ARLINGTON, Va. — January 8, 2013 — The following was released by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:
The public comment deadline for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission Draft Strategic Plan for 2014 – 2018 is fast approaching. If you haven’t had the opportunity to review the Draft Plan or submit your comments, you have until 5 PM on January 10, 2014 to do so. The Draft Plan revises the Commission’s long-term vision to “Sustainably Managing Atlantic Coastal Fisheries” and proposes seven major goals and related strategies to pursue this vision. The Strategic Plan will guide the Commission’s activities over the next five years and will be implemented through Annual Action Plans.
The seven goals proposed by the Draft Plan are:
1. Rebuild, maintain, fairly (equitably) allocate, and promote Atlantic coastal fisheries
2. Provide the scientific foundation for and conduct stock assessments to support informed management actions
3. Promote compliance with fishery management plans to ensure sustainable use of Atlantic coast fisheries
4. Protect and enhance fish habitat and ecosystem health through partnerships and education
5. Strengthen stakeholder and public support for the Commission
6. Advance Commission and member states’ priorities through a proactive legislative policy agenda
7. Ensure the fiscal stability & efficient administration of the Commission
The Draft Strategic Plan is available on the Commission website. Public comment must be received by January 10, 2014, 5:00 PM EST and should be forwarded to Deke Tompkins, Legislative Assistant, at 1050 N. Highland, Suite 200A-N, Arlington, VA 22201; 703.842.0741 (fax) or comments@asmfc.org (Subject line: Strategic Plan). The Commission is scheduled to take action on the final Plan in February at its Winter Meeting in Alexandria, VA.