OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations through Dec. 6 for membership on its Puget Sound Salmon Sportfishing Advisory Group.

Up to 15 qualified individuals will be chosen to serve on the Puget Sound Salmon Sportfishing Advisory Group for 2014 and 2015. Those selected will provide guidance to WDFW on issues affecting recreational salmon fisheries in Puget Sound and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Members of the Puget Sound Salmon Sportfishing Advisory Group are expected to meet three or four times a year and participate in the annual salmon season-setting process known as North of Falcon. Members also are expected to communicate policy decisions to sportfishing groups in their areas.

"We're looking for people with first-hand knowledge of marine and freshwater sport salmon fisheries in Puget Sound, and have the ability to communicate their ideas to fishery managers and with fellow anglers," said Ryan Lothrop, WDFW's Puget Sound recreational salmon manager.

Nominees do not have to be affiliated with an organized group, and current members of the advisory group may be reappointed.

Nominations must be submitted in writing with the following information:

Nominee's name, address, telephone number and email address.
Relevant experience and reasons for wanting to serve as a member of the advisory group.
Nominee's effectiveness in communication.
Name and contact information for any individual or organization submitting a nomination.
Nominations must be received by Dec. 6.

Nominations may be submitted to Ryan Lothrop by mail: Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA, 98501; or email Ryan.Lothrop@dfw.wa.gov . For more information, contact Lothrop at (360) 902-2808.