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
Panel Name State Seat
1 MC Thomas Newman (Chair) NC At-large
2 MC Kevin Aman (Vice-Chair) NC At-large
3 MC Tony Benevento FL At-large
4 MC Stanford Carter GA At-large
5 MC Stephen Donalson FL At-large
6 MC Charles Griffin SC At-large
7 MC Alana Harrison NC At-large
8 MC William Jones NC At-large
9 MC Melissa Leone FL At-large
10 MC Charles Locke NC At-large
11 MC Chris Ludford VA Mid-Atlantic Representative (Commercial)
12 MC John Mallette NC At-large
13 MC Butch Olsen FL At-large
14 MC Michael Oppegaard NC At-large
15 MC Jot Owens NC At-large
16 MC William Palmer FL At-large
17 MC Steve Saunders SC At-large
18 MC Benjamin Shepherd VA Mid-Atlantic Representative (Recreational)
19 MC Robbie Waddick FL At-large
20 MC Bill Weeks GA At-large
A Spanish Mackerel is held out of the water with a lure in its' mouth

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