October 14, 2021

Interested in federal fisheries management and want to become more involved? Apply now for open seats on the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s advisory panels or to serve as a fishing representative on the System Management Plan (SMP) Workgroup.

The SMP Workgroup addresses the needs of managed areas in federal waters in the South Atlantic. The Workgroup includes ecologists, coral scientists, mapping specialists, researchers, law enforcement and outreach representatives, and commercial and recreational fishermen. The Council’s advisory panels inform and guide the Council in developing and implementing federal fishery management plans. Upcoming issues to be addressed by advisory panel members in 2022 include reducing release mortality and increasing landed yield across the entire snapper grouper fishery, proposed modifications to Atlantic King Mackerel bag limits and minimum size limits, changes to Cobia regulations along the east coast of Florida, development of the Council’s Habitat Blueprint, and input on law enforcement issues affecting several fisheries.

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 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: