COMMERCE SECRETARY EVANS APPOINTS MARCOS HANKE TO CARIBBEAN FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL

Secretary of Commerce Don Evans has appointed Marcos R. Hanke of Naguabo, Puerto Rico, to the Caribbean Fishery Management Council. Hanke takes his place on the council on Oct. 15, 2003.

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional bodies established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that prepare fishery management plans for marine fish stocks in their respective geographical areas of responsibility. The management plans are submitted for review to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries), an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and approved by the Secretary of Commerce.

A charterboat captain and fishing guide for more than eight years, Hanke brings diverse experience to the council. He has been an active participant with local fishermen, both commercial and recreational, and is part of a fishing tournament organization in his community. Hanke represents the recreational fishing sector. He replaces Miguel A. Sanabria, whose term expired on Aug. 10, 2003.

NOAA Fisheries is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation’s living marine resources, and the habitat on which they depend, through scientific research, management and enforcement. NOAA Fisheries provides effective stewardship of these resources for the benefit of the nation, supporting coastal communities that depend upon them, while helping to provide safe and healthy seafood to consumers and recreational opportunities for the American public.

The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources. To learn more about NOAA, please visit http://www.noaa.gov.