Advisory panel members include recreational and commercial fishermen, industry representatives, seafood dealers, representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other interested members of the public. They play an important role in the federal fishery management process by providing information and recommendations at the grassroots level. Members of each of the Council’s advisory panels advise the Council about trends in fisheries, environmental concerns relating to fishery ecosystems, enforcement issues, and management impacts on fishermen and fishing communities.
Beginning in 2017, the Council’s advisory panels also began providing Fishery Performance Reports. These reports provide the Council and its Scientific and Statistical Committee with updated descriptions of the factors that influence fishing effort and catch within each of the Council’s fisheries. The Fishery Performance Reports are included in the Council Meeting briefing book materials.
How are advisory panel members appointed and what are the terms of service?
The Council considers applications for open seats on its advisory panels during regularly scheduled Council meetings, usually during the Council’s June and December meetings. Applications are reviewed by the Council during closed session (all application information is considered confidential). Appointments are then made during an open session. Applicants are contacted regarding their status. Active applications are kept on file for two years.
Once appointed, advisory panel members serve voluntarily for 3-year terms. Advisory panels generally meet no more than once or twice each year for 1-2 day meetings. If an advisory panel does not meet within the calendar year, that period does not count against the term. At the end of the 3-year terms, the AP member’s seat is open to qualified applicants and the current member is also eligible for reappointment. Most members are limited to serving 3 consecutive terms.
Fishermen and members of the public are encouraged to contact the advisory panel representatives in your area, sector, and fishery with any concerns or suggestions you may have. Open seats on advisory panels are advertised periodically through the Council office, typically in the spring and fall each year. You may submit an application at any time, using the online forms available below:
Learn More About Navigating the Science and Management Process – Marine Resource Education Program (MREP) Southeast will show you how! The workshop-based program provides selected participants the opportunity to learn while interacting with fishery scientists and managers in a neutral environment.
Fishermen and others interested in federal fisheries issues from North Carolina to Texas come together for two, 3-day workshops – a Science Workshop and a Management Workshop – empowering participants to engage effectively in science and management. Learn more and apply at: https://mrep.gmri.org.
