The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking qualified individuals for nomination to the New England Fishery Management Council. Candidates must be knowledgeable of and experienced in the fishery resources of New England, either through commercial fishing, recreational fishing, management and conservation of natural resources, as an educator or other broad categories of occupational or other experience. Qualified female and minority candidates are encouraged to apply.
Four at-large seats are open for nomination, currently held by:
- Elizabeth Etrie of Massachusetts (terming out after 9 years);
- John Pappalardo of Massachusetts (eligible for renomination).
- Alan Tracy of Maine (eligible for renomination); and
- Daniel Salerno of New Hampshire (eligible for renomination)
Qualified individuals interested in being considered for nomination by the Governor should contact Julia Kaplan (Julia.Kaplan@mass.gov). Nominated individuals are then considered for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce. Nomination application kits will be made available upon request and are due to DMF by the end of the day on Friday, February 3, 2023. As part of the application process, the Commonwealth will conduct an initial background check and a review panel will evaluate applicants’ relevant fisheries expertise.
The New England Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils that manage most of our nation’s marine fisheries seaward of state territorial waters. Responsibilities include the development of fishery management plans that are submitted to the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Secretary of Commerce for approval and implementation. A Council appointment is for a 3-year term during which members are expected to engage in approximately five (5) Council meeting weeks as well as serve on several fishery management plan-specific committees that meet throughout the year. Nominees must be willing and able, barring unforeseen circumstances, to make the commitment to fully participate in Council business and related activities for the duration of the term.
For further information on the Council and the Council process, please visit www.nefmc.org.
