The Island’s own Shelley Edmundson, executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, was elected May 29 as the new chair of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission (MFAC).
Edmundson, who holds a Ph.D. in zoology and marine biology from the University of New Hampshire, has been a member of the MFAC since 2020, and will now lead the nine-member group to advise the state Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) on marine fishery issues and commercial and recreational fishery regulatory changes.
“I am honored to serve as chair of the Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Advisory Commission, and I am thankful for this opportunity. Marine fisheries play a vital role in both the culture and economy of our state, and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to protect and strengthen these resources for future generations,” Edmundson said in a MFAC press release.
Edmundson studied channeled whelk, which supports one of the Island’s largest commercial fisheries, while in school, but her love of marine biology started in her youth as she explored the Island’s shores on her grandfather’s boat, the Seabird, the press release stated.
The MFAC was formed in 1960 as a group appointed by the governor to advise the state on marine fishery issues. It was made permanent in 1962, and continues to assist DMF in fisheries management in Massachusetts.
“Shelley’s experience in promoting waterfront issues on the Vineyard along with her science background will make her an extremely effective leader of the commission,” said DMF Director Daniel McKiernan.
Congratulations Shelley! You’re doing great!