Council Seeks Applicants for Federal Fishery Advisory Panels

The Council’s advisory panels inform and advise the Council in developing federal fishery management plans and amendments. Upcoming issues to be addressed in 2024 include: identifying possible impacts from offshore wind development on habitat; shrimp fishery access area along the Oculina Bank Coral Habitat Area of Particular Concern off the east coast of Florida; ongoing King and Spanish Mackerel port meetings along the Atlantic coast; and options for recreational permits in the snapper grouper fishery, including an educational component.

Members of the Council’s advisory panels include recreational and commercial fishermen, seafood dealers and processors, scientists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as environmental groups and fishing organizations, and concerned citizens. Seats on advisory panels may be allotted by state and fishery sector, with others considered “at large” and open to any interested person.

Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council to a three-year term and may be reappointed for two additional terms. The Council’s advisory panels generally meet once or twice each year and members are compensated for travel and per diem expenses. Applications are now being solicited for the following positions: