South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel

The Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel (MC AP)’s role is to advise the Council on the Atlantic king mackerel, Atlantic Spanish mackerel, and Florida East Coast Zone cobia fisheries. The MC AP provides practical insight into these fisheries as well as input on proposed management measures and other Council initiatives. Additionally, the MC AP connects the Council to other fishing stakeholders to promote communication between the Council and fishing communities.  

 The MC AP is comprised of representatives from the commercial, recreational, and for-hire/charter industries, non-governmental organizations, and other groups familiar with the topic of fisheries and management. Members of the MC AP are appointed by the Council and may serve up to three consecutive three-year terms as specified in the AP Policy.  

 The MC AP meets in person once a year and as needed via webinar. 

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel Members
Name State Seat
1 Thomas Newman (Chair) NC Commercial
2 Kevin Aman (Vice-Chair) NC Researcher
3 Tony Benevento FL Recreational
4 Stanford Carter GA Recreational
5 Stephen English FL Commercial/Charter
6 Nathan Everett VA Mid-Atlantic Representative
7 Lynn Gokey FL Recreational
8 Charles Griffin SC Charter
9 Cory Gwinn MD Mid-Atlantic Representative
10 Alana Harrison NC Commercial
11 William Jones NC Charter
12 Melissa Leone FL Commercial/Charter
13 Charles Locke NC Charter/Commercial
14 John Mallette NC Charter
15 Michael Oppegaard NC Charter
16 Jot Owens NC Charter
17 William Palmer FL Recreational
18 Steve Saunders SC Charter/Recreational
19 Robbie Waddick FL Commercial
20 Bill Weeks GA Recreational
A Spanish Mackerel is held out of the water with a lure in its' mouth

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