January 24, 2019 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council & Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council:
The Northeast Trawl Advisory Panel (NTAP) is seeking qualified candidates to serve on the panel. Current members and all interested parties are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, February 22, 2019 by 5:00 p.m.
The NTAP is a joint advisory panel of the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils. It is comprised of Council members, as well as fishing industry, academic, and government and non-government fisheries experts who provide advice and direction on the conduct of trawl research. It is supported by NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). Additional information about the NTAP is available at www.mafmc.org/ntap.
The panel consists of 20 members as follows:
- Two members each from the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils (4 total)
- Up to three fishery stakeholder representatives appointed by each Council (6 total)
- Two academic and non-academic scientists appointed by each Council (4 total)
- Two members from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (2 total)
- Four staff members from the Northeast Fisheries Science Center (4 total)
NTAP was established in 2015 to: (1) bring commercial fishing, fisheries science, and fishery management professionals in the northeastern U.S. together to identify concerns about regional research survey performance and data; (2) identify methods to address or mitigate these concerns; (3) and promote mutual understanding and acceptance of the results of this work among peers and in the broader community.
The panel is co-chaired by representatives of the New England and Mid-Atlantic Councils who are jointly responsible for conducting meetings and coordinating with the NEFSC to ensure that meeting summaries and other products are produced and distributed.
The NTAP charter requires a regular review of its membership. NTAP currently is seeking applications for membership. Key areas of expertise that will be important in the selection of successful applicants include: Gear design and construction, trawl gear efficiency, trawl mensuration, fish behavior, fishery acoustics, and survey statistics and stock assessments.
How to Apply
Anyone interested in applying for the NTAP may download an application at www.mafmc.org/ntap. Applications can also be obtained by calling the Mid-Atlantic Council office at (877) 446-2362. Completed applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 22, 2019.
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Matt Seeley, Mid-Atlantic Council staff, at mseeley@mafmc.org or (302) 526-5262.