WDFW seeks volunteers for Puget Sound sportfishing advisory group

Submitted by WDFW

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is seeking volunteers to serve on its Puget Sound sportfishing advisory group.

People interested in serving on the advisory group have through Oct. 31 to apply.

About 10 qualified individuals will be chosen to serve on the advisory group for 2018-19. Those selected will provide guidance to WDFW on issues affecting recreational fisheries in Puget Sound for salmon, rockfish and other marine fish species.

The advisory group meets up to six times a year, with most meetings scheduled February through April during the annual salmon season-setting process, known as North of Falcon. Members also are expected to communicate fishery information and policy decisions to sportfishing groups in their areas, said Ryan Lothrop, a WDFW fishery manager.

“Advisors are an important link between the department and the sportfishing community,” Lothrop said. “We’re looking for people who have first-hand knowledge of marine and freshwater recreational fisheries and the ability to communicate their ideas to fishery managers and fellow anglers.”

Appointments become effective in January 2018. Advisors do not receive direct compensation for their work.

Interested individuals do not have to be affiliated with an organized group, and current members of the advisory group may be reappointed. Any group or individual also can nominate a candidate.

  • Letters of interest or nominations must include the following information:
  • Name, address, telephone number and email address of the person to be considered.
  • Relevant experience and reasons for wanting to serve as a member of the advisory group.
  • Effectiveness in communication.
  • Name and contact information for any individual or organization submitting a nomination.

Applications must be received by Oct. 31, and may be submitted to PugetSoundRecFishingGroup@dfw.wa.gov or Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Attn: Ryan Lothrop, P.O. Box 43150, Olympia WA, 98504-3150. For more information, contact Lothrop at (-360-902-2808.