Julie Speegle, (907) 586-7032 w., (907) 321-7032 c.
Jennie Lyons, (301) 427-8003 w.
The Commerce Department today announced the appointment of Kenneth "Kenny" Down of Washington state to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council. Under this appointment, Down will serve on the council until August 10, 2017.
The North Pacific Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act that prepare fishery management plans for marine fish stocks in their respective geographical areas of responsibility. NOAA Fisheries works closely with the councils during plan development and reviews, and approves and implements the management plans developed by the councils.
Council members represent diverse constituents including commercial and recreational fisheries, environmental interests and academia. Down is being appointed due to the resignation of a council member. If a council member resigns prior to the end of his or her term, NOAA Fisheries solicits nominations specifically for the vacated seat, following the same process that occurs as part of the annual appointment process.
Each year, the Secretary of Commerce selects approximately one-third of the total of 72 appointed members to the eight regional councils. NOAA Fisheries annually solicits nominations from the governors of fishing states and oversees the annual appointment process. The Secretary selects council members from the list of nominees provided by the governors to fill obligatory and at-large seats that have become available due to an expiring term, a resignation or other reasons.
Obligatory seats are state-specific, while at-large seats can be filled by a person from any of the states in the region. Council members serve three-year terms, and may be reappointed to serve up to three consecutive terms.
