Coastal Residents, Scientists, Industry Professionals Sought to Serve on DNR Advisory Panels

Brunswick, Ga.

The Coastal Resources Division (CRD) of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications to fill multiple vacancies on three of its Marine Fisheries Advisory Council’s (MFAC) advisory panels (APs). 

Established in 2006, the MFAC strengthens communication between CRD and Georgia’s commercial, recreational, scientific, and industry stakeholders in managing the state’s marine fisheries resources. 

Advisory Panels Vacancies

CRD invites qualified applicants for the following volunteer positions:

  • Blue Crab Advisory Panel
    • Three (3) seats for commercial crabbers (preference given to residents of the following counties currently under-represented on the AP: Chatham, Bryan, or Liberty)
    • One (1) seat for a non-DNR scientist with expertise in crustacean population dynamics and/or management (ex-officio member)
       
  • Shellfish & Mariculture Advisory Panel
    • One (1) Hatchery/Nursery Operator
    • One (1) Shellfish Lease Holder
    • One (1) Certified Shellfish Dealer
       
  • Shrimp Advisory Panel
    • One (1) Commercial Shrimp Castnetter
    • One (1) Commercial Trawler


About the Marine Fisheries Advisory Council

Formed by merging the Coastal Fisheries Advisory Commission (est. 1974) and the Saltwater Advisory Council (early 1990s), the MFAC has provided critical public input on complex or controversial fisheries issues for nearly fifty years. Its membership reflects a balanced geographic distribution and encompasses charter and private sportfishing, commercial fishing, processing/packaging, and non-consumptive estuarine and marine interests. CRD staff provide administrative and coordination support for Council and panel activities.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete an application online and provide information about their interest in the position, fishing participation, involvement with relevant industry groups, fishing licenses held, and other pertinent information.
Application Deadline: 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, 2025.

Apply Now

For more information, please visit CoastalGaDNR.org/CitizenAdvisoryGroups.  Please direct questions and applications to Kathy Knowlton at Kathy.knowlton@dnr.ga.gov or 912-264-7218.
 


About the Coastal Resources Division

The mission of the Coastal Resources Division is to balance coastal development and protection of the coast's natural assets, socio-cultural heritage and recreational resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
 


Media Contact

Tyler Jones
Public Information Officer
Coastal Resources Division
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
tyler.jones@dnr.ga.gov