The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approves 2014 – 2018 Strategic Plan

At its 2014 winter meeting the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission approved its 2014 – 2018 Strategic Plan. The plan establishes seven major goals and related strategies that will be implemented through annual action plans.

The Commission Chair Dr. Louis B. Daniel, III of North Carolina stated, "“The document revises the Commission’s long-term vision, values, driving forces, and goals to better respond to new challenges and opportunities in Atlantic coast fisheries management. The Commissioners’ goal, through the review process, was to strengthen the Strategic Plan to make it more effective, concise, and accessible to the public."

More than 4,500 comments were submitted during the public comment period with the majority of the comments supporting the direction of the Commission.

The Plan’s seven goals are:

1. Rebuild, maintain, fairly allocate, and promote Atlantic coastal fisheries
2. Provide the scientific foundation for and conduct stock assessments to support informed management
actions
3. Promote compliance with fishery management plans to ensure sustainable use of Atlantic coast
fisheries
4. Protect and enhance fish habitat and ecosystem health through partnerships and education
5. Strengthen stakeholder and public support for the Commission
6. Advance Commission and member states’ priorities through a proactive legislative policy agenda
7. Ensure the fiscal stability & efficient administration of the Commission

The 2014 – 2018 Strategic Plan is available on the Commission website at
http://www.asmfc.org/files/pub/2014-2018StrategicPlan_Final.pdf