Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance CEO John Pappalardo will continue to fill an at-large seat on the New England Fishery Management Council for the next three years starting on 12 August, NOAA Fisheries announced on Thursday, 29 June.
Pappalardo, who was re-nominated for the seat by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in March, has been a part of the New England Fishery Management Council since his original appointment back in January of 2015. Cape Cod commercial fishermen were enthused by the decision, thanking Gov. Baker and the New England delegation for making sure Cape and Islands voices were heard and included as part of the regional Council via Pappalardo appointment. The fishermen were also grateful for the support from Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and NOAA's Assistant Administrator for Fisheries Chris Oliver.
"We are thankful to all who have recognized John's important contributions on the council and who have made sure that he could continue his good work there," said fisherman Nick Muto, captain of the Miss Evelyn and Dawn T, and chairman of the Fishermen's Alliance board of directors. "John's been an incredible advocate for the Cape Cod small-boat fishing fleet. We're committed to making sure the next generation of fishermen can continue to bring seafood to market, so John's participation in the council is critical to us."
Pappalardo served as a member of the New England Fishery Management Council from 2002-2011, leading the organization as its chairman for five of those years. He also has spent 13 years with the the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission, and was a member of the National Organics Safety Board. As of now, Pappalardo is a part of the Joint Oceans Commission Initiative and the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce.
"The council needs to hear from the Cape and Islands fishermen, and I am grateful to be a strong voice for them," Pappalardo said. "There are so many issues at stake; my job is to keep on top of all the changing regulations and bring the fishermen together to reason out what's best for our community and how to make our voices heard in the federal arena. I am proud to represent their view for the long-term success of our fisheries."
As a part of his re-appointment, Pappalardo is responsible for developing management plans for federal commercial and recreational fisheries alongside fellow council representatives from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.
On Thursday, NOAA Fisheries announced its appointment of 22 new and returning members, including Pappalardo, to the eight regional fishery management councils that manage fish populations in U.S. oceans in partnership with NOAA Fisheries Service.
