Contact: Patricia Smith         
Phone: (252) 726-7021
Date: June 10, 2010                                                                                 
  

Marine Fisheries Commission Seeks Sea Turtle Advisers

MOREHEAD CITY - The N.C. Marine Fisheries Commission is looking for individuals to serve on the Sea Turtle Advisory Committee and provide advice on various issues related to sea turtles.

Duties of this committee will include, but are not limited to:

• Reviewing sea turtle observer reports;
• Devising means for fishermen to report sea turtle interactions;
• Assisting with fishermen education;
• Determining measures to reduce the incidental take of sea turtles;
• Monitoring observer program issues; and
• Reviewing all future Incidental Take Permit provisions and take calculations prior to submittal of formal applications to the National Marine Fisheries Service.

Individuals interested in serving as advisers should be willing to attend meetings at least once every two months and actively participate in the committee process. Advisers will be reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in relation to their official duties.

The Marine Fisheries Commission chairman appoints committee members for three-year terms.

Adviser applications are available online at http://www.ncfisheries.net/mfc/advisorforms.html  or by calling (252) 808-8022 or (800) 682-2632. Applications should be returned by July 7 to the Division of Marine Fisheries, P.O. Box 769, Morehead City, NC 28557, Attention: Kelly Mullen.