West Palm Beach – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) announced yesterday that Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke selected Mr. John Jolley of Boynton Beach, Florida to serve as a voting member to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC). The Council makes recommendations to the National Marine Fisheries Management Service (NMFS) regarding all issues related to federally managed fish species. John served as President and Chair of the 76-year-old West Palm Beach Fishing Club (WPBFC) for nearly 30 years.
“This is great news for fish and fishermen,” said West Palm Beach Fishing Club president, Tom Twyford. “John’s business background, past marine research and lifelong fishing and diving experience will help guide the council towards making fair and sustainable fisheries management decisions. We should all thank Governor Rick Scott for nominating John and Secretary Locke for making this wise appointment.”
John Jolley began fishing and diving in the Palm Beach County area in the 1950s. He graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in biology, and served for many years as a researcher at the Florida Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), where he helped make early discoveries about Atlantic sailfish, king mackerel, red tide and swordfish, among other research efforts. He serves on the NMFS Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel, and has extensive experience with the models and statistics used to make fisheries stock assessments. John is also a champion tournament angler.
“Given John’s vast experience as a fisherman and with fisheries issues, I’m extremely confident that he will serve recreational fishing well for years to come,” said WPBFC board member, Chester Brewer.
“I am honored, and pledge to listen carefully, do my homework, and help my fellow council members make the wisest and fairest decisions for our fisheries,” said Jolley.
