Pat Fiorelli, the long-serving public affairs officer for the New England Fishery Management Council, will step down at the end of July.

Fiorelli, who worked for the council for 29 years, penned an email to industry contacts on Wednesday announcing her departure to “take life less seriously.”

“It has been my privilege to work for the council and serve so many of you (hopefully), and I’m truly grateful for the very long and run I’ve had,” Fiorelli wrote. “Most importantly, I have been very lucky to meet such wonderful people through my job over the years. I must especially thank those who have shared with me their insights and expertise, not to mention patience and good will, as well as a few laughs.”

Fiorelli will be replaced by Janice Plante, a 30-year veteran of Commercial Fisheries News who covered the council extensively for the paper.

“Janice and I have known each other for many years,” Fiorelli said. “She brings a great deal of experience, talent, and energy to the public affairs position.”

Fiorelli’s last day will be July 29. Plante and Fiorelli have been working in tandem since Plante joined the council on June 6.