The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking applications for a volunteer citizen committee that advises the department on Puget Sound recreational crab and shrimp fishing issues.

The Recreational Crab and Shrimp Advisory Committee (RCSAC) provides a communication link between WDFW staff and recreational crab and shrimp harvesters.

Committee members provide insight, recommendations and advice to the Puget Sound crustacean program staff regarding potential management actions, harvest seasons, regulations, education and outreach opportunities and stakeholder communication.

Advisors will be chosen based on experience in the recreational crab and shrimp fishery, ability to address issues in a thoughtful and productive manner, willingness to engage, their ability to communicate with fishery managers and others, and for their ability to contribute diverse perspectives. Applicants need not be affiliated with an organized group. Anyone can apply, including those who may require reasonable accommodations to participate as an advisory committee member.

Those interested should review the WDFW Recreational Crab and Shrimp Advisory Committee webpage and the advisory group handbook.

Applications are due by 5 p.m., Jan. 20, 2021. An online application form with requested information is located on the Crab and Shrimp advisory webpage. Applications may also be submitted by email to Don Velasquez at don.velasquez@dfw.wa.gov or by mail Attn: Crustacean Manager, 375 Hudson St., Port Townsend, WA 98368

Applicants should be available for advisory committee meetings twice per year. Additional conference call meetings may also be held to discuss in-season management issues. Advisors will be expected to become or remain informed on the issues and to provide objective assessments, based on experience and first-hand information about the fisheries, harvest-allocation and conservation issues. Virtual meetings via Microsoft Teams will be used at least through June 2021 and may continue to be an option for future meetings.

The group will be comprised of 10-12 individuals. New advisory appointments will be for two-year terms to begin on Feb. 15, 2020. Applicants will be notified of appointments by Feb. 1, 2020.

For more information, please contact Katelyn Bosley at 360-302-3030, ext. 319.