WDFW Seeks Puget Sound Fishing Advisory Group Nominations

THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND WILDLIFE

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking applications and nominations through Nov. 30 for membership on its Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group.

The Department will select up to 20 qualified individuals to serve two-year terms on the advisory group, which provides guidance to WDFW on topics affecting recreational fisheries for salmon, rockfish and other marine fish species in Puget Sound.

“Our advisory group members serve as a critical link between the Department and the sportfishing community,” said Dr. Kirsten Simonsen, Puget Sound recreational salmon biologist with WDFW. “As we envision the future of sport fishing in Puget Sound, it’s important to us that we’re charting a path forward that reflects those most invested in these opportunities.”

Advisors should have firsthand knowledge of and experience in marine or freshwater recreational fisheries in Puget Sound and be able to communicate ideas effectively to fishery managers. Advisors are also expected to communicate fishery information and policy decisions between sportfishing groups they may be affiliated with and the Department.

The advisory group will meet virtually and/or in-person three to four times a year, with most meetings scheduled February through April during the annual salmon season-setting process, known as North of Falcon. Additional meetings may be scheduled during sport fishing seasons to help inform the Department’s in-season fisheries management decisions. More information about the group is available at: wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/pssfag.

Appointments become effective in January 2022. Applicants and nominees do not have to be affiliated with an organized group, and WDFW may reappoint current members of the advisory group.

Applications are open to all and any group or individual can nominate a candidate. Applications and nominations must include the following:

• Applicant or nominee name, address, phone number and email address.
• Relevant experience and reasons for wanting and qualifying to serve as a member of the advisory group.

• Applicant or nominee’s effectiveness in communicating with sportfishing groups and constituents.
• Applicant or nominator name and contact information.

Applications and nominations must be received by Nov. 30, 2021. Applications and nominations may be emailed to kirsten.simonsen@dfw.wa.gov or mailed to WDFW Fish Program, Attn: Dr. Kirsten Simonsen, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia WA, 98504. WDFW will notify selected applicants in late December.