The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking nominations through May 22 for membership on its new North Coast Steelhead Advisory Group.

Up to 12 individuals will be chosen to serve on the ad hoc advisory group, which will meet several times this year with meetings beginning as early as June. Terms will end June 30, 2017.

Advisory group members will evaluate the existing steelhead regulations and hatchery production for North Olympic Peninsula’s rivers and streams. They will also consider proposed rules for 2016-17 and will be expected to craft alternatives that promote sustainable fisheries and meet WDFW’s conservation goals, said Steve Thiesfeld, regional fish program manager for WDFW.

“Our North Coast streams are home to some of our healthiest stocks of wild steelhead,” Thiesfeld said. “We want to ensure that we have regulations in place that will perpetuate these wild coastal stocks.”

The department is seeking advisory group members representing diverse interests. Candidates should be familiar with the Quillayute, Queets, Hoh, and Clearwater rivers, Thiesfeld said.

A nomination form, along with submission instructions, is available at http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/ncsag/nominations.html. Nominees for the advisory group do not have to be affiliated with an organized group.

More information about the advisory group can be found on WDFW’s webpage at http://wdfw.wa.gov/about/advisory/.