WDFW seeks applications and nominations for Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group

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

Up to 20 qualified individuals will be chosen to serve on the advisory group for 2020 and 2021. Members provide guidance to WDFW on issues affecting recreational fisheries for salmon, rockfish and other marine fish species in Puget Sound.

Advisors should have firsthand knowledge of and experience in marine or freshwater recreational fisheries in their respective regions and be able to communicate ideas to fishery managers. Advisors are an important link between the department and the sportfishing community, and are expected to communicate fishery information and policy decisions to local sportfishing groups in their respective regions.

The advisory group meets 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 advise the department on in-season fisheries management decisions.

Appointments become effective in January 2020. Advisors do not receive direct compensation for their work. Applicants and nominees do not have to be affiliated with an organized group, and current members of the advisory group may be reappointed.

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

• Applicant or nominee name, address, telephone 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 communication with sportfishing groups and constituents.
• Name and contact information of applicant, or any individual or organization submitting a nomination.

Applications and nominations must be received by Nov. 30, 2019. Applications and nominations may be submitted electronically to David.Stormer@dfw.wa.gov or by mail to WDFW Fish Program, Attn: David Stormer, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia WA, 98504. Appointees to the PSSAG will be notified in late December. For more information, contact Stormer at 360-902-0058.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is the state agency tasked with preserving, protecting, and perpetuating fish, wildlife and ecosystems, while providing sustainable fishing, hunting, and other recreation opportunities.