NOAA 2002-136
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Crystal Straughn
10/11/02
NOAA News Releases 2002
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NOAA SELECTS A DOZEN NEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Advise Agency on Ocean Fisheries and Marine Mammal Regulations

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) today selected a dozen new experts to join the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC) to confer with top federal managers on the nation’s marine fisheries and marine mammal managers regulations. MAFAC members advise NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) leaders and the Secretary of Commerce on all matters concerning living marine resources. NOAA is an agency of the Commerce Department.

This year’s MAFAC selection process is comprised of twelve new appointments, five re-appointments, and four temporarily extended terms, the membership represents a broad mix of fisheries and marine mammal expertise, interests and geographical concerns.

“The advisory committee has evolved into a responsive group of experts who play a key role in reviewing some of the most challenging issues facing NOAA Fisheries. I rely on the committee to develop recommendations that ultimately improve the agency's performance,” said Dr. Bill Hogarth, NOAA Fisheries director. “We’re already moving toward implementing a number of the advisory committee’s recommendations, and I’m confident this approach is a strategy for success.”

MAFAC members make recommendations in the development and implementation of regulations, policies and programs critical to NOAA Fisheries. The objective is to ensure that the marine resource policies and programs meet the needs of commercial and recreational fishermen, and of environmental, consumer, academic, tribal, governmental and other national interests.

MAFAC selections were made based on the applicants’ expertise in a field related to the management of marine resources. Membership is comprised of highly qualified individuals representing commercial and recreational fishing interests, environmental organizations, academic institutions, governmental, tribal and consumer groups from a balance of geographical regions, including Hawaii and the Pacific Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Members of 2002 MAFAC Committee are:
*indicates newly appointed members

*Capt. Anthony D. DiLernia (Manhattan Beach, N.Y.), Kingsborough Comm. College
*Robert Fletcher (San Diego, Calif.), Sportfishing Assoc. of California
*Ellen Peel (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), The Billfish Foundation
*Ralph Rayburn (College Station,Texas), Texas Sea-Grant College Program
Dr. Bonnie L. Brown (Richmond, Va.), Virginia Commonwealth University
*Scott Burns (Washington, D.C.), World Wildlife Fund
*James D. Cook (Honolulu, Hawaii), Pacific Ocean Producers
*Chris Dorsett (New Orleans, La.), Gulf Restoration Network
*John Forester (Port Angeles, Wash.), Forster Consulting Inc.
*James L. Gilmore (Seattle, Wash.), At-Sea Processors Association
Richard E. Gutting, Jr. (Arlington, Va.), National Fisheries Institute
Donald B. Kent (San Diego, Calif.), Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute
*Peter P. Leipzig (Eureka, Calif.), Fishermen’s Marketing Assoc., Inc.
Melvin E. Moon, Jr.(La Push, Wash.), Quileute Natural Resources
Rodney H. Moore (Portland, Ore.), West Coast Seafood Processors Assoc.
Alvin D. Osterback, Sr. (Sand Point, Alaska), F/V Evening Star
LaVerne E. Ragster (St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands), University of the Virgin Islands
Margaret J. Raymond (South Berwick, Maine), Salmon Falls Trawler, Inc.
*Kenneth J. Roberts (Baton Rouge, La.), Louisiana State University AgCenter
*Elizabeth Sheehan (Portland, Maine), Coastal Enterprises Inc.
Kathleen M. Wynne (Kodiak, Alaska), University of Alaska Fairbanks

MAFAC meets twice a year with supplementary subcommittee meetings as determined necessary by the Secretary of Commerce or NOAA Fisheries director. Individuals serve for a three-year term, and no more than two consecutive terms if reappointed. No less than 15 individuals may serve on the committee.

For more information on MAFAC, committee members and upcoming meetings please visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/mafac.htm.

NOAA Fisheries is dedicated to protecting and preserving our nation’s living marine resources through scientific research, management, enforcement and the conservation of marine mammals and other protected marine species and their habitat.

To learn more about NOAA Fisheries, please visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov.