Council Nomination Process & Guidance
The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and implementing regulations prescribe a process by which the Secretary of Commerce appoints members to the Regional Fishery Management Councils.
On behalf of the Secretary of Commerce, the NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator for Fisheries solicits nominations from governors and facilitates the annual appointments process. In January, NOAA Fisheries sends a letter to each constituent state governor and tribal government, formally requesting nominations for the upcoming Council member vacancies.
NOAA Fisheries provides each constituent state governor and tribal government with a nomination application kit. A complete application kit is required for any individual seeking nomination or re-nomination to one of the eight councils. The governor or the tribe is responsible for gathering completed nomination information and application kits from their nominees.
The completed nomination package (including state governor’s or tribal government’s nomination letter and nominees’ completed application kits) must be received by the Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries no later than March 15th.
The Governors' Guidance Kit and the Tribal Government’s Guidance Kit are available for download to help state and tribal governments navigate this process.
List of Qualified Nominees and Secretarial appointments
Related Documents
The following documents may be helpful when completing the Nomination Application forms.
- Code of Federal Regulations:
50 CFR 600.215 – Council Nomination & Appointment Process & Procedures
50 CFR 600.235 – Financial Disclosure Requirements - Financial Disclosure Statement
- Frequent Questions: Financial Disclosure and Financial Interests Form
- Magnuson-Stevens Act: Sec. 302 – Regional Fishery Management Councils
- Reports to Congress
- Foreign Agents Registration Act
Contact Us
Governors and Tribal Government offices may call the NOAA Fisheries Office of Sustainable Fisheries, Domestic Fisheries Division at (301) 427-8535 or email questions to Council.Appointments@noaa.gov.