Becoming a Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee Member

The nomination process to the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee is open to everyone. NOAA welcomes the contributions that you can bring from your unique experience and insights derived from your education, culture, ethnicity, gender, racial background and race, native- and tribal-based traditions, and experiences of those who are differently abled. Successful candidates are highly qualified, diverse individuals with experience in:

  • Commercial, recreational, aquaculture, and non-commercial fisheries and businesses
  • Seafood industry, including processing, marketing, restaurants, and related industries
  • Marine, ecosystems, or protected resources management and conservation
  • Human dimensions or social sciences associated with marine life and working waterfronts

For additional information on what to expect when serving as a MAFAC member, please see our Frequent Questions page. 

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Nomination Period Status: Open

To nominate yourself or someone else, please submit the information below to Katie (Denman) Zanowicz at Katie.Denman@noaa.gov. Feel free to reach out to Katie with any questions. 

  • Nominee's name, address, telephone number, and email address
  • A cover letter describing the nominee's interest in serving on the Committee and qualifications
  • Nominee's curriculum vitae or resume
  • Up to three letters of support

Insights from Former Members

Former MAFAC member, Sebastian Belle—

“From an industry perspective, participation in MAFAC is an unusual and uniquely direct way to give the agency important input. By committing the time and hard work industry members can make a real difference on agency priorities and policy."

Former MAFAC member, Roger Berkowitz—

“I’ve found serving on MAFAC to be a real privilege … not only do you have an opportunity to learn from the scientists about what’s transpiring in our oceans in real time, but you also have the unique opportunity to engage with policy makers, and help inform them as to what you see from your vantage point in the seafood “‘ecosystem.’” Additionally, MAFAC participants are chosen from very diverse fishery backgrounds, allowing all of us to learn from one another and better understand the challenges which marine fisheries face, which then translates into the committee being able to make more informed recommendations to NOAA, and the Department of Commerce.”