STATE OF MAINE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 1 STATE HousE STATJON AUGUSTA, Al NE

Janet T. Mills 04333.0001 GOVERNOR

March 11, 2020

Paul Doremus Acting Assistant Administrator National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway, Room 14636 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Dear Mr. Doremus:

Itis my pleasure to submit the following names for consideration for appointment to the obligatory andat-large seats on the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) for the State of Maine.

The Department of MarineResources (MEDMR) has been in contact with a number of organizations and individuals across the coast with knowledge and interest in marine fisheries. These organizationsinclude Associated Fisheries of Maine, the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, the Maine Center forCoastal Fisheries, Maine Lobstermen' s Association, Downeast Lobstermen's Association, AmericanBluefin Tuna Association, The Nature Conservancy, Maine Aquaculture Association, Maine Association of Charterboat Captains, and the Portland Fish Exchange.

The individuals listed below are qualifiedby residency andin accordance with the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Conservation and Management Act.

Please note that my nominations areprioritized in order based on my views of how best to represent Maine's interests on the Council, as well as the long-termstewardship of New England's fishery resources.

For the obligatory seat currently held by Terry Alexander, whose third and finalterm expires 8/10/21:

1. Geoffrey Smith ("Other") 2. Kristen Brawn ("Other") 3. Gerald Cushman ("Commercial")

PT-JONE: (207) 2S7-}53l (Vo1u,) TTY USERS CALL7ll FAX: (207) 287-1034 www.m;11i1e.gov 1. Geoffrey "Geoff' Smith

GeoffSmith has worked in naturalresource management for over two decades. In his work as the Marine Program Director forthe Mainechapter of the Nature Conservancy, Mr. Smith has been an active participant in fisheriesmanagement in the state and region, oftencollaborating with industry to develop practical solutions for operational and management challenges. He currently serves on theMEDMR Advisory Council, the NEFMC GroundfishAdvisory Panel, and the Maine Coast Community GroundfishSector Board of Directors. He previously served on the NEFMC Habitat Advisory Panel and Marine Protected Area Workshop Steering Committee, and has worked extensively on development of Electronic Monitoring strategiesfor the groundfishfishery.

2. Kristen "Tague" Brawn

Tague Brawn has been involved in fisheries management and the seafood industryin the region formore thantwo decades. Ms. Brawn owns and operates a wholesale seafoodbusiness, Downeast Dayboat that sources scallops fromthe Maine dayboat fleet. Prior to starting Downeast Dayboat, Ms. Brawnworked as a Resource Management Coordinator forthe MED MR, focusingon the scallop and urchin fisheries. Ms. Brawn was instrumental in the development of a rotational management planfor the Maine statewaters scallop fishery. She is the current chair of the MED MR Advisory Council, and serves on the Maine Fishermen's Forum Board of Directors.

3. Gerald "Gerry"Cushman

GerryCushman has been an active harvester for over fourdecades. Currently, his primary fishingactivity is in the lobster fishery and federal halibut fishery, but he has extensive experience participating in the groundfishfishery and holds three groundfish permits. Mr. Cushman also owns a bait storage business and is a Board member of the Port Clyde Co-op, and has worked extensively to ensure the protection of working waterfront infrastructure in Port Clyde, one of thelast small groundfish ports in Maine. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, the Maine Lobstermen' s Association, and the Maine Fishermen'sForum.

For the at-large seat currently held by Vincent Balzano, whose third and final term expires 8/10/21:

1. Kristen Brawn ("Other") 2. Geoffrey Smith ("Other") 3. Gerald Cushman ("Commercial")

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PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Vo1CE) TTY USERS CALL 711 FAX: (207) 287" 1034 www.1118ine.gov 1. Kristen "Togue" Brawn

Togue Brawn has been involved in fisheriesmanagement and the seafood industry in the region formore than two decades. Ms. Brawn owns and operates a wholesale seafoodbusiness, Downeast Dayboat that sources scallops fromthe Maine dayboat fleet. Prior to starting Downeast Dayboat, Ms. Brawn worked as a Resource ManagementCoordinator forthe MEDMR, focusing on the scallop and urchin fisheries. Ms. Brawn was instrumental in the development of a rotational management planfor the Maine statewaters scallop fishery. She is the current chair of the MEDMR Advisory Council, and serves on the Maine Fishermen's Forum Board of Directors.

2. Geoffrey "Geoff' Smith

GeoffSmith has worked in natural resource management forover two decades. In his work as the Marine Program Director for the Maine chapter of the Nature Conservancy, Mr. Smith has been an active participant in fisheries management in the state andregion, often collaborating with industry to develop practical solutions for operational andmanagement challenges. He currently serves on the MEDMR Advisory Council, the NEFMC GroundfishAdvisory Panel, and the Maine Coast Community GroundfishSector Board of Directors. He previously served on the NEFMC Habitat AdvisoryPanel and Marine Protected Area Workshop Steering Committee, and has worked extensively on development of Electronic Monitoring strategies for the groundfish fishery.

4. Gerald "Gerry"Cushman

Gerry Cushman has been an active harvester forover fourdecades. Currently, his primary fishingactivity is in the lobster fisheryand federal halibut fishery, but he has extensive experience participating in the groundfishfishery and holds threegroundfish permits. Mr. Cushman also owns a bait storage business and is a Board member of the Port Clyde Co-op, and has worked extensively to ensure the protection of working waterfront infrastructure inPort Clyde, one of the last small groundfish ports in Maine. He currentlyserves on the Board of Directors forthe Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, theMaine Lobstermen's Association, and the Maine Fishermen's Forum.

I appreciate your consideration of these individualsfor these critical appointments; I am confident of theirexperience and qualifications to represent our state on behalf of Maine's fisheries and coastal communities.

l'RINTSD C)N !1.iCCVCLi:J; h\i'Ell

PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Vo1u-:) TTY liSElU-l CA LL 71 l www.main.:o,gov I have asked DMR Commissioner Patrick Keliher to followup with you to reiterate my priorities, but please feelfree to contact him directly withany questions or concerns that your agency may have.

Sincerely,

Governorof Maine

Cc: Patrick Keliher, Commissioner, Maine Department of Marine Resources

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PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (VOICE) TTY USERS CALL 7 l I FAX: (207) 287-1034 www.m�1nc.gov OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR COMMONWEAL TH OF MASSACHUSETTS STATE HOUSE, BOSTON MA 02133 (617) 725-4000

CHARLES 0. BAKER KARYN E. POLITO GOVERNOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

March 12, 2021

Paul Doremus Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Room 14636 Silver Spring, MD 20910 ATTN: Kelly Denit

RE: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Nominations to the New England Fishery Management Council

Dear Mr. Doremus:

I am submitting four 4)( individuals as nominees forthe obligatory seat currently held by Dr. John Quinn of Dartmouth, MA and the at-large seat currently held by Mr. Vincent Balzano of Saco, ME on the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC). These seats will become vacant in August, 2021. Included are the completed application kits forthe nominees.

My selections were made froma list of candidates who responded to the effortsof the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) to solicit interest in the NEFMC positions. Outreach included announcements over the Division's email distribution service, posting on the DMF website, and direct contact with potentially qualifiedcandidates. Effortswere made to consider qualifiedwomen and minority candidates. Those whom I am nominating are eligible by reason of occupational or other experience, scientific expertise, or training, thereby making them knowledgeable and experienced in ways related to the fisheryresources of New England.

For the obligatory seat currently held by Dr. John Quinn of Dartmouth, MA; I nominate in order of preference: • Michael Pierdinock (recreational sector) • Jackie Odell ( commercial sector) • James Kendall (commercial sector) Candidate descriptions are listed below: • Michael Pierdinock (recreational sector). Mr. Pierdinock of Plymouth, MA is a lifelongangler and recreational fisheriesadvocate. He is the owner/operator of the charter boat Perseverance that has targeted various inshore, offshore, and groundfishspecies since 2003. In addition to his successfulcharter boat business, Mr. Pierdinock actively participates on various committees, councils, and advisory panels that impact recreational anglers and the for-hireindustry. Currently, he serves on the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission (Vice Chair), Stellwagen Bank Charter Boat Association (President); U.S. ICCA T Advisory Committee; NMFS Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel; Responsible Offshore Science Alliance (ROSA), Executive Committee and Advisory Council; and NEFMC Recreational Advisory Panel. Mr. Pierdinock was a U.S. delegate at the annual ICCAT meetings in Morocco (2017), Croatia (2018), and virtually in 2020 due to Covid-19. He is also a regular contributor to industry magazines and radio shows, discussing the latest fisherymanagement issues that impact recreational fishermen.Mr. Pierdinock seeks to bring his experiences as a charter boat captain and industry advisor at the state and federallevel to the Council to assist in making sound management decisions that consider the economic and social impacts to all stakeholders.

• Jackie Odell (commercial sector). Ms. Odell is the Executive Director of the Northeast SeafoodCoalition. She holds a Master's degree in Marine Affairs from the University of Rhode Island, and a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Environmental Studies from Providence College. Ms. Odell currently maintains several memberships including: Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund, Member of Board of Directors; Northeast Sector Service Network, Member of Board of Directors; Massachusetts Fishermen's Partnership, Member of Board of Directors; New England Fishery Management Council, Vice Chair of the Groundfish Advisory Panel; NOAA Fisheries Harbor Porpoise Take Reduction Team, Industry Member; and the Responsible Offshore Development Alliance, Member. Ms. Odell's support of the Council process established by the MSA is rooted in a belief that utilizing data, sound science and comprehensive analyses are essential to the management decision-making process. Encouraging advancements in the science and evolving scientificmethodologies is vital to ensure successfulmanagement measures.

• James M. Kendall (commercial sector). Mr. Kendall has been associated with the New England fisheries forover 50 years, 32 years as a commercial fisherman, and now for27 years as an advocate and supporter of those fisheries and the people who remain dependent upon them. He has also been an avid recreational fishermanfor at least as many years. He is the owner of a seafood consulting company and was the Executive Director of the New Bedford Seafood Coalition. He has over fortyyears of direct involvement with New England fisheryissues having served on the Mass. Fishermen's Partnership: Executive Board Member, Past President (founder); Fishing Partnership Support Services: Executive Board Member; New BedfordPort Society, Board Member; Mass. Fisheries Institute, Board Member; and SMAST scallop & fisheries advisory board as a member. Most recently Mr. Kendall has served as a fisheriesliaison for the offshore wind developer Vineyard Wind. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to the fishing industry in New England.

For the at-large seat currently held by Vincent Balzano of Saco, ME; I nominate in order of preference:

• Jackie Odell (commercial sector) • Michael Pierdinock (recreational sector) • Peter Seminara (recreational sector) Candidate descriptions are listed below:

• Jackie Odell (commercial sector). See above.

• Michael Pierdinock (recreational sector). See above.

• Peter Seminara (other sector). Mr. Seminara of Rockport, MA is the shellfish constable forthe City of Gloucester where he manages the shellfishfishery. Peter holds a Bachelor's degree in environmental studies fromEckerd College, and has been involved in local recreational and commercial fisheries since 1994. Overall, he has twenty-one years of experience in commercial fisheries and over 30 years of experience recreational and charter fisheries. He is a member of the Massachusetts Lobster Association and the Massachusetts ShellfishOfficer's Association. He also serves on the Massachusetts ShellfishInitiative Taskforceas a proxy for Mayor Sefatia Romeo-Theken. He seeks to maintain sustainable fisheriesto protect the marine ecosystem as well as continuing to provide employment forthousands of commercial and charter fishermenin New England through fisheries management, utilizing science, education, outreach, and experience. Through DMF, I have consulted with representatives of the commercial and recreational fishing interests of the Commonwealth regarding the nominees, including former members of the NEFMC and members of the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission-a nine­ member citizen advisory board, representing recreational and commercial fishinginterest (including seafooddealers). Additionally, many unsolicited letters of support forsome of the candidates were received.

Each of my nominees meets the requirements listed in Section 302(b)(2)(A) of the Magnuson­ Stevens Act. All have convinced me of their commitment to improving fisheriesmanagement in New England and to assist the Council in rebuilding, maintaining, and managing the marine resources so important to the economic vitality of the Massachusetts fishingindustry.

Sincerely,

Governor Charles D. Baker cc: Kathleen A. Theoharides, Executive Officeof Energy and Environmental Affairs Ronald S. Amidon, Department of Fish Game Daniel J. McKiernan,Division of Marine Fisheries STATE OF RHODEISLAND OFFICE OF GOVERNOR DANIEL J. MCKEE

March 3, 2021

Paul Doremus Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway, Room 14636 Silver Spring, Maryland 20910

RE: Nominations forNew England Fishery Management Council

Dear Mr. Doremus: I write in response to formerAssistant Administrator Oliver's letter of January 11, 2021, seeking nominees for the obligatory Rhode Island seat and the at-large seat on the New England Fishery Management Council, both of which will become vacant on August 10, 2021. I am forwarding you the nomination packages forthree highly qualified candidates from Rhode Island: Eric Reid, Gregory Mataronas, and Sarah Schumann. All three nominees represent the commercial sector. Having carefully considered the qualifications of the three candidates, I respectfullyrecommend the re-appointment of Mr. Reid to the obligat01y Rhode Island seat. Additionally, I submit the same slate of three nominees for the at-large seat, with equal preferenceafforded to Mr. Mataronas and Ms. Schumann forthat seat. Eric Reid is completing his second term on the Council and is eligible for re-appointment to a third term. By all accounts, he has established himself as a top-notch member of the Council. Over the past two years, he has twice been elected Vice-Chair of the Council by his fellow Council members. In his capacity as Vice-Chair, he serves on the Council's Executive Committee. He also serves as Chair of the Habitat Committee, and as a member of the Ecosystem-Based Fishery Management Committee, Groundfish Committee, Sea Scallop Committee, Law Enforcement Committee, and Small Mesh (Whiting) Committee. He also serves as the New England Council's liaison to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, a position of particular importance to Rhode Island's marine fishe1yinterests, as well as those of the other southernNew England states. In his capacity as liaison, he serves on the Mid-Atlantic Council's Demersal Committee, River Herring/Shad Committee, and Squid, Mackerel, Butterfish Committee. Additionally, he serves on the National Regional Coordinating Committee, Council Coordinating Committee, and Transboundary Management Coordinating Committee.

RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02903 Paul Doremus March 3, 2021 Page 2

Mr. Reid is widely admired and respected, throughout Rhode Island and the region, for his thoughtful,well-informed, and influentialengagement on the many issues faced by the Council. Given the always challenging and often controversial nature of those issues, Mr. Reid has shown, time and again, that he has the temperament, sensibility, and sound judgement to work through the issues in a professional,reasoned, and dignifiedmanner. While he has a particularly strong commercial-fishingorientation, he is also well-versed on recreational and for-hirefishing issues, and maintains a balanced perspective regarding the three sectors. For these reasons, along with his strong background, knowledge, and experience in marine fisheries, and the broad support for his re-appointment offered by the Rhode Island marine fishing community, I deem him to be exceptionally well-qualified for, and unquestionably deserving of, re-appointment to a third term. Mr. Reid has actively participated in commercial and recreational fisheries in Rhode Island for over 50 years. He first worked as a deckhand on for-hire vessels, then became licensed and ran the vessels as a captain. He did this while attending the University of Rhode Island, from which he graduated in 1981 with an A.S. degree in Fisheries and Marine Technology. Following graduation, he began working as a commercial fisherman, serving as both deckhand and captain on bottom trawl and longline vessels operating out of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey ports. After 10 years of experience on the water, Mr. Reid redirected his fisheries focusto shoreside processing. Since 1983, he has worked for seven differentseafood processing companies. After brief stints with the Tri-Coastal Co-Op in Gloucester, MA and the Atlantic Coast Fisheries Corp. in New Bedford, MA, he began working as Production Manager and Plant Manager forseveral Rhode Island-based companies: Point Judith Packing Co.; Seafresh USA, Inc.; and The Town Dock, Inc. Having established himself as an industry leader in Rhode Island's premier fishing port, Mr. Reid then started his own business in Galilee - Deep Sea Fish of Rhode Island, Inc. - which he owned and operated foreleven years, through 2013. His facility was a full-service vessel unloading facility and fresh fish production plant, and was one of the most active operations in the port. From 2013 until just recently, Mr. Reid served as General Manager at Seafreeze Shoreside, Inc., a large, full-service seafood processing facility in Galilee. As a new venture, Mr. Reid is now establishing his own consulting business. Throughout his long and successfulcareer, Mr. Reid has also taken the time to engage in the fisheries management process. A strong advocate for the industry, and forsound resource conservation, he has served in leadership roles in numerous capacities - as (past) president of both the Rhode Island Seafood Council and the American SeafoodInstitute, and as the founding member of both the East Coast Fisheries Association and the New England Seafood Producers Association. He has contributed to numerous marine fisheriespolicy initiatives in Rhode Island, and he has testified on fisheries issues at the Rhode Island State House. Over the past year, he has taken on leadership positions with the Responsible OffshoreFisheries Alliance and the Responsible Offshore ScienceAlliance. In 2015, when he was first appointed to the New England Council, he was also appointed by Rhode Island State Senator V. Susan Sosnowski to serve as her legislative proxy on the Atlantic State Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). He has since served on the ASMFC with distinction. He is also serving his second te1m as the U.S. Commercial Fisheries Commissioner to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization.

RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02903 Paul Doremus March 3, 2021 Page 3

Mr. Reid has what it takes -- the experience, smarts, poise, and thoughtfulness -- to continue serving on the New England Council. He has a firmgrasp on the issues; he is immersed in the Rhode Island commercial fishery and the regional issues that affect our fisheries; he is well­ regarded by his peers; and he has a personality that's ideally suited to the challenging task of serving on the Council. He was an impressive candidate six years ago, and an even more impressive candidate now. I am proud to have him serving on the Council on behalf of Rhode Island, and with your support, I look forward to having him reappointed to a third term. Gregory Mataronas embodies the futureof marine fisheries.He is relatively young, exceptionally bright, level-headed, and well-versed on a wide range of marine fisheriesissues. His age notwithstanding, he has fishedhis entire life, and already has over 30 years of experience. He comes from a fishingfamily, so he was able to get his start in the business at a very young age. Much of his early experience involved lobster fishing. He then branched out, still as a trap fisherman, into whelk, sea bass, and scup. He captained two differentoffshore lobster boats at various times since 2003. Recently, he entered into a partnership with his brother, and is now the co-owner of a major fishing business involving a gillnet vessel that primarily targets monkfish, skates, and summer flounder. Mr. Mataronas has a strong educational background. He graduated magna cum laude from Southampton College/Long Island University in 2003 with a B.S. in Marine Biology. He then worked his way through the University of Rhode Island's Masters Program in Aquaculture (thesis and degree pending). Recently, he completed the Marine Resource Education Program ( Gulf of Maine Research Institute). Rounding out his strong background, Mr. Mataronas is deeply immersed in fisheriespolicy and management. He serves on the New England Fishe1y Management Council's Skate and MonkfishAdvisory Panels. He is a member of NOAA Fisheries' Large Whale Take Reduction Team. He also serves on the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's Area 2 Lobster Conservation Management Team, and the RI Coastal Resources Management Council's Fisheries Advis01y Board. In 2019, he participated in a Regional Council Training Session in Silver Springs, Maryland. He has engaged in several collaborative fisheries research projects. He is a regular attendee at New England Fishery Management Council meetings, and reliably offers thoughtfuland meaningfulinput on pending management issues. He is an indust1y leader, serving as an officer with two premier organizations: the Rhode Island Lobstermen's Association (President) and the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island (Vice-President). Mr. Mataronas is well-known, well-liked, and well-respected throughout the Rhode Island commercial fishing community and to an ever-increasing extent, throughout the region. With his breadth of experience, education, energy, and commitment, Mr. Mataronas is well-positioned for a promising futureas both a successfulcommercial fisherman and a leader in the fishing community. He is a solid candidate forappointment to the New England Council. It is an honor forme to recommend him for consideration, particularly with regard to the at-large seat on the New England Council that will become vacant this year. Sarah Schumann also embodies the futureof marine fisheries. She has an incredibly diverse and impressive resume that renders her ideally suited forconsideration as a candidate for appointment to the Council.

RHODEISLAND STATE HOUSE, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02903 Paul Doremus March 3, 2021 Page 4

Ms. Schumaan has been involved in commercial fisheriesin Rhode Island and beyond for twenty years - not only as a fishery participant, but also as an advocate, researcher, and public educator. Between 2004-2007, Ms. Schumann worked as a deckhand on several Rhode Island-based inshore commercial lobster boats. In 2007, she obtained a Rhode Island commercial fishing license, and began shellfishingcommercially on her own. Between 2008 and 2016, she worked seasonally at a salmon cannery in Bristol Bay, Alaska. In 2011, she worked as a deckhand on a Rhode Island-based inshore gillnet boat, and helped the captain launch a new business focused on local seafood. Between 2016 and 2019, she worked seasonally as a deckhand on salmon gillnet and seine boats based out of Bristol Bay and Kodiak, Alaska. Since 2018, she has worked as a deckhand on the F/V Oceana, a long-established and highly regarded Rhode Island-based inshore gillnet boat. Also, over the past two years, she has worked part-time on a Rhode Island­ based oyster farm and continued to shellfish commercially on her own. In addition to her extensive, continuing experience in the commercial fishing industry, Ms. Schumann has engaged in freelance writing and social science research related to fisheries.She has written two books, published a report stemming from a Saltonstall-KennedyGrant she received, and published numerous peer-reviewed academic articles. Ms. Schumann has held, and continues to hold, leadership and advisory positions with several fisheries-related organizations, including: the Responsible OffshoreScience Alliance, Responsible OffshoreDevelopment Alliance, Rhode Island Shellfishermen'sAssociation, Eating With the Ecosystem (Founder, President, Board Member), and the Rhode Island Green New Deal Research Council. She is also an active collaborator with the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island. Ms. Schumann's educational background is as diverse and impressive as her work experience. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Rhode Island in 2004 with a B.S. degree in Marine and Coastal Policy and Management. While at URI, she received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Marine and Coastal Policy. She then received a Fulbright grant that brought her to Chile to conduct a yearlong study of Chile's shellfishco-management program. While in Chile, she also completed two semesters of coursework in Marine Biology and Environmental Studies. In 2009, she graduated with distinction fromthe University of Oxford, UK, with an M.S. degree in Geography and Environmental Policy. Between 2012 and 2016, she completed modules in fisheries science, fisheries management, and ecosystem-based fisheries management through the Marine Resource Education Program. Ms. Schumann's application and resume speak volumes about the breadth of her background and experience, expanding on the highlights offered above. With such outstanding credentials, coupled with her strength of character solid grounding in marine fisheriesissues, and excellent communications skills, it follows that her peers think the world of her. Of all the nominees submitted by Rhode Island governors forconsideration for Council appointments over the years, Ms. Schumann may top the list with regard to the depth of support offered by her peers. Her application includes some seventeen letters of supp01i from lead fisheriesorganizations and industry leaders, as well as some thirty-three testimonials from individual Rhode Island fishermenand shoreside business operators. Indeed, of all her fine attributes, her close ties with diverse members of the commercial fishing community stand out.

RHODEISLAND STATE HOUSE, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02903 Paul Doremus March 3, 2021 Page 5

Ms. Schumann is a huge talent- smart, committed, forward-looking, and widely admired and respected. I am honored to recommend her for consideration as a nominee, particularly with regard to the at-large seat on the New England Council that will become vacant this year. In considering the candidacies of Mr. Reid, Mr. Mataronas, and Ms. Schumann, acting through the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, I consulted with a range of key individuals who represent commercial and recreational fishing interests in Rhode Island, including: Rick Bellavance, President, Rhode Island Party and Charter Boat Association; David Borden, Executive Director, Atlantic Offshore Lobstermen's Association; Christopher Brown, President, Rhode Island Commercial Fishermen's Association and President, Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island; Fred Matter, President, Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island; David Monti, Vice-Chair, Rhode Island Fisheries Management Council; Michael Marchetti, President, EasternNew England Scallop Association; and Stephen Medeiros, President, Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association. The RI Department of Environmental Management openly solicited candidates forthe two seats. One request for consideration was received from a woman, Ms. Sarah Schumann; no requests for consideration were received by any minorities.

RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE, PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND 02903 March 3, 2021

Dr. Paul Doremus Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries National Marine Fisheries Service 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 Attention: Morgan Corey

Subject: New England Fishery Management Council Nominations

Dear Dr. Doremus and Ms. Corey: I am pleased to forward the names of three highly qualified individuals as nominees for Connecticut’s obligatory seat on the New England Fishery Management Council (“NEFMC”), currently held by Matthew G. McKenzie, who is serving in his final three-year term. I am also recommending three candidates for the at-large NEFMC seat currently held by Vincent Balzano of Maine, who is also currently serving in his final term. Both seats will be vacant on August 10, 2021. Enclosed you will find a complete nomination package for each candidate. The following nominees meet significant needs for Connecticut’s and the region’s fisheries. The state and region are best served by Council members who are knowledgeable and experienced in marine fisheries conservation, fishing communities, commercial fisheries interests and recreational fisheries interests. I ask that you give your fullest consideration to our slate of nominees. For Connecticut’s obligatory seat, I nominate, in priority order: 1. Mr. Mark S. Alexander (other sector) 2. Mr. William G. Lucey (other sector) 3. Mr. Michael C. Plaia (recreational, for-hire and commercial sectors) For the at-large seat; I nominate, in priority order: 1. Mr. William G Lucey (other sector) 2. Mr. Mark S. Alexander (other sector) 3. Mr. Michael C. Plaia (recreational, for-hire and commercial sectors)

210 CAPITOL AVENUE, HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT 06106 TEL (860) 566-4840 • www.governor.ct.gov [email protected] Candidate descriptions are provided below. Mark Alexander has my highest recommendation to fill Connecticut’s obligatory seat on the NEFMC. He is a resident of Connecticut and a retired former senior manager within the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (“DEEP”), Fisheries Division, and has extensive knowledge of Connecticut and regional fisheries and the environmental, administrative, and fisheries management issues that the Council regularly addresses. Mark began his career with the DEEP Marine Fisheries Division in 1982, and retired as the Assistant Director of the Fisheries Division, in which capacity he oversaw the Marine Fisheries Program. Mark served at first as a designee, and then as the principal state official on NEFMC from 2008-2016. During his tenure with NEFMC, Mark served on a number of committees and in a variety of roles, including Chairman of the Council’s Research Steering Committee, Chairman of the Council’s Monkfish Oversight Committee, and the Council’s representative to the Northeast Regional Planning Body. During his career at DEEP, Mark was instrumental in many initiatives that became the foundation for the agency’s recreational and commercial fisheries’ statistics and assessment monitoring project. Mark designed the database that houses DEEP commercial fisheries’ effort and landings data. Mark also played critical roles in the development of the Standard Atlantic Fisheries Information System (SAFIS), implementation of the Electronic Dealer Reporting module, and the redesign and implementation of Connecticut’s online licensing system to accommodate marine waters and commercial fishing licenses. Mark can be classified in the “other” sector, although his long and distinguished career with DEEP and his more than 50 years of recreational fishing experience give him substantial insight into the “commercial” and “recreational” sectors. William (“Bill”) Lucey has my very strong recommendation to fill Connecticut’s obligatory seat. Bill works for a regional maritime non-profit, “Save the Sound,” as the Long Island Soundkeeper. In that role he uses his broad and deep experience in fisheries and marine biology to advocate for preserving and enhancing water quality and state and regional fisheries resources. A native of Connecticut, Bill holds a graduate certificate in Fisheries Management from the University of Oregon and a B.S. in Fisheries Biology from the University of Vermont. After college, he joined the U.S. Peace Corps as a fisheries extensionist in Central America. From there, he took a job as a federal fisheries technician in Yakutat, Alaska, where he remained for 20 years, also working during that time for the local municipality dependent on commercial fishing as its primary industry. From 1997 to 2013, Bill held troll, gillnet and long line permits for salmon and halibut, and operated small fishing boats in the Gulf of Alaska. At the same time, he continued working as a field biologist conducting multiple research projects centered on fish, marine mammals, and salmon restoration. As a coastal program planner, he secured funding to upgrade fishing related infrastructure and to establish a regional seafood branding program, and also promoted beneficial fisheries policies at the state and federal level. His dual careers as a fisherman and biologist provide him a unique perspective on the fisheries management process. Given Bill’s current employment with a conservation non-profit, I would classify him as belonging to the “other” sector, although his background certainly gives him substantial perspective on the “commercial” sector as well and even the “recreational” sector with his 46 years of recreational fishing experience. Michael (“Mike”) Plaia is a commercial, charter and avid recreational fisherman. Mike has served on the NEFMC Recreational Advisory Panel since 2002, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel since 2010, and on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council’s (“MAFMC”) Summer Flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass Advisory Panel since 2013. In addition, Mike has attended the National Marine Fisheries Service’s New Council Member Training (2017), has completed the Gulf of Maine Research Institute’s Marine Resources Education Program (2010), and has completed the MAMFC’s training course for Management Strategy Evaluations (2020). Mike has more than 70 years of recreational fishing experience, 65 years of commercial fishing experience, and approximately 20 years of charter experience. I would classify him as belonging to the “recreational,” “for-hire,” and “commercial” sectors. Connecticut has made significant outreach efforts to recruit qualified nominees. Notice of the Council seat vacancy was distributed by email list-serve on January 8, 2020 to nearly 1,000 subscribers of DEEP Marine Fisheries News who represent a cross section of the recreational and commercial fishing industry and environmental community. Individual contact was made to Connecticut commercial fishermen identified from landings data as being reliant on New England Council managed species. Potential candidates were also identified through consultation with the existing obligatory council member with emphasis on identifying qualified diverse candidates; these potential candidates were followed up with through individual email solicitation from DEEP Marine Fisheries Program Staff. Thank you for considering these nominations.

Sincerely,

Ned Lamont Governor