Reminder: SAFMC Advisory Panel Seats Open for Applicants

April 27, 2021 — The following was released by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council:

The deadline to apply for open seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels is rapidly approaching! The Council is soliciting applicants for several open seats on the Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel as well as the Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel, Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel and Law Enforcement Advisory Panel.

The Council’s advisory panels inform and guide the Council in developing federal fishery management plans and plan amendments. Management issues on the table for 2021 include climate vulnerability and impacts relative to fisheries, development of the Council’s Habitat Blueprint, King Mackerel catch levels and management adjustments, and modifications to management of Snowy Grouper, Yellowtail Snapper, Red Porgy, Red Snapper and several other species in the Snapper Grouper management complex. Members of the Council’s Law Enforcement Advisory Panel will provide recommendations specific to enforcement issues affecting these and other fisheries.

Applications are now being solicited for the following positions:

Habitat Protection and Ecosystem-Based Management Advisory Panel
(1) Florida Seat, (1) South Carolina Seat, (1) Georgia Seat, and (2) At-Large Seats

Law Enforcement Advisory Panel
(1) Recreational Seat and (1) Commercial Seat

Mackerel Cobia Advisory Panel
(6) Open Seats

Snapper Grouper Advisory Panel
(1) North Carolina Seat and (1) Florida Seat

The Council will consider applicants during its June 14-18, 2021 meeting scheduled via webinar. Additional details, including links to the online application forms are available from the Council’s website. Questions? Contact Kim Iverson at [email protected] or 843/302-8440.