The Department of Planning and Natural Resources has partnered with the National Marine Fisheries Service to develop an improved commercial fisheries data collection program for the territory, according to a press release from DPNR Commissioner Robert S. Mathes.

Beulah Dalmida-Smith, director of the division of Fish and Wildlife, has announced that public meetings will be conducted from 7-10 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Frenchtown Community Center on St. Thomas, and from 7-10 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Curriculum Center on St. Croix.

Director Dalmida-Smith acknowledges the importance of input from commercial fishers in this process and encourages their participation at these important meetings. For more information, call 773-1082 on St. Croix or 775-6762 on St. Thomas.