The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) is accepting applications for specific Advisory Panel seats from individuals interested and up-to-date in the conservation and management of the South Atlantic fisheries. Current members and seat holders range from recreational and commercial fishermen to seafood dealers and processors, but also conservationists, scientists and concerned citizens.

Available Florida positions include one recreational, one conservation and one commercial seat on the Habitat Advisory Panel; two commercial seats on the King and Spanish Mackerel Advisory Panel; and a couple of open seats on the Snapper & Grouper and Information & Education advisory panels.

Advisory panel members are appointed by the Council and serve for a three-year period. Once the period is up, members must reapply or the seat opens. Advisory Panel members generally meet no more than once or twice each year. Submit applications to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, 4055 Faber Place Drive, Suite 201, Charleston, SC 29405. Applications can be obtained by contacting the Council office or online at www.safmc.net.

Applications must be received by May 21, 2008 in order for new advisory panel members to be selected at June SAFMC meetings in Orlando.

Complete list of all open Advisory Panel seats:

Golden Crab AP
1 Open Commercial Seat

Habitat AP
South Carolina, (1) Recreational Seat, (1) Conservation Seat, and (1) Commercial/Charter Seat
Georgia, (1) Recreational Seat and (1) Commercial Seat
Florida, (1) Recreational Seat, (1) Conservation Seat, and (1) Commercial Seat
At-Large, (2) Scientist Seats

Information & Education AP
5 Open Seats

King & Spanish Mackerel AP
North Carolina, (1) Recreational Seat and (1) Commercial Seat
Georgia, (1) Recreational Seat
Florida, (2) Commercial Seats
At-Large, (1) Non-governmental Organization (NGO) Seat

Deepwater Shrimp AP
10 Open Commercial Seats

Snapper Grouper AP
South Carolina, (1) Wholesale/Retail Dealer Seat and (1) Recreational Seat
Georgia, (1)Wholesale/Retail Dealer Seat

Snapper Grouper AP
(1) Open NGO Seat
(2) Open Wreckfish Sub-panel Seats