Benjamin M "Mac" Currin, a recreational fisherman and educator from Raleigh, N.C., was appointed to the South Atlantic Council in an at-large seat as a North Carolina representative on August 11, 2003. Mac had previously served as a recreational member of the Council’s Marine Protected Area Advisory Panel since 1999.
As the owner of Sport Fishing Adventures in Raleigh, he is involved in developing and conducting a series of sportfishing oriented programs aimed at educating saltwater anglers in fishing practices, conservation and management of natural resources, and the promotion of sportfishing. "I became involved in the management process in the late 1980’s when I realized that recreational anglers needed a voice in management decisions," said Currin. "I believed that my scientific background could help other anglers understand the biology of marine species, the ecology of marine systems and lend some credibility to angler’s concerns about declining stocks. Having the necessary and appropriate science to address fisheries issues is the key to proper management and sustainable stocks."
Prior to starting his own business, Mac worked as a Marine Policy Analyst with the N.C. Department of Administration, analyzing complex scientific issues related to the environmental impacts of oil and gas exploration.
"I believe that our government/managers must work toward, and provide adequate resources for, obtaining scientific data needed to make intelligent management decisions. Where such decisions must be made in the absence of complete data, we must error in favor of the health and future of the resource. We must work toward fair and equitable allocation of resources and equitable distribution of necessary conservation measures among user groupers. Most importantly, we must be willing to make hard management decisions that will allow the recovery of troubled stocks."