Pacific Fishery Management Council briefs new advisory members on procedures, travel and digital tools

Kelly Ames, deputy director of the Pacific Fishery Management Council, opened the council’s all‑advisory‑body briefing and reminded new appointees that the session was being recorded and will be posted on the Council’s website.

“Please take the time to familiarize yourself with our website,” Ames said, telling members the meeting recording and briefing materials will be available for future reference. She said the session would cover council operating procedures, advisory body ground rules and resources members will use while serving.

The briefing framed advisory members as a core part of the Council’s decision process. Executive Director Merrick Burden thanked attendees for their service and said advisory bodies make it possible for the Council to manage fisheries across a large geographic area. “What sets our council apart is the strong role of our advisory bodies,” Burden said, noting the Council’s work affects millions of people across Pacific coast fishing communities.

Council Chair Brad Pettinger urged appointees to act as ambassadors for their fisheries, stressing respectful dialogue and relationship building among panel members. Vice Chair Pete Hassimer said the Council’s work seeks both healthy ecosystems…