same trip or placed in the same cages. Industry has reported that it has become increasingly difficult to avoid mixed catches due to changes in the species’ distributions. The draft amendment contains a range of management approaches (“alternatives”) that would modify current regulations to allow for mixed catches onboard vessels. Details about these management alternatives can be found in the Public Hearing Document and Public Hearing Presentation.

Following a review of comments received, the Council will choose a preferred alternative and submit the amendment to the Secretary of Commerce for approval and publication of proposed and final rules, both of which have additional comment periods. The Council may consider final action at its December 12-15, 2022 meeting.

Public Hearings

Comments may be submitted at any of the following public hearings:

  1. Thursday, November 10, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Embassy Suites Philadelphia Airport. 9000 Bartram Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19153. 215-365-4500.
  2. Monday, November 14, 2022. 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Hampton Inn. 53 Old Bedford Road, Westport, MA 02790. 508-675-8500.
  3. Thursday, November 17, 2022. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Webinar. Register here. 

Written Comments

Written comments may be submitted by any of the methods listed below. Comments must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

For more information, contact Jessica Coakley (jcoakley@mafmc.org, 302-526-5252) or visit the Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog Species Separation Requirements Amendment page.

Final Supplemental Materials Now Available for ASMFC 80th Annual Meeting

November 4, 2022 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:

Final supplemental materials for ASMFC’s 80th Annual Meeting are available for the Shad and River Herring Management Board and the Horseshoe Crab Management Board can be found in the below links or at http://www.asmfc.org/home/2022-annual-meeting.

 
 
 

As a reminder, the Commission’s Public Comment Guidelines are:

For issues that are not on the agenda, management boards will continue to provide an opportunity to the public to bring matters of concern to the board’s attention at the start of each board meeting. Board chairs will ask members of the public to raise their hands to let the chair know they would like to speak. Depending upon the number of commenters, the board chair will decide how to allocate the available time on the agenda (typically 10 minutes) to the number of people who want to speak.

For topics that are on the agenda, but have not gone out for public comment, board chairs will provide limited opportunity for comment, taking into account the time allotted on the agenda for the topic. Chairs will have flexibility in deciding how to allocate comment opportunities; this could include hearing one comment in favor and one in opposition until the chair is satisfied further comment will not provide additional insight to the board.

For agenda action items that have already gone out for public comment, it is the Policy Board’s intent to end the occasional practice of allowing extensive and lengthy public comments. Currently, board chairs have the discretion to decide what public comment to allow in these circumstances.

NEFMC SSC – Listen Live – Wednesday, November 9, 2022 – Groundfish Issues

November 2, 2022 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet by webinar to discuss issues related to groundfish.  The public is invited to listen live.  Here are the details.

 
 
START TIME:  9:00 a.m.
 
WEBINAR REGISTRATION:  Online access to the meeting is available at Listen Live.  There is no charge to join the meeting through this webinar.  The Remote Participation Guide is posted here.
 
CALL-IN OPTION:  To listen by telephone, dial +1 (914) 614-3221.  The access code is 634-029-213.  Your regular phone charges will apply.
 
AGENDA:  The SSC will meet to:
 
  • Review information provided by the Council’s Groundfish Plan Development Team and results from the recent peer-reviewed management track stock assessments for the groundfish stocks identified below;
 
  • Using the Council’s acceptable biological catch (ABC) control rule, recommend the overfishing limits (OFLs) and acceptable biological catches (ABCs) for fishing years 2023, 2024, and 2025 for Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine yellowtail flounder, white hake, and Georges Bank haddock; and 
 
  • Discuss other business if necessary.
 
COMMENTS:  The deadline for submitting written comments for consideration at this meeting is 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2022.  Address comments to Council Chair Eric Reid or Executive Director Tom Nies and email them to comments@nefmc.org.  Additional information is available in themeeting notice.
 
MATERIALS:  All documents for this meeting will be posted on the SSC October 26-27, 2022 meeting webpage.
 
QUESTIONS:  Contact Joan O’Leary at (978) 465-0492, ext. 101, joleary@nefmc.org or Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org.

NEFMC SSC – Listen Live – Wednesday and Thursday, October 26-27, 2022 – Groundfish and Monkfish Issues

October 18, 2022 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) will meet to discuss issues related to monkfish and groundfish.  The public is invited to listen live.  Here are the details.

 
 
START TIME:  9:00 a.m. both days
 
 
WEBINAR REGISTRATION:  Online access to the meeting is available at Listen Live.  There is no charge to join the meeting through this webinar.  The Remote Participation Guide is posted here.
 
CALL-IN OPTION:  To listen by telephone, dial +1 (415) 930-5321.  The access code is 557-716-863.  Your regular phone charges will apply.
 
AGENDA:  The SSC will meet to:
 
  • Review information provided by the Council’s Groundfish Plan Development Team, as well as results from the recent peer-reviewed management track stock assessments for several groundfish stocks;
 
  • Using the Council’s acceptable biological catch (ABC) control rule, recommend the overfishing limits (OFLs) and acceptable biological catches (ABCs) for fishing years 2023, 2024, and 2025 for Georges Bank haddock, Gulf of Maine haddock, Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic yellowtail flounder, Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine yellowtail flounder, Georges Bank winter flounder, Gulf of Maine winter flounder, American plaice, white hake, pollock, and Atlantic halibut;
 
  • Receive an update on the development of ABC control rule alternatives under consideration for the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery Management Plan;
 
  • Review information provided by the Council’s Monkfish Plan Development Team, as well as results from the recent Monkfish Management Track Stock Assessment and peer review;
 
  • Recommend the OFLs and ABCs for the Northern and Southern Monkfish Fishery Management Areas for fishing years 2023, 2024, and 2025;
 
  • Recommend an approach for determining the discard deduction from the annual catch target for setting specifications for the monkfish fishery for fishing years 2023-2025; and
 
  • Discuss other business if necessary.
 
COMMENTS:  The deadline for submitting written comments for consideration at this meeting is 8:00 a.m. on Monday, October 24, 2022.  Address comments to Council Chair Eric Reid or Executive Director Tom Nies and email them to comments@nefmc.org.  Additional information is available in the meeting notice.
 
MATERIALS:  All documents for this meeting will be posted on the SSC October 26-27, 2022 meeting webpage.
 
QUESTIONS:  Contact Joan O’Leary at (978) 465-0492, ext. 101, joleary@nefmc.org or Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org. 
 

NEFMC Seeks Scientific and Statistical Committee Nominees to Serve for 2023-2025

October 13, 2022 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking qualified candidates to serve on its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC).  Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by other individuals or organizations.  Appointments are for three years with the term beginning in January 2023 and ending December 2025.  All relevant materials should be sent to the Council office and must be received by 8:00 a.m. on December 23, 2022.

SSC nominees should have expertise in statistics, fisheries biology, marine ecology, economics, sociology, anthropology, or other social sciences as they apply to fisheries management.  SSC members are expected to provide independent, scientific advice to the Council.

The purpose of the SSC is to assist the Council in the development, collection, and evaluation of statistical, biological, economic, social, and other scientific information relevant to the development of fishery management plans.  Responsibilities are outlined in the solicitation announcement and in the Council’s Operations Handbook.

SSC members are reimbursed for travel expenses up to specified limits for attending official meetings at the Council’s request and receive a daily stipend subject to funding.

The duties and responsibilities of this position require nominees to file the Statement of Financial Interests to fulfill the requirements of the Magnuson‐Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.  The purpose of this report is to assist potential candidates and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in avoiding conflicts between official duties and private financial interests or affiliations.  Please complete the form and include it with your application.

Nominations and supporting materials may be submitted by regular mail to the Council office or by email to Joan O’Leary at joleary@nefmc.org.  All nominations must be received by 8:00 a.m. on December 23, 2022.

If you have questions or need further information about this process, please contact Council Deputy Director Chris Kellogg at (978) 465-0492 ext. 112; ckellogg@nefmc.org.