NOAA
2002-136 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Crystal Straughn 10/11/02 |
NOAA
News Releases 2002 NOAA Home Page NOAA Public Affairs |
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:
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. |