From the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission:



Rehoboth Beach -The Commission has approved its Strategic Plan for 2009-2013, charting a course to achieve its long-term Vision of "healthy, self-sustaining populations of all Atlantic coast fish species or successful restoration well in progress by the year 2015."  The Plan establishes eight major goals and related strategies to pursue this Vision. These goals and strategies will guide the Commission’s activities over the next five years and will be implemented through Annual Action Plans.

"This Strategic Plan is the culmination of extensive and thoughtful strategic planning by my fellow Commissioners," states Commission Chair George D. Lapointe of Maine. "The document recommits the 15 Atlantic coast states to their shared vision of stock rebuilding and sustainable resource management. It formalizes, for the first time, Commissioner values in pursuit of the Commission’s vision and mission, and reaffirms the Commission's commitment to transparency and accountability in its decision-making processes. Most importantly, it provides a solid foundation for the states to work together to achieve stock rebuilding; strengthen the scientific basis for our management decisions; and protect, restore, and enhance vital fish habitat and ecosystem health through partnerships."

Below are the Plan's eight goals.  

1. Rebuild and restore depleted Atlantic coastal fisheries, and maintain and fairly allocate recovered fisheries through cooperative regulatory planning

2. Strengthen cooperative research, data collection capabilities, and the scientific basis for stock assessments and fisheries management actions

3. Improve stakeholder compliance with Commission fishery management plans

4. Protect, restore, and enhance fish habitat and ecosystem health through partnerships, policy development, and education

5. Strengthen congressional, stakeholder, and public support for the Commission's Mission, Vision, and actions

6. Represent member states collective interests at regional and national levels

7. Strengthen human resource management and enhance learning and growth within the Commission

8. Provide efficient administration of the Commission's business affairs and ensure the Commission’s financial stability

The Commission also approved its 2009 Action Plan with specific tasks supporting the Strategic Plan.  Copies of both the Strategic Plan and 2009 Action Plan will be available by mid-November via the Commission website at www.asmfc.org, under "Breaking News." For more information, please contact Tina Berger, Public Affairs Specialist, at (202)289-6400 or <tberger@asmfc.org>.                                         ASMFC Vision: Healthy, self-sustaining populations of all Atlantic coast fish species or successful restoration well in progress by the year 2015.

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