The Mid-Atlantic Fishery Managment Council

Yesterday's editorial about the new appointments to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council in the Asbury Park Press was a breath of fresh air:   

"Christopher J. Zeman of River Vale is an attorney who represented the environmental group Oceana on issues including the sea turtle's interaction with scallop fleets. He is replacing Ed Goldman, a recreational angler from Absecon, in a New Jersey seat. Steven Schaefer, who works for Wild Edibles fish stores in New York and is a tireless promoter of sustainable fishing practices, is replacing Montauk commercial tilefish boat owner Laurie Nolan. Peter L. deFur, a wildlife toxicologist and professor at Virginia Commonwealth University's Center for Environmental Studies who has worked on coastal restoration issues, is replacing fisherman Jeff Deem. All have three-year terms."

Hats off to Governor Corzine (and Governors Paterson and Kaine) for nominiating these candidates, and to Commerce Secretary Locke for appointing them.  

The MAMFC manages some of the most commercially important fish stocks in the US.  In addition to setting catch limits for such species as summer flounder, bluefish, squid, and black sea bass, the Council also manages the ocean habitat that these stocks rely on.  

It is reassuring to see such capable, idependent and conservation-minded fishermen appointed.