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By daybreak
Published: July 3, 2008
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The Department of Commerce on June 27, 2008, announced the appointment of 21 members to the eight regional fishery management councils. The councils, established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, prepare fishery management plans for marine fish stocks in their respective geographical areas of responsibility. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service reviews, approves and implements the management plans on behalf of the Secretary of Commerce.

Council members represent diverse interests, including commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as environmental, academic and other perspectives from each geographic area. The Secretary of Commerce appoints a total of 72 obligatory and at-large members to the eight regional councils. Council members serve three-year terms, and may be reappointed to serve up to three consecutive terms. Approximately one-third of the terms expire annually.

Each year on behalf of the Secretary, the Assistant Administrator of the National Marine Fisheries Service solicits nominations from the governors of fishing states, and oversees the annual appointment process. The Secretary selects council members from the list of nominees provided by the governors to fill obligatory and at-large seats that have become available due to an expiring term, a resignation or other reasons. Obligatory seats are state-specific, while at-large seats can be filled by a person from any of the states in the region.

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