Advisory Panels

Advisory panel members are comprised of:

Recreational fishermen
Commercial fishermen
State and federal industry representatives
Seafood dealers
Representatives from non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Other interested members of the public

*Ira Laks, Relaks Fishing- Mackerel Cobia AP*

They provide information and recommendations at the grassroots level to inform the federal fishery management process. Members advise the Council about trends in fisheries, environmental concerns, enforcement issues, and management impacts on fishermen and fishing communities.

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.

Applications, appointments, and terms of service

Open seats on the Council’s advisory panels are advertised through the Council office. Applications are considered during regularly scheduled Council meetings, usually during the Council’s June and December meetings each year. The Council reviews applications during the closed session (all application information is considered confidential) and makes appointments during an open session. Applicants are contacted regarding their status following each meeting. 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 one to two-day meetings. Travel and per diem are covered for in-person meetings. At the end of the 3-year term, 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.

Advisory panel applications may be submitted at any time, using the online forms available here:

advisory panel application form

AP members are charged with carrying out the objectives and duties outlined in the AP Policy document and are required to abide by the AP Code of Conduct guidelines.
Applicants are encouraged to reach out to their Council member representatives to introduce themselves and discuss their experience and interest in serving.

Advisory Panel Pages

Citizen Science Pool

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management

Law Enforcement

Mackerel Cobia

Outreach and Communications

System Management Plan Workgroup

Marine Resources Education Program – Southeast

Learn More About Navigating the Science and Management Process – the 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.