The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is soliciting recommendations to fill one upcoming vacancy on the Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC).

The term for one At-Large member seat expires on August 10, 2025. The California Governor’s office will submit a list of qualified nominees for this seat to the Secretary of Commerce early next year.

The California seat that expires in August 2025 is the PFMC At-Large member seat currently held by Mr. Marc Gorelnik of California. Mr. Gorelnik is completing a third and final term and is ineligible for reappointment.

Fish and Game Code Section 7655 establishes policy that the State be represented on the PFMC by persons knowledgeable about those fisheries directly subject to PFMC management plans. Nominations are to include, but not be limited to, representatives of the commercial salmon troll fishery, the seafood processing industry, the commercial passenger-carrying (party boat) fishing industry, the groundfish fishery, the coastal pelagic species fishery, the highly migratory species fishery, non-governmental organizations, and marine scientists.

Please ensure that recommended nominees are aware of your submittal and are willing and able to serve if selected. CDFW must receive your recommendation by 5:00 p.m. on Friday Dec. 13, 2024. Please send your recommendations, including the nominee’s name, contact information, and affiliation, to r7regionalmgr@wildlife.ca.gov.

Based on responses, CDFW will compile a list of potentially qualified individuals and provide each prospective nominee with due dates and instructions to complete one federal and one state online application. The Governor will provide their selection of at least three nominees for the seat vacancy, which will be transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce. To be considered for nomination by the Governor, final applications must be completed in full, and copies sent to CDFW by January 3, 2025.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact CDFW.