Arlington, VA – June 8, 2012 – Robert E. Beal has been appointed the Acting Executive Director for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission. He will serve in that capacity until an Executive Director has been selected by the Commission's Executive Committee. Bob Beal has been with the Commission for more than 15 years and has served as the Director for the Interstate Fishery Management Program for the past 10 years.
"Bob's excellent track record of leading the Commission's fisheries management process for the last decade made him a sure choice to serve as the Commission's Acting Executive Director," stated ASMFC Chair Paul Diodati. "Recognized and well respected by the fisheries management community, he brings to the position strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of the issues faced by the Commission and the states. His appointment will ensure continuity in the Commission's scientific and management programs during this time of transition."
Over the next couple of months, the Commission's Executive Committee will develop a vacancy announcement and selection process for the new Executive Director. Mr. Diodati continued, "This is an exciting time in the Commission's seventy year history. It offers our Commissioners an opportunity to look back at where we have been and what we have accomplished, and chart a new course for the future."
The Commission was formed over 70 years ago by the 15 Atlantic coast states to assist in managing and conserving their shared coastal fishery resources. With the recognition that fish do not adhere to political boundaries, the states formed an Interstate Compact, which was approved by the U.S. Congress in 1942. The states have found that their mutual interest in sustaining healthy coastal fishery resources is best promoted by working together cooperatively, in collaboration with the federal government. With this approach, the states uphold their collective fisheries management responsibilities in a cost-effective, timely, and responsive fashion.