For Immediate Release September 5, 2012   Gulf Council Seeks Members For Ad Hoc Artificial Substrate Advisory Panel The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is soliciting applications for seats currently available on a newly formed advisory panel. The Ad Hoc Artificial Substrate Advisory Panel will be made up of members of the petroleum industry, state artificial reef biologists, and others, who will assist the Council by providing information and advice regarding the implications of including manmade substrates and structures as essential fish habitat for federally managed fish species. The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is concerned about the effect that the removal of manmade substrates and structures serving as artificial reef habitat may have on reef fish fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and is working on Generic Amendment 4 to address those concerns.  Artificial reefs are inhabited by a number of federally managed species and may provide important habitat necessary to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. Both recreational and commercial fishermen use these platforms as sites to catch these fish, and the habitat provided by these structures may be necessary to support viable fish populations and associated fisheries. The ad hoc advisory panel will consider: 1. The myriad of similar artificial substrates in the aquatic environment that provide structure and habitat functions for fishery resources; 2. Emerging scientific research and economic activities related to artificial habitats and fisheries; 3. Ocean dumping and debris disposal that otherwise mimics the establishment of "artificial reefs"; and, 4. Perspectives from industry representatives relative to the potential impacts of considering artificial substrates as Essential Fish Habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. Estimated time commitment is two, one- to two-day meetings per year until the panel completes its work. Panel members are not paid, but are compensated for travel and per diem expenses for attendance at all meetings. Anyone interested in serving on the Ad Hoc Artificial Substrate Advisory Panel should send a resume and cover letter to:   Phyllis Miranda Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council 2203 N. Lois Avenue Suite 1100 Tampa, FL  33607 Materials may also be faxed to: 813-348-1711; or e-mailed to phyllis.miranda@gulfcouncil.org. Resumes and letters should be received no later than close of business October 22, 2012. Appointments will be made during the October 29 - November 1, 2012, Gulf Council meeting in Gulfport, Mississippi. About Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional Fishery Management Councils established by the Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The Council prepares fishery management plans, which are designed to manage fishery resources within the 200-mile limit of the Gulf of Mexico.        The Gulf Council has an APP for that - Download it for free!           iPhone         Droid Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Charlene Ponce Public Information Officer 888-833-1844 ext. 229

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