South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Law Enforcement Advisory Panel

The Law Enforcement Advisory Panel (LE AP)’s role is to advise the Council on the enforceability of proposed fishery regulations. The LE AP also connects partner enforcement agencies in the region (e.g., US Coast Guard) to promote communication regarding the enforcement of fishery regulations. 

The LE AP is comprised of representatives from state and federal fisheries enforcement agencies and citizens representing recreational and commercial interests. Agency representatives are appointed by the respective agency and those seats have no term limits. Members appointed by the Council to serve on the LE AP can serve up to three consecutive three-year terms as specified in the AP Policy. 

The LE AP meets once a year or as needed via webinar or in person. 

Law Enforcement Advisory Panel Members
Panel Name State Seat
1 LEAP Capt. Scott Pearce (Chair) FL Agency
2 LEAP Major Michael Paul Thomas (Vice-Chair) SC Agency
3 LEAP Major Robert Beaton FL At-large
4 LEAP Joshua Burton SC At-large
5 LEAP Tracy Dunn FL At-large
6 LEAP Michael Freeman FL At-large
7 LEAP Alana Harrison NC At-large
8 LEAP Capt. Chris Hodge GA Agency
9 LEAP Jamal Ingram FL NOAA OLE GC
10 LEAP Lt. Anthony Liuzzi SC Agency
11 LEAP Benajmin Boots FL NOAA OLE
12 LEAP Kevin Roberson SC At-large
13 LEAP Garland Yopp NC NCDMF
Coast guard vessel speeds over green water.

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