Guidance Document for ASMFC Technical Support Groups

The purpose of this document is to provide guidance to all species Management Boards/Sections and technical support groups in order to improve the functioning of ASMFC technical support groups and the effectiveness of technical advice to species Management Boards and other Commission committees, where appropriate. Technical support groups are defined as technical committees, stock assessment subcommittees, plan development teams, plan review teams, and other technical workgroups/subcommittees (i.e., stocking and tagging subcommittees). All appointees to these committees should review the information in this document, as well as the document titled Orientation Manual for Technical Support Group Membership, and attempt to apply these guidelines when conducting business on any ASMFC technical support group.The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission was formed by the 15 Atlantic coast states in 1942 in recognition that fish do not adhere to political boundaries. The Commission member states are: Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.A publication of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission pursuant to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No. NA17FG2205