The Secretary of Commerce has announced the appointment of two new members and one returning member to the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. Along with their colleagues, these new council members will help shape the science-based management of U.S. fisheries and continue the strong commitment to turning the corner on ending overfishing, rebuilding fish stocks, and achieving and maintaining sustainable fisheries and vibrant fishing communities. Council membership represents a diverse spectrum of interests and expertise - from commercial and recreational fishing industries to environmental interests.
Dr. Pam Dana of Florida has completied her first term on the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council. She is a recreational angler and owner and captain of Sure Lure Charter Company (four and six passenger boats) fishing for king and Spanish mackerel, cobia, speckled trout and redfish. Ms. Dana is the former director, FL Office of Tourism, Trade and Econ Development and former associate director, CA Trade and Commerce Agency. She currently serves as a member of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission, the Destin Charter Boat Association, Conservation Cooperative of Gulf Fishermen, National Association of Charter Boat Operators, Destin Fishing Fleet, Inc., and the American Professional Captains Consortium.
Captain David Walker of Alabama has more than 30 years of commercial fishing experience in the reef fish fishery. He serves as the president of Walker Fishing Fleet, Inc., and captain of the commercial F/V June Sue. Capt. Walker also has 38 years of experience as a recreational fisherman. He owned and operated a charter vessel F/V Amelia Leigh part-time from 1994-1997. He is a member of the Gulf Coast Professional Fishermen, the Gulf Fisherman's Association, and Fish for America. He currently serves on the Council's Red Snapper Advisory Panel, Reef Fish Advisory Panel, Ad Hoc 5-year Red Snapper Review Advisory Panel, and Ad Hoc Commercial Reef Fish Advisory Panel.
Dr. Gregory Stunz of Texas is a professor of marine biology at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and an endowed Chair at the Fisheries and Ocean Health, Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University. He is also the Executive Director of the Center for Sportfish Science and Conservation at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi. He was the chair and program coordinator for Marine Biology Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science Degree Program (TX A&M University). Dr. Stunz is a member of the GMFMC's SSC, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Coastal Resources Advisory Committee, Gulf Estuarine Research Society, and CCA/TX. He has published more than 40 scientific papers and technical reports directly related to fisheries in Texas and the Gulf of Mexico.
Congratulations to Dr. Pam Dana, Captain David Walker, and Dr. Gregory Stunz!
About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council
The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.
