Many, including me, have questioned if we really can have an impact on Fisheries Management policy.
We respond to the requests for e-mails.
We contact our Senators, and Reps, and receive polite e-mails telling us they are aware of our concerns....

But how do our opinions really get to affect policy?
Or do they affect it at all?

Here's a chance for you folks out there to get involved, without spending the gas or toll money. These webinars are growing in popularity as travelling gets more tenuous and expensive. Sent in by Finchaser, thanks!



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Ask Questions! Express Your Concerns! Let Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) leadership and National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) representatives know what you think!

What: Public Listening Session

Who: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council

When: Wednesday April 13, 2011 - 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Where: Annapolis, MD & online at GoToMeeting.com

The MAFMC welcomes your input during a public question & answer session from 5pm to 6pm on Wednesday April 13, 2011 in Annapolis, MD. The session will be in the evening and is designed to allow stakeholders an opportunity outside of the normal Council agenda to ask questions or express concerns regarding Council management issues. Topics you may want to discuss include:

Ecosystem Management
Bycatch Reduction
Catch Shares
Recent Assessment Results
Recreational Data Collection
Research Set-Aside Program
Allocation Issues
Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning
Annual Catch Limits
...and anything else on your mind!


Questions will be taken as time allows from both those attending in person and via webinar.

For online webinar access register at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/963693944 - once registered you will receive an email confirming your registration with the information you need to join the webinar.

For those interested in attending this public comment session in person, directions are available at www.historicinnsofannapolis.com/html/annapolis-hotel.asp. The session will be in the Governor Calvert House (410-263-2641).

Contact Jason Didden at jdidden@mafmc.org or 302-526-5254 if you have any other questions or if you would like to confirm your ability to access the session via webinar