APPOINTMENTS TO U.S. FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCILS

Appointments to U.S. fishery management councils. The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced the appointment of 21 members to the regional fishery management councils  that partner with NOAA Fisheries to manage ocean fish stocks.

Twenty of the new and reappointed council members will serve three-year terms from August 11, 2019 through August 10, 2022. One appointed member is filling a state-specific seat recently vacated on the Caribbean Fishery Management Council. This member will serve through August 10, 2021.

Established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, councils are responsible for developing region-specific fishery management plans that safeguard and enhance the nation’s fisheries resources. Council members represent diverse groups, including commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental organizations, and academia. They are vital to fulfilling the act’s requirements to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and manage them sustainably.

NOAA Fisheries works closely with the councils through the process of developing fishery management plans. They will also review, approve, and implement the plans.

Each year, the Secretary of Commerce appoints approximately one-third of the total 72 appointed members to the eight regional councils. The Secretary selects members from nominations submitted by the governors of fishing states, territories and tribal governments.

Council members are appointed to both state-specific and regional seats—also known as obligatory and at-large seats, respectively.  Council members serve a three-year term and may be reappointed to serve three consecutive terms.