Department of Commerce Announces 2026 Appointments to the Regional Fishery Management Councils

The U.S. Department of Commerce announces the appointment of 22 new and returning members to the regional fishery management councils .

Council members represent a variety of groups, including commercial and recreational fishing, and academia, along with state and federal agencies. They are vital to fulfilling the Magnuson-Stevens Act's requirements to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and maintain vibrant coastal communities.

Each year, the Secretary of Commerce appoints approximately one-third of the total 72 appointed members to the eight regional councils. The Secretary selects members from nominations submitted by the governors of fishing states, territories, and tribal governments.

The Secretary appoints council members to both state-specific and regional seats-also known as obligatory and at-large seats. They serve a three-year term and may be reappointed to three consecutive terms.

*Asterisk following a member's name indicates a reappointment.

New England Council

The New England Council includes members from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

At-Large Appointments:

Terry Alexander (Maine)*

Jackie Odell (Massachusetts)*

Kirby Aarsheim Apjohn (Massachusetts)

Daniel Salerno (New Hampshire)*

Mid-Atlantic Council

The Mid-Atlantic Council includes members from Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

Obligatory Appointment:

Dave Blazer (Maryland)

Robert Ruhle (North Carolina)*

Paul Risi (New York)*

G. Warren Elliott (Pennsylvania)

At-Large Appointments:

Laurie Nolan (New York)*

South Atlantic Council

The South Atlantic Council includes members from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

At-Large Appointments:

Rob Southwick (Florida)

Kerry Marhefka (South Carolina)*

Caribbean Council

The Caribbean Council includes members from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Obligatory Appointment:

Juan U Torres Cruz (Puerto Rico)

Gulf Council

The Gulf Council includes members from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

At-Large Appointment:

Anthony Overton (Alabama)*

Kesley Banks (Texas)*

Ed Walker (Florida)*

Pacific Council

The Pacific Council includes members from California, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Council also includes one Tribal seat.

Obligatory Appointment:

Butch Smith (Washington)*

At-Large Appointment:

Jeff Lackey (Oregon)

North Pacific Council

The North Pacific Council includes members from Alaska and Washington.

Obligatory Appointments:

Forrest Bowers (Alaska)

Chad See (Washington)

Western Pacific Council

The Western Pacific Council includes members from American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Obligatory Appointment:

Cody Norita (CNMI)

At-Large Appointments:

Eric Kingma (Hawaii)

Roger Dang (Hawaii)*