

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 accordance with Section 302 (16 U.S. Code 1852) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Secretary of Commerce is required to appoint the voting state-specific, or obligatory, members and at-large members to the regional fishery management councils. The appointments process begins each year in mid-January with nominations due from governors by March 15.
More on Council Nomination Process & Guidance.
In late June, the Secretary announces the appointee selections, and new council members take their seats on August 11. Terms expire each year on August 10 for approximately one-third of the 72 obligatory and at-large members.
The ideal council appointee candidate is knowledgeable in fishery conservation and management, or the commercial or recreational harvest of fishery resources through occupational experience, scientific expertise, or related training.