MTA/NJ Board Secretary Ray Bogan Appointed United States Commissioner, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas
Congratulations to MTA/NJ Board Secretary, Ray Bogan, on being appointed United States Commissioner of the International Commision for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT).
"The importance of the offshore fishery to the health of the marine industry as a whole, and the industry of New Jersey in particular, is extremely significant," says Ray Bogan. "Fishing opportunities for the various species of tuna, billfish, swordfish and sharks play a major role in boat sales and maintenance, marina revenues, tackle and bait dealers, as well as marine component sales and employment. These fish migrate great distances through international waters to U.S. waters where U.S. fishermen enjoy exciting and challenging fishing opportunities for them. They are an international resource which requires international management and conservation efforts, and the U.S. is a key participant in that international management. I am honored to help represent the U.S. in the management process, and am proud to work hard to help ensure the social and economic health of the U.S. fishing and boating community, as well as the health of these stocks."
Ray received the seat after having served as a member of the ICCAT Advisory Committee since 2003 and previously from 1992 to 1996. He also served as Acting Commissioner twice before. ICCAT was formed by a treaty in 1966 as an inter-governmental fishery organization responsible for the conservation of tunas and tuna-like species in the Atlantic Ocean and its adjacent seas. It has the regulatory power to enforce regulations on highly migratory species such as tunas, billfish and sharks. It is under the umbrella of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. As of now ICCAT has 51 Signature countries and entities.
"We are truly honored with the President's recent appointment of Raymond Bogan as the United States Commissioner, International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas," added MTA/NJ President Don Ditzel. "Ray's dedication and passion for our fisheries and the entire marine industry make him the perfect selection for this appointment and we are excited to see what the future brings"
President Obama
said of Ray and the other appointees, "These fine public servants bring a depth of experience and tremendous dedication to their important roles. I look forward to working with them."
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