July 25, 2023 — The following was released by New England Fishery Management Council:
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is looking for an independent contractor to facilitate a meeting that will discuss draft goals and objectives for Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Acceptable Biological Catch (ABC) control rules. This is a short-term, temporary contractor role, commencing on or about August 7, 2023, and expected to be completed by October 2023.
- TIME SENSITIVE: The application deadline is August 3, 2023.
AUGUST 17, 2023 MEETING: During its June meeting, the Council initiated a framework adjustment to consider modifying or replacing the existing groundfish ABC control rules. As a next step, the Council’s Groundfish Committee will meet to discuss possible goals and objectives of the framework on August 17, 2023.
The meeting will include a facilitated session with members of the Groundfish Committee, the Scientific and Statistical Committee, the Groundfish Plan Development Team, the Groundfish and Recreational Advisory Panels, the Risk Policy Working Group, and the public to discuss developing draft goals and objectives for this action that are consistent with National Standard 1, National Standard 1 guidelines, and the Council’s Risk Policy.
The Council seeks a meeting facilitator familiar with the groundfish stock assessment process and ABC control rules to run the facilitated session of the Groundfish Committee meeting.
- The specific outcome is a draft list of possible goals and objectives for the ABC controls rules framework for consideration by the Groundfish Committee.
- The Groundfish Committee will discuss the resulting list in the afternoon on the same day. The Groundfish Committee may decide to make recommendations to the Council.
MORE INFORMATION: A complete list of specific tasks, discussion questions for the facilitator, desired experience and demonstrated skills for facilitator candidates, and application submission information can be found in the request for proposals.