The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting nominations for a seat on the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The deadline to request nomination materials is Feb. 13, 2017 and the three-year term begins August 2017.

The Council manages about 119 species of groundfish, pelagic species (sardines, anchovies and mackerel) and highly migratory species (tunas, sharks and swordfish) off the coasts for Oregon, Washington and California. It includes 14 voting members representing tribal and state fish and wildlife agencies, and private citizens knowledgeable about sport fishing, commercial fishing and/or marine conservation. Several advisory councils and PFMC staff members also participate in Council meetings.

The ideal candidate would be knowledgeable of fishery resource conservation and management in marine waters off the West Coast.  Specific knowledge of and experience in management issues and fisheries is important, as is a strong conservation ethic. The successful candidate also must work collectively with other council members, often making difficult decisions and fulfilling the standards set forth by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.  Council members make a substantial time commitment to fully participate in council business and related activities.

The Oregon seat is currently held by Jeff Feldner of Siletz, who is not seeking re-appointment. ODFW will send all nominations to the Governor’s office, which will then forward the names of at least three candidates to the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Department of Commerce for consideration.  Successful appointees must pass an extensive FBI background check.

Anyone interested in being considered, or wishing to nominate someone, must contact Cyreis Schmitt at 541-867-4741 or cyreis.c.schmitt@state.or.us no later than Feb. 13, 2017.

The Pacific Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to manage fisheries from three to 200 miles offshore of the United States coastline.  The Pacific Council is responsible for fisheries off the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington.