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The U.S. Commerce Department has announced the appointment of 22 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA’s Fisheries Service to manage ocean fish stocks. The new and reappointed council members begin their three-year terms on August 11.

The councils were established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to prepare fishery management plans for marine fish stocks in their regions. NOAA’s Fisheries Service works closely with the councils as plans are developed, and then reviews, approves, and implements the fishery management plans. Council members represent diverse groups, including commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental organizations and academia, and they carry out the act’s requirements to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and manage them sustainably.

“All of us at NOAA Fisheries are eager to start working with our new council members, and to continue the work we’ve been doing with returning members,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant NOAA administrator for fisheries. “The partnerships we have with the councils are more important than ever in order to continue the positive momentum we’ve been making with federally managed species in recent years.”

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

Council members are appointed to both obligatory (state-specific) and at-large (regional) seats. Council members serve a three-year term and can be reappointed to serve three consecutive terms. Asterisks preceding a member’s name indicate a reappointment.

NOAA, June 27, 2014; Image: NOAA