The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, during its August meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, elected a new chair and vice chair for the 2012-2013 Council year.
Doug Boyd of Texas, who was appointed to the Council in 2010, was elected chair.
"I am honoured to be elected to a leadership role with the Gulf Council. This next year presents many challenges for the Council. We must continue working to end overfishing, rebuild and enhance fish stocks, streamline the public's access to safe, quality, affordable Gulf seafood, secure and enhance vital fish habitat, and further recreational fishing opportunities. The Gulf of Mexico is a diverse ecosystem that provides great socioeconomic benefit to not only the Gulf Coast, but to the entire nation, and it should be managed for the benefit of all," said Mr Boyd.
Kevin Anson, with the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Marine Resources Division and designee for Chris Blankenship, the departments director, was elected vice chair.
"I look forward to serving on the Council as vice chair, and I am excited to assist the Council throughout its process of developing management strategies to restore fish stocks," said Mr Anson.
In addition to the elections, Dr Roy Crabtree, regional administrator of NOAA Fisheries Southeast Regional Office, conducted the investiture ceremony for five new and returning members to the Gulf Council.
Among those were Corky Perret of Mississippi was appointed as an at-large member; Dale Diaz from the Mississippi Department of Natural Resources will now serve as the designee for William Walker, executive director; and Lieutenant Commander Jason Brand will represent the US Coast Guard as designee for RADM Mary Landry.
