June 10, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA:
NOAA Fisheries is seeking nominations to fill vacancies on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) coming this fall due to term limits. MAFAC advises the Secretary of Commerce on all living marine resource matters that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. The Committee draws on its members’ expertise and other sources to evaluate and make recommendations to the Secretary and NOAA on the development and implementation of Department regulations, policies, and programs critical to the mission and goals of the the NOAA Fisheries Service.
MAFAC members represent a wide spectrum of fisheries, protected resources, and marine habitat interests; environmental, academic, tribal, seafood, consumer, and other related national interests. Membership is balanced geographically, ethnically, and on the basis of gender, in addition to the range of expertise and interests listed. Nominees should possess demonstrable expertise in one of these fields and be able to fulfill the time commitments required for two annual meetings and between-meeting subcommittee work. Individuals serve for a term of three years for no more than two consecutive terms, if re-appointed.
A MAFAC member cannot be a Federal employee, a member of a Regional Fishery Management Council, a registered Federal lobbyist, or a State employee. Membership is voluntary, and except for reimbursable travel and related expenses, service is without pay. The committee functions solely as an advisory body (complying fully with the Federal Advisory Committee Act) which reports to the Secretary.
Full nomination instructions and guidelines are detailed in the Federal Register notice and on the MAFAC home webpage.
For more information please contact Jennifer Lukens, Executive Director of MAFAC, jennifer.lukens@noaa.gov or Heidi Lovett, heidi.lovett@noaa.gov.