Last month, State Rep. Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) was appointed to the Marine Fisheries Steering Committee, a state group tasked with supporting commercial fishing and its market.

The committee was established this year by the state Legislature to assist the Division of Marine Fisheries in the administration of its seafood marketing program including strategic planning, financial management, prioritization of programmatic initiatives, and in pursuing funding for program activities from outside sources.

“This will be an excellent opportunity to once again focus on an issue that is a very important component to the people of my district and all other coastal communities,” Gifford said. “Along with the economic aspect of commercial fishing is an environmental aspect. We need to make sure that balance is maintained and I see that as one area of focus for this committee.”

The 19-member committee, which includes 12 representatives of wholesale seafood dealers appointed by the governor, will work in conjunction with elected officials to ensure support of the state's fishing and seafood industry and the residents that benefit from these activities.

“A strong fishing industry has always been incredibly important to Massachusetts, both culturally and economically,” said House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. (R-North Reading). “With her hometown located at the head of Buzzards Bay, Representative Gifford understands the importance of maintaining this tradition.”

Gifford serves as the ranking Republican member of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture and also served as a member of the Ocean Management Task Force and the Buzzards Bay Oil Spill Commission.