Apply for Appointment to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA NMFS) provided notice of the 2024 request for nominations for At-large members to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (“MAFMC” or “the Council”) is one of eight regional fishery management councils to manage fisheries within the U.S. federal waters. MAFMC consists of the states of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. There are two At-large seats with expiring terms that may be filled by individuals from any constituent state.

The Council develops fishery management plans and recommends management measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of Mid-Atlantic fisheries. Specific responsibilities of the Council include:

• Developing and amending fishery management plans for approval/implementation by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce;
• Setting annual catch limits and management measures based on the best available science;
• Developing research priorities with scientists and stakeholder/industry partners; and
• Conducting public hearings and gathering public input on proposed fishery management actions.

DEC is seeking individuals who, by reason of their occupational or other experience, scientific expertise, or training, are knowledgeable regarding the conservation and management, or the commercial or recreational harvest of the fishery resources of the Mid-Atlantic Region. You must be a New York resident to be considered for an Obligatory seat, whereas At-Large appointments may be residents of another constituent state (New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina). Additionally, individuals who are federal registered lobbyists will not be appointed as Council members.

If you are interested in being considered for nomination on behalf of New York State as an At-Large member on the Council, your application must include:

• your full name, address, email, and phone number;
• a statement that explains why you want to be a Council member;
• a completed resume noting how you are knowledgeable regarding the conservation and management of the fishery resources of the geographical area concerned and that details:
  • your fisheries background and experience, including information about your personal fisheries-related education;
    • members are categorized as coming from the commercial fishing sector, recreational fishing sector, or “other” sector. The “other” sector consists of members with knowledge of and experience in biological, economic, or social sciences; environmental or ecological matters; consumer affairs; and associated fields.
  • information concerning awards;
  • a list of committee, board, or commission memberships;
  • authorship of publications;
  • other related qualifications and interests;
• a statement of your guiding philosophy on the conservation and management of living marine resources; and
• information on whether you have attended previous federal/state fisheries meetings and/or public hearings.

NMFS has additional information on their website available including the Application kit (PDF).

Individuals selected for nomination will need to provide additional information, which includes the formal NOAA NMFS application and financial disclosures in accordance with Section 302(j) of the Act and financial disclosure regulations at 50 CFR 600.235. NOAA will also conduct background investigations on the nominees that are selected to serve on a Council. An individual’s appointment to the Council will be conditional until their background investigation has been favorably adjudicated.

If you are interested in being considered for nomination as an At-Large member on the Council, please submit an application to LegislativeAffairs@dec.ny.gov by January 22, 2024.  Please include “[NAME]: MAFMC Materials for Consideration” in the subject line. If you have any questions, please email LegislativeAffairs@dec.ny.gov with “MAFMC APPLICATION QUESTION” in the subject line.