UPCOMING MEETINGS Otolith Processors Training WorkshopMay 19-20, 2009 FIN Meeting June 10, 2009 MRIP Wave Meeting July 1, 2009 LATEST PUBLICATIONS
2009 SEAMAP-Gulf of Mexico Marine Directory. Fishery-Independent Survey Activities |
The Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission was established by an act of Congress (P.L. 81-66) in 1949 as a compact of the five Gulf States. Its charge is:
The Commission is composed of three members from each of the five Gulf States. The head of the marine resource agency of each state, a member of the legislature, and a citizen with knowledge of marine fisheries appointed by the governor. The Commission is empowered to make recommendations to the governors and legislatures of the five Gulf States regarding the management of the fisheries. The states do not relinquish any of their rights or responsibilities in regulating their own fisheries, however. Recommendations to the states are based on scientific studies made by experts employed by state and federal resource agencies and advice from law enforcement officials and the commercial and recreational fishing industries. In addition, the Commission advises the United States Congress and may testify on legislation and marine policies that affect the Gulf. One of the most important functions of the Commission is to serve as a forum for the discussion of various problems, issues, and programs concerning marine management. |