South Atlantic Fishery Management Council

Federal Fishery Advisory Panel Seats Open for South Atlantic Region

Ira Laks, a Mackerel Cobia AP member, takes clients out on his boat.

Persons interested in federal fisheries management have an opportunity to become more involved by applying now for open seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels. The advisory panels inform and guide the Council in developing and implementing federal fishery management plans and amendments. Issues currently being addressed by the Council include options for Spanish Mackerel management measures, development of the Council’s Habitat Blueprint, and input on law enforcement issues affecting several fisheries. Advisory panel members also provide periodic Fishery Performance Reports to the Council, providing updated descriptions of the factors influencing fishing efforts and catch within individual fisheries.

Advisory panel seats are open to recreational and commercial fishermen, crew members, 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 the state and fishery sector, with others, considered “at large” and open to any interested person. Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council to three-year terms 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:

Coral Advisory Panel: (8) Open Seats

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel: (3) Open Seats

Deepwater Shrimp Advisory Panel: (8) Open Seats and (1) NGO Representative

Shrimp Advisory Panel: (10) Open Seats and (1) NGO Representative

Spiny Lobster Advisory Panel (9) Open Seats and (1) NGO Representative

How to Apply

Detailed instructions on how to apply and application forms for individual advisory panels are available online from the Council’s website. For questions, please contact Kim Iverson, Public Information Officer, at Kim.Iverson@safmc.net or call 843/571-4366.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Council representatives from their area to discuss their interest in serving. Contact information for all Council members is available from the Council’s website at www.safmc.net.

Applications must be received by Thursday, November 10, 2022, for consideration by the Council during its December 5-9, 2022 meeting in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina.