Committee members sought for Puget Sound recreational fisheries enhancement group

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Photo by WDFW

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking members of the sport fishing community to serve on a committee that oversees the Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Enhancement program.

Anyone interested in serving on the Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Enhancement Oversight Committee has through Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, to apply.

The committee was created in 2003 by the Legislature to advise the WDFW director on all aspects of the fisheries enhancement program. Key responsibilities of the program are to promote, restore and enhance recreational fisheries in Puget Sound, ensure the productivity of sustainable populations of salmon and marine bottomfish, and promote recreational fishing opportunities.

At least seven volunteers are appointed to the oversight committee. Members serve two-year terms and may be re-appointed. The next term begins in January 2023 and expires in December 2024.

The committee, which is a broad representation of the sport fishing community, meets several times a year to review projects and provide guidance on funding activities related to the enhancement program.

To qualify, applicants should be closely linked to and maintain strong communication with the recreational fishing community, have an understanding of salmon and bottomfish fisheries in Puget Sound, and be able to attend both virtual and in-person meetings.

Committee members are volunteers and WDFW does not provide compensation for these positions.

Interested individuals do not have to be affiliated with an organized group, though members of groups can also be nominated. Individuals must submit a letter of interest and a resume with the following information:

• Name, address, telephone number and email address.
• Relevant experience and reasons for wanting to serve as a member of the enhancement group.
• Effectiveness in communication, including outreach and promotion.
• Examples of working with diverse community members and/or diverse user groups of Washington fisheries resources.
• An example of how you would strive to promote and enhance Puget Sound recreational fisheries.

Failure to provide a resume and answer to the above questions may disqualify potential candidates.  Interested individuals should submit their application electronically to Dr. Kirsten Simonsen at kirsten.simonsen@dfw.wa.gov.  Applicants will be notified of their status in late December 2022.

For more information on the enhancement program and oversight committee, please visit wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/psrfef/ or contact Dr. Kirsten Simonsen at 206-482-0580.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish, wildlife, and recreational and commercial opportunities.