In its August meeting the Council has started the process of establishing mandatory electronic reporting system criteria for all managed Gulf fisheries. The need for improved data collection has been extended till February 2010. The Council also will pursue general criteria for mandatory electronic record-keeping and reporting requirements for all sectors and all fisheries. They expect to have that criteria established within six months.
In order to fulfill the assistance in defining sector specific electronic data reporting systems requirements, the Council also will establish an Ad Hoc Data Collection Advisory Panel, which will be comprised of knowledgeable sector representatives, including participants in the development of the Marine Recreational Information Program.
Dr Bob Shipp, a fishery scientist who has taught at the University of Albama since 1972, was elected Council Chair for the 2009/ 2010 Council year. Robert Gill, co-owner of Shrimp Landing, a seafood dealership in Crystal River, Florida, was reappointed to the Council. He was also elected Vice Chair of the Council.
