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Recreational Fisheries Working Group
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Establishment of a Recreational Fisheries Working Group (RFWG) was endorsed by MAFAC at its November 2009 meeting, and appointments to the Working Group were announced made March 19, 2010. The purpose of the RFWG is to advise MAFAC on issues of importance to the recreational fishing community, including, but not limited to: 1) the Ocean Policy Task Force report; 2) review and possible revision of the NOAA Recreational Fisheries Strategic Plan; 3) marine spatial planning; 4) catch share policy; and such other recreational fisheries issues identified as appropriate by MAFAC. Members have been selected to represent the diversity of national, regional and sector perspectives. Criteria for selection included having a sound expertise in the science, management or business of recreational fishing, a well-informed background in recreational fisheries issues, and an operational knowledge of federal agencies and interactions with the Fishery Management Councils and/or regional and state partners. Initial appointments were for a term of one year, with reappointment possible at the end of the term. Nominations were solicited by Federal Register Notice (dated December 16, 2009) and through announcement by NMFS to recreational community leaders, in the FishNews newsletter, and on the NMFS website. MAFAC made its recommendations for appointments at its February 2010 meeting. The NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries made final selections of 22 appointees based on the MAFAC recommendations, including its recommendation to fill a few key positions that cover sectors not sufficiently represented by the initial nominees. Additional appointments are possible, up to 25 members in total. On March 18, 2011 Eric Schwaab, NOAA Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, reappointed 21 members for a one year term (one member had resigned when he was appointed to a Fishery Management Council). The RFWG members participated in the Recreational Fishing Summit, April 16-17, 2010, in Alexandria, Virginia; have been actively involved in the post-Summit implementation of actions including the development of the 2010 Recreational Saltwater Fisheries Action Agenda; and have provided input through their participation in Webinars and other activities.
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