If you’re lucky enough to get to New England’s shoreline this time of year, you’re likely to see saltwater anglers casting into the surf for bluefish or striped bass. It’s one of the most beautiful sights on a fall day.
NOAA’s new administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, recognizes that saltwater anglers are a vast, diverse group of men and women of all ages who love our coasts and oceans and find great joy in spending time fishing on the water. This constituency of more than 15 million — an estimated 1.26 million in Massachusetts alone — should be natural stewards of our oceans.
As part of NOAA’s new effort to reach out to anglers, build a stronger partnership, and address anglers’ concerns, we will create a new senior position in NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service — a special advisor for recreational fisheries. NOAA is now seeking applications for this advisor who would work directly for the assistant administrator of the fisheries service, the position I hold.