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
Name State Seat
1 Lt. Colonel Michael Paul Thomas (Chair) SC Agency
2 (pending apointment) GA Agency
3 Robert Beaton FL At-large
4 ASAC Benajmin Boots FL NOAA-OLE
5 Spud Woodward GA At-large
6 Alana Harrison NC At-large
7 Jamal Ingram FL NOAA-OLE-GC
8 Lt. Anthony Liuzzi SC Agency
9 Capt. Scott (Neil) Pearce FL Agency
10 Kevin Roberson SC At-large
11 Capt. Garland Yopp NC NC-DMF
12 Robert “Bob” Zales II FL At-large
13 (vacant)
Coast guard vessel speeds over green water.

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