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Fishery
Management Plan Development Process & Public Input
The public plays an important role in the Commission's
fisheries management planning process,
from advisory panel input to general public information meetings
and hearings.
The Commission's Advisory Panels provide input into the fishery
management process from its outset. The Advisory Panel process arose
in part as a result of the Commission's increasing responsibilities
under the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative Management Act,
which mandates, among other things, that the Commission provide
adequate public participation in its fishery management planning
process, including at least four public hearings and procedures
for submission of written comments to the Commission. |
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The waters for public participation were first tested in 1994
with the development of the Atlantic Striped Bass Advisory Panel
and the initiation of public hearings for Addendum VI and Draft
Amendment 5 to the Atlantic Striped Bass Fishery Management Plan.
Since that time, Advisory Panels have been developed for American
Eel, American
Lobster, Atlantic
Croaker, Atlantic
Herring, Atlantic
Menhaden, Atlantic
Sturgeon, Black
Sea Bass, Bluefish,
Horseshoe
Crab, Northern
Shrimp, Red
Drum, Scup,
Shad
and River Herring, Spiny
Dogfish, Summer
Flounder, Tautog,
Weakfish,
and Winter
Flounder.
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HOW
TO GET INVOLVED
There are many ways to become involved in the Commission’s
fisheries management process. Here are some suggestions:
Attend Commission Meetings
All Commission meetings are open to the public. Interested parties
are encouraged to attend to learn more about Commission activities
and give their views to fisheries managers. Find out about the
Commission’s meetings by subscribing to Fisheries Focus
-- the Commission’s monthly newsletter that is available
free of charge. You can also learn about upcoming meetings via
the Commission’s web site at http://www.asmfc.org under
the Meetings page.
Become an Advisory Panel Member
The Commission has 18 active species advisory panels for anadromous,
catadromous, shellfish and marine fisheries. Contact your state
Commissioners if you are interested in becoming a member.
Attend Public Meetings & Hearings
The fishery management plan development process calls for public
meetings and public hearings to solicit public views on proposed
management actions. Attend these meetings to learn more and express
your views.
Write,
Fax or Email Us Your Comments
Submitted comments are forwarded to the appropriate management
board and/or Commission staff for review and incorporation in
the public record. Feel free to mail, fax or email comments to
the Commission using the contact information below.
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