The U.S. Department of Commerce announces the appointment of 20 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils.
Council members represent interested groups including commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental organizations, and academia, along with state and federal agencies. They are vital to fulfilling the Magnuson-Stevens Act’s requirements to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and manage them sustainably.
Each year, the Secretary of Commerce appoints approximately one-third of the total 72 appointed members to the eight regional councils. The Secretary selects members from nominations submitted by the governors of fishing states, territories, and tribal governments.
The Secretary appoints council members to both state-specific and regional seats—also known as obligatory and at-large seats. They serve a three-year term, up to three consecutive terms.
* Asterisk following a member’s name indicates a reappointment.
New England Council
The New England Council includes members from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.
Obligatory Appointment:
Peter Whalen (New Hampshire)*
At-Large Appointments:
Eric Hansen (Massachusetts)*
Andrew Dangelo (Rhode Island)
Mid-Atlantic Council
The Mid-Atlantic Council includes members from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Obligatory Appointment:
Elizibeth Wooleyhan (Delaware)
At-Large Appointments:
Todd Janeski (Virginia)
Scott Lenox (Maryland)*
Jake Wiscott (New Jersey)
South Atlantic Council
The South Atlantic Council includes members from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Obligatory Appointments:
Gary Borland (South Carolina)*
Francis Hemilright (North Carolina)
Caribbean Council
The Caribbean Council includes members from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
At-Large Appointment:
Louis Blanchard (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Gulf Council
The Gulf Council includes members from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
Obligatory Appointments:
Brenda Ballard (Texas)
John Marquez (Mississippi)
At-Large Appointment:
Micheal Allen (Florida)
Pacific Council
The Pacific Council includes members from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Council also includes one Tribal seat.
Obligatory Appointment:
Peter Hassemer (Idaho)*
At-Large Appointment:
Jamie Diamond (California)
North Pacific Council
The North Pacific Council includes members from Alaska and Washington.
Obligatory Appointments:
Angel Drobnica (Alaska)*
Nicole Kimball (Alaska)*
Western Pacific Council
The Western Pacific Council includes members from American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Obligatory Appointment:
William Sword (American Samoa)*
At-Large Appointments:
Jesse Rosario (Guam)
Edgar Feliciano (American Samoa)
