News release Nov. 5, 2024
Contact: Hailey Rosenthal, 360-522-3041
Media contact: Mark Yuasa, 360-902-2262
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking sport fishing community members to serve on a committee that oversees the Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Enhancement Fund program.
Anyone interested in serving on the Puget Sound Recreational Fisheries Enhancement Oversight Committee has until Dec. 2, 2024, to apply.
The legislature created the committee in 2003 to advise the WDFW director on all aspects of the fisheries enhancement program. Key responsibilities of the program are to promote, restore, and enhance recreational fisheries in Puget Sound, ensure the productivity of sustainable populations of salmon and marine bottomfish, and promote recreational fishing opportunities.
At least seven volunteers are appointed to the oversight committee. Members serve two-year terms and may be re-appointed. The next term begins in January 2025 and expires in December 2026.
The committee, which is a broad representation of the sport fishing community, meets several times a year to review projects and provide guidance on funding activities related to the enhancement program.
To qualify, applicants should be closely linked to and maintain strong communication with the recreational fishing community, understand salmon and bottomfish fisheries in Puget Sound, and be able to attend both virtual and in-person meetings.
Interested individuals do not have to be affiliated with an organized group, though members of groups can also be nominated. Individuals must submit a letter of interest and a resume with the following information:
- Name, address, telephone number, and email address.
- Relevant experience and reasons for wanting to serve as a member of the enhancement group.
- Effectiveness in communication, including outreach and promotion.
- Examples of working with diverse community members and/or diverse user groups of Washington fisheries resources.
- An example of how you would strive to promote and enhance Puget Sound recreational fisheries.
Failure to provide a resume and answer to the above questions may disqualify potential candidates. Interested individuals should submit their application electronically to Hailey Rosenthal at hailey.rosenthal@dfw.wa.gov. Applicants will be notified of their status in late December 2024.
Compensation and reimbursements available
Advisory groups are a unique opportunity for people to share their knowledge and expertise with the Department. To reduce barriers for people to engage, WDFW offers compensation for advisory group members’ time and reimbursements for childcare, adult care, lodging, meals, and mileage. WDFW is following guidelines from the Office of Equity for advisory group compensation and reimbursements.
Washington residents who serve on advisory groups in a professional role and are otherwise compensated for their involvement are not eligible for compensation. Reimbursement rates are available on the Office of Financial Management’s website. Compensation rates range from $45 for one hour to $200 maximum per day.
All members of the public are invited to apply regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability.
Those interested in joining are also encouraged to review the WDFW Advisory Member Handbook (PDF) (PDF) and the advisory groups and committees webpage for background information.
For more information on the enhancement program and oversight committee, please visit the PSRFEF webpage or contact Hailey Rosenthal at 360-522-3041.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.