Coastal Fisheries

On behalf of Governor Wes Moore, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services is seeking qualified applicants to nominate for at-large seats on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council.

The at-large seats with terms expiring in August 2025​ include: Scott Lenox (MD, second term), Peter Hughes (NJ, third term), and Kenneth Neill (VA, first term). The Governor’s Office will nominate applicants for selection by the Secretary of Commerce, United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Applicants should have fisheries experience (recreational, commercial, or other relevant expertise), be committed to attending Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council meetings along the Atlantic coast and associated duties and be able to pass a background check.


If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please contact:

Angel Willey

Coastal Fisheries Program Manager

angel.willey@maryland.gov

410-643-4601 ext. 2101

The deadline for submitting applications is January 10, 2025.



Ocean City Field Office photo

I​ntroduction

Maryland's coast hosts many different fish communities. In Maryland's Atlantic waters and federal waters off Maryland's coast, migratory species such as black sea bass, spiny dogfish, and summer flounder can be found. Maryland's Coastal Bays are nursery areas for species such as summer flounder, black sea bass, weakfish, American eel, and bluefish. Species such as sea robins, puffers, lizardfish, stingrays and other coastal species are often encountered in the Coastal Bays. As a result of this diversity, Maryland's coast offers recreational and commercial fishermen opportunities to harvest many different species.

In support of these diverse fisheries, and to promote healthy coastal ecosystems, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fishing and Boating Services created the Coastal Fisheries Program. Since 1972, the Coastal Fisheries Program biologists have been monitoring Maryland's Coastal Bays fish populations and providing support to recreational and commercial fishermen. Throughout that time, fisheries management has changed; fishermen have become more efficient at catching fish and fisheries are more closely monitored for stock status. The Coastal Fisheries Program is continuously changing to meet the needs of Maryland citizens.