September 24, 2014 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
The New England Fishery Management Council (Council) is seeking qualified candidates to serve on its Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC). Individuals may nominate themselves or be nominated by other individuals or organizations. Nominees must submit a resume or curriculum vitae. A summary of qualifications for the appointment, including the length and type of relevant experience must also be included. Appointments are for three years, with terms beginning on January 1, 2015 and ending December 31, 2017. All relevant materials should be sent to the Council office and must be received by November 4, 2014.
– SSC nominees should have expertise in statistics, fisheries biology, marine ecology, economics, sociology, anthropology or other social sciences as they apply to fisheries management. SSC members are expected to provide independent, scientific advice to the Council. The SSC positions for which the Council seeks nominations include one economist, three fisheries scientists with expertise in population biology and one scientist with expertise in marine ecosystems.
– The purpose of the SSC is to assist the Council in the development, collection and evaluation of statistical, biological, economic, social and other scientific information relevant to the development of fishery management plans. The committee may:
– Provide guidance to ensure that fishery management plans, amendments and framework adjustments are based on the best scientific (including economic and social) information available (National Standard 2 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act);
– Provide the Council ongoing scientific advice for fishery management decisions, including recommendations for acceptable biological catch, preventing overfishing, maximum sustainable yield, and achieving rebuilding targets, and reports on stock status and health, bycatch, habitat status, social and economic impacts of management measures, and sustainability of fishing practices;
– Provide peer reviews of scientific work and review methodology and analyses by the Council’s plan development teams if requested by the Council;
– Upon request, advise the Council on the preparation of comments on scientific issues.
SSC members are reimbursed for travel expenses up to specified limits for attending official meetings at the Council’s request and receive a daily stipend subject to funding.
Nominations and materials may be submitted by regular mail to the Council office or by email to Joan O’Leary (joleary@nefmc.org). All nominations must be received by November 4.
If you have questions or need further information about this process, please contact Chris Kellogg, New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950; telephone: (978) 465-0492 ext. 112 or ckellogg@nefmc.org.