The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
The New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) is seeking applicants to serve for three years on its Herring and Whiting Advisory Panels (APs), from January 2014 through December 2016. Panel members will be asked to provide information and guidance to specific oversight committees and make recommendations to the Council during the development of federal fishery management plans, as well as for amendments and framework adjustments to the NEFMC's existing plans. Advisors also may be asked to provide input about special issues or problems.
The Council is specifically looking for active herring fishermen to fill two vacancies available on the Herring AP. It is also looking for individuals who either fish or are knowledgeable about the whiting fishery to serve on the Whiting AP.
Advisory panel members will include individuals who are interested in the conservation and management of a fishery or group of fisheries under Council management. To the extent possible, the panels will reflect various areas of expertise and interests, including geography and gear types, user groups and a range of social and economic perspectives. The New England Council will reimburse advisors from the New England region for travel expenses.
Panels are limited to a maximum of 15 members. Individuals may serve on more than one panel. Current advisors do not need to indicate their interest if they wish to remain on an advisory panel. They will automatically be considered unless they contact the Council office and indicate otherwise.
Following a review by the Herring and Whiting Oversight Committees, the NEFMC's Executive Committee will make final decisions on applications. Nominees will be subject to an additional level of review by NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement. Applications may be declined because of a marine resource violation.
If you have any questions or need more specific information about AP responsibilities or upcoming Council actions, please contact Pat Fiorelli at 978.465.0492, ext. 106 or email her at pfiorelli@nefmc.org.
Application materials may be downloaded at: http://nefmc.org/advisors/advisory_panel_vacancies.htm . Paper copies are available by calling the Council office at 978.465.0492, ext. 102.
Please mail your application to Thomas A. Nies, Executive Director, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. If using a fax, send it to 978.465.3116 or email copies to Karen Roy at kroy@nefmc.org.