According to the press communiqué the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is forming a new Ad Hoc Advisory Panel to consider the trading of catch shares and other issues related to limited access privilege programs for Gulf king mackerel. It is said that the Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Act of 2006 encourages regional Fishery Management Councils to develop limited access privilege programs for fisheries when appropriate.
The Council said that these programs allow fishermen more flexibility in terms of how and when they can fish during the year, increasing both efficiency and safety at sea. In addition, limited access privilege programs help improve resource conservation because combined catches of all quota holders are generally at or below the total allowable catch.
Expected time commitment for members of the new Ad Hoc Advisory Panel is 2 – 3 two-day meetings per year. Members are not compensated; however travel expenses are reimbursed. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976.
