On February 27, the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries appointed nine new members to its Recreational Fisheries Working Group. Representing marine recreational fishing interest across the nation, including the U.S. territories, these appointees provide advice to the agency's Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, also known as MAFAC. Over the next year, the working group will help guide updates to the NOAA Regional Recreational Fisheries Action Agendas, assist in planning for a second National Saltwater Recreational Fisheries Summit, and provide advice and guidance to the agency on other recreational fisheries issues and activities identified by MAFAC.
The appointees include:
Steven James, MA; Boston Big Game Fishing Club & Stellwagen Charter Boat Assoc.
Dave Monti, RI; Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association & Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association
Troy Frady, AL; Orange Beach Fishing Association
Chris Horton, DC; Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation
Carl Liederman, FL; Captain Harry's Fishing Supply
Thomas Marking, CA; Humboldt Area Saltwater Anglers
Kevin Lanier, WA; Puget Sound Anglers
Richard Yamada, AK; Shelter Lodge
Jesse Rosario, Guam; University of Guam
MAFAC was established in 1971 to advise the Secretary of Commerce on living marine resource matters. Through this advice and at the request of the Secretary, the Committee helps ensure the Nation's living marine resource policies meet the needs of commercial and recreational fishermen, and of environmental, tribal, academic, consumer, and other national interests. In 2010, MAFAC established a Recreational Fisheries Working Group to support its work on issues of importance to the recreational fisheries community.
