Notice2022-11159
Nominations for U.S. Commissioners to Regional Fisheries Management Organizations
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
May 24, 2022
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
NMFS is soliciting nominations, which may include self- nominations, for qualified individuals to serve as non-Federal U.S. Commissioners (Commissioners) to certain regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs). This action is being undertaken to enhance transparency in the process of identifying potential candidates for Commissioner positions and to increase diversity in the candidate pool to help ensure the views and interests of the range of U.S. stakeholders are considered in the process of developing and advancing U.S. positions at RFMOs. Nominations are open to all qualified individuals and may include current or previous Commissioners and Alternate Commissioners for certain RFMOs where eligible.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 87 Issue 100 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 24, 2022)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31525-31530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2022-11159]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XC003]
Nominations for U.S. Commissioners to Regional Fisheries
Management Organizations
AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.
ACTION: Notice; call for nominations.
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SUMMARY: NMFS is soliciting nominations, which may include self-
nominations, for qualified individuals to serve as non-Federal U.S.
Commissioners (Commissioners) to certain regional fisheries management
organizations (RFMOs). This action is being undertaken to enhance
transparency in the process of identifying potential candidates for
Commissioner positions and to increase diversity in the candidate pool
to help ensure the views and interests of the range of U.S.
stakeholders are considered in the process of developing and advancing
U.S. positions at RFMOs. Nominations are open to all qualified
individuals and may include current or previous Commissioners and
Alternate Commissioners for certain RFMOs where eligible.
DATES: Nominations and any supporting documentation must be received by
July 8, 2022.
ADDRESSES: Nominations for U.S. Commissioners may be submitted
[[Page 31526]]
electronically to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection" class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c42414a5f025e4a4143026c42434d4d024b435a">[email protected]</a>. Please include ``Nomination for
__'' and the relevant organization(s) in the subject line of the
message (e.g., ``Nomination for WCPFC'', etc.).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Terra Lederhouse, phone (301) 427-
8360, or by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#a0f4c5d2d2c18eecc5c4c5d2c8cfd5d3c5e0cecfc1c18ec7cfd6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0c58697e7e6d22406968697e6463797f694c62636d6d226b637a">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
Because fish and other marine species cross national boundaries,
the United States shares living marine resources with other countries.
The way other countries manage these shared marine resources can
directly affect the status and long-term use of fish stocks and
protected or endangered species of importance to the United States. For
this reason, the United States participates in several RFMOs, which are
treaty-based bodies whose objective is to ensure the sustainable
conservation and management of shared fish stocks and other living
marine resources through international cooperation. Each RFMO has
regularly scheduled meetings in which nations adopt binding
conservation and management measures, and throughout the year, there
are typically intersessional meetings of RFMO subsidiary bodies to
address specific scientific and management issues.
The United States is represented in the below-described RFMOs by
Commissioners who are appointed by the President or the Secretary of
Commerce, depending on the organization. The lead U.S. Commissioner to
each RFMO is an employee of the Federal Government. Non-Federal
Commissioners are selected from among individuals with fisheries
knowledge and experience as described in U.S. statutes that implement
the RFMO treaties. The Commissioners may participate in meetings of
advisory committees and in other meetings to help develop the United
States' positions for RFMO meetings. The Commissioners then serve on
the U.S. delegations to RFMO meetings where they must support the
finalized, U.S. positions on the conservation and management of shared
living marine resources even in cases where such positions may be
contrary or different to their views or advice. The Secretary of State,
in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, may designate Alternate
U.S. Commissioners to serve in the absence of a U.S. Commissioner.
The purpose of this notice is to solicit nominations for
individuals to serve as non-Federal U.S. Commissioners to certain
RFMOs. NMFS, and the U.S. government more generally, are committed to
advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at all
levels, including within the communities we serve and protect.
Consistent with this commitment, NMFS is taking steps aimed at
increasing the diversity of stakeholder voices that represent the
United States in our international fisheries engagements, including by
promoting greater diversity and representation of underserved
communities in the pool of potential candidates for appointment as non-
Federal U.S. Commissioners to RFMOs. Through this notice, NMFS is also
taking steps to advance a transparent process that promotes equity,
inclusion, and accessibility when seeking nominees to serve in these
important roles. As such, NMFS encourages nominations for women and for
individuals from underserved communities that meet the knowledge,
experience, and other legal requirements of the positions described in
this notice. See Executive Order (E.O.) 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity
and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government)
Sec. 2 (defining ``underserved communities'' as ``populations sharing
a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, that
have been systematically denied a full opportunity to participate in
aspects of economic, social, and civic life,'' ``such as Black, Latino,
and Indigenous and Native American persons, Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders and other persons of color; members of religious minorities;
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons;
persons with disabilities; persons who live in rural areas; and persons
otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality.'').
E.O. 13985 is available at <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government">https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/01/25/2021-01753/advancing-racial-equity-and-support-for-underserved-communities-through-the-federal-government</a>.
NMFS is soliciting nominations for individuals who are qualified to
serve as U.S. Commissioners to the RFMOs described below. NMFS' goal is
to have on-hand a pool of qualified candidates, who meet qualifications
under the relevant RFMO treaty implementing statutes and who can be
considered, as the need arises, for recommendations for U.S.
Commissioner vacancies. This pool may also be considered, as the need
arises, for designation of Alternate Commissioners. Current
Commissioners that are interested in being included in the pool of
qualified candidates may, but are not required to, indicate as such
through self-nomination or nomination by someone else. Separate from
any nominations received per this notice, NMFS and/or its federal
agency partners may also independently make Commissioner
recommendations.
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC)
IATTC is an intergovernmental organization established under the
1949 Convention for the Establishment of an Inter-American Tropical
Tuna Commission. In 2003, IATTC adopted the Convention for the
Strengthening of the IATTC Established by the 1949 Convention between
the United States of America and the Republic of Costa Rica (Antigua
Convention). The Antigua Convention entered into force in 2010. The
United States acceded to the Antigua Convention on February 24, 2016.
IATTC consists of 21 member nations and five cooperating non-member
nations and facilitates scientific research into, as well as the
conservation and management of, tuna and tuna-like species in the IATTC
Convention Area. The IATTC Convention Area is defined as waters of the
eastern Pacific Ocean within the area bounded by the west coast of the
Americas and by 50[deg] N latitude, 150[deg] W longitude, and 50[deg] S
latitude. IATTC maintains a scientific research and fishery monitoring
program and regularly assesses the status of tuna, sharks, and billfish
stocks in the IATTC Convention Area to determine appropriate catch
limits and other measures deemed necessary to promote sustainable
fisheries and prevent the overexploitation of these stocks. More
information on IATTC can be found at <a href="https://www.iattc.org/">https://www.iattc.org/</a>.
As a Party to the Antigua Convention and a member of IATTC, the
United States is legally bound to implement decisions of the IATTC. The
Tuna Conventions Act (16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.) directs the Secretary of
Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State and, with respect
to enforcement measures, the U.S. Coast Guard, to promulgate such
regulations as may be necessary to carry out the United States'
obligations under the Antigua Convention, including recommendations and
decisions adopted by the IATTC. This work is carried out by NMFS.
The Tuna Conventions Act (16 U.S.C. 951 et seq.) requires that the
United States be represented on the IATTC by four U.S. Commissioners.
16 U.S.C. 952(a). U.S. Commissioners are
[[Page 31527]]
appointed by the President and must be knowledgeable or experienced
concerning highly migratory fish stocks in the eastern tropical Pacific
Ocean. Of the U.S. Commissioners:
(1) One shall be an officer or employee of the Department of
Commerce; and
(2) Not more than two United States Commissioners may be appointed
who reside in a State other than a State whose vessels maintain a
substantial fishery in the area of the Convention.
In addition, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the
Secretary, may designate from time to time and for periods of time
deemed appropriate Alternate U.S. Commissioners to the IATTC. 16 U.S.C.
952(b). Any Alternate U.S. Commissioner may exercise, at any meeting of
the IATTC or of the General Advisory Committee or Scientific Advisory
Subcommittee, all powers and duties of a U.S. Commissioner in the
absence of any appointed U.S. Commissioner for whatever reason. The
number of such Alternate U.S. Commissioners that may be designated for
any such meeting shall be limited to the number of U.S. Commissioners
appointed who will not be present at such meeting.
Commissioners who are not officers or employees of the United
States Government are not considered to be Federal employees except for
the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability as
provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title 28. 16
U.S.C. 952(c)(1).
In carrying out their official duties, a certain amount of travel
to both domestic and international destinations is required. The total
number of trips varies from year-to-year but may include up to three
trips lasting a week or less and one trip, usually to an international
destination, lasting up to two weeks. Necessary travel expenses are
paid by the U.S. Department of State as provided under 16 U.S.C.
952(c)(3). Commissioners (or Alternate Commissioners, see 16 U.S.C.
952(b)) receive no compensation for their services. 16 U.S.C.
952(c)(2).
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT)
ICCAT is an intergovernmental organization established under the
International Convention for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT
Convention) to provide an effective program of international
cooperation in research and conservation in recognition of the unique
problems related to the highly migratory nature of tuna and tuna-like
species. The ICCAT Convention entered into force in 1969, and the
Convention Area includes all waters of the Atlantic Ocean, including
the adjacent Seas. In addition to tuna and tuna-like species, ICCAT has
adopted measures for sharks and certain other species, such as seabirds
and sea turtles, caught in association with ICCAT fisheries. The ICCAT
Commission holds an annual meeting in November of each year, which
generally runs between 8-10 days. ICCAT also convenes meetings of
working groups and other ICCAT subsidiary bodies each year between
annual meetings to advance specific issues. More information on ICCAT
can be found at <a href="http://www.iccat.int">www.iccat.int</a>.
Atlantic highly migratory species are managed domestically under
the dual authority of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (MSA), 16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq., and the Atlantic Tunas
Convention Act (ATCA), 16 U.S.C. 971 et seq. ATCA requires the
Secretary of Commerce to promulgate such regulations as may be
necessary and appropriate to implement ICCAT recommendations, and this
work is carried out by NMFS.
Section 971a of ATCA (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.) requires that the
United States be represented at ICCAT by not more than three
Commissioners. 16 U.S.C. 971a(a)(1). U.S. Commissioners are appointed
by and serve at the pleasure of the President. ATCA provides that the
term of a Commissioner is 3 years. Non-government Commissioners are not
eligible to serve more than two consecutive terms. 16 U.S.C.
971a(a)(3). Of the Commissioners, ATCA at 16 U.S.C. 971a(a)(2) provides
that:
(1) Not more than one shall be a salaried employee of any State or
political subdivision thereof, or the Federal Government;
(2) One shall be appointed from among individuals with knowledge
and experience regarding commercial fishing in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf
of Mexico, or Caribbean Sea; and
(3) One shall be appointed from among individuals with knowledge
and experience regarding recreational fishing in the Atlantic Ocean,
Gulf of Mexico, or Caribbean Sea.
Non-government commissioners are not considered to be Federal
employees except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims
liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title
28. 16 U.S.C. 971a(a)(1).
In carrying out their official duties, a certain amount of travel
to both domestic and international destinations is required. The total
number of trips varies from year-to-year but may include up to six
trips lasting a week or less and one trip, usually to an international
destination, lasting up to two weeks. Necessary travel expenses are
paid by the U.S. Department of State as provided under ATCA at 16
U.S.C. 971a(d). Commissioners (or Alternate Commissioners, see 16
U.S.C. 971a(b)) receive no compensation for their services.
International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC)
IPHC is a bilateral organization established pursuant to the
Convention between Canada and the United States for the Preservation of
the Halibut Fishery of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea (Halibut
Convention). The Halibut Convention was signed at Ottawa, Ontario, on
March 2, 1953, and was amended by a Protocol Amending the Convention
signed at Washington, DC, on March 29, 1979. The Halibut Convention's
central objective is to develop the stocks of Pacific halibut in waters
off the west coasts of Canada and the United States to levels that will
permit the optimum yield from the Pacific halibut fishery and to
maintain the stocks at those levels. IPHC fulfills this objective in
part by recommending Pacific halibut fishery conservation and
management measures for approval by the United States and Canada. More
information on IPHC can be found at <a href="https://www.iphc.int">https://www.iphc.int</a>.
Pursuant to section 5(b)(1) of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of
1982 (16 U.S.C. 773c(b)(1)), the Secretary of Commerce adopts such
regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and
objectives of the Halibut Convention.
Section 3 of the Northern Pacific Halibut Act of 1982 (16 U.S.C.
773a) requires that the United States be represented on IPHC by three
U.S. Commissioners. U.S. Commissioners are appointed by and serve at
the pleasure of the President for a term not to exceed two years, but
are eligible for reappointment. Of the Commissioners:
(1) One must be an official of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration; and
(2) One must be a resident of Alaska that is knowledgeable or
experienced concerning the Northern Pacific halibut fishery;
(3) One must be a nonresident of Alaska that is knowledgeable or
experienced concerning the Northern Pacific halibut fishery; and
(4) Of the three commissioners, one must also be a voting member of
the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Commissioners who are not currently Federal employees will not be
[[Page 31528]]
considered to be Federal employees except for the purposes of injury
compensation or tort claims liability as provided in section 8101 et
seq. of title 5 and section 2671 et seq. of title 28, United States
Code.
In carrying out their official duties, a certain amount of travel
to both domestic and international destinations is required. The total
number of trips varies from year-to-year but may include up to three
trips lasting a week or less. Necessary travel expenses are paid by the
U.S. Department of State. Commissioners receive no compensation for
their services.
Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO)
NAFO is an intergovernmental fisheries management body established
in 1979 by the Convention on Future Multilateral Cooperation in the
Northwest Atlantic Fisheries (NAFO Convention). The United States
acceded to the NAFO Convention in 1995, and has participated actively
in NAFO since that time. In 2005, NAFO launched a reform effort to
amend the Convention in order bring the Organization more in line with
the principles of modern fisheries management. As a result of these
efforts, the Amendment to the Convention on Future Multilateral
Cooperation in the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries entered into force in
May 2017. NAFO's Commission is responsible for the management and
conservation of the fishery resources in the international waters of
the Northwest Atlantic, except salmon, tunas/marlins, whales, and
sedentary species such as shellfish. More information on NAFO can be
found at <a href="https://www.nafo.int/">https://www.nafo.int/</a>.
Pursuant to the Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995
(16 U.S.C. 76), the Secretary of Commerce promulgates regulations as
may be necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the NAFO
Convention, including NAFO conservation and management measures.
The Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention Act of 1995 requires
that the United States be represented at NAFO by not more than three
Commissioners. U.S. Commissioners are appointed by and serve at the
pleasure of the Secretary of Commerce for a term that may not exceed
four years. Non-government Commissioners are not eligible to serve more
than two consecutive terms as a Commissioner, but are eligible for
reappointment. Each Commissioner must be knowledgeable and experienced
concerning the fishery resources to which the NAFO Convention applies.
Of the Commissioners:
(1) One, but not more than one, must be an official of the
Government;
(2) At least one must be a representative of the commercial fishing
industry; and
(3) One must be a voting (non-Government employee) member of the
New England Fishery Management Council.
Commissioners who are not currently Federal employees are not
considered to be Federal employees except for the purposes of injury
compensation or tort claims liability as provided under chapter 81 of
title 5 and chapter 171 of title 28.
In carrying out their official duties, a certain amount of travel
to both domestic and international destinations is required. The total
number of trips varies from year-to-year but may include up to three
trips lasting a week or less and one trip, usually to an international
destination, lasting up to two weeks. Necessary travel expenses are
paid by the U.S. Department of State. Commissioners receive no
compensation for their services.
North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization (NASCO)
NASCO is an intergovernmental organization established in 1984 by
the Convention for the Conservation of Salmon in the North Atlantic
Ocean, 1982 (NASCO Convention), with the objective to conserve,
restore, enhance and rationally manage Atlantic salmon through
international cooperation, taking account of best available scientific
information. The NASCO Convention applies to the salmon stocks that
migrate beyond areas of fisheries jurisdiction of coastal States of the
Atlantic Ocean north of 36 degrees N latitude throughout their
migratory range. More information on NASCO can be found at <a href="https://nasco.int/">https://nasco.int/</a>.
Pursuant to the Atlantic Salmon Convention Act of 1982 (16 U.S.C.
3601), the Secretary of Commerce, in cooperation with the Secretary of
the Interior and the Secretary of the department in which the Coast
Guard is operating, promulgate such regulations pursuant to section 553
of title 5, United States Code, as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes and objectives of the Convention and that title, and to
implement regulatory measures that are binding on the United States
under the Convention.
The Atlantic Salmon Convention Act of 1982 provides that the United
States shall be represented in NASCO by three U.S. Commissioners,
appointed by and to serve at the pleasure of the President. Of the
three Commissioners:
(1) One must be an official of the U.S. Government; and
(2) Two must be individuals (not officials of the U.S. Government)
who are knowledgeable or experienced in the conservation and management
of salmon of U.S. origin.
Non-government commissioners are not considered to be Federal
employees except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims
liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title
28.
In carrying out their official duties, a modest amount of travel to
both domestic and international destinations is required. The total
number of trips varies from year-to-year but may include up to three
trips lasting a maximum of a few days each and one trip, usually to an
international destination, lasting one week. Necessary travel expenses
are paid by the U.S. Department of State. Commissioners receive no
compensation for their services.
North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC)
NPAFC is an intergovernmental organization established by the
Convention for the Conservation of Anadromous Stocks in the North
Pacific Ocean (NPAFC Convention). The NPAFC Convention was signed on
February 11, 1992, and took effect on February 16, 1993. The objective
of the Commission is to promote the conservation of anadromous stocks
(Pacific salmon and steelhead trout) in the Convention Area. The
Convention Area includes the international waters of the North Pacific
Ocean and its adjacent seas north of 33[deg] North beyond the 200-mile
zone (exclusive economic zones) of the coastal States. More information
on NPAFC can be found at <a href="https://npafc.org/">https://npafc.org/</a>.
Pursuant to the North Pacific Anadromous Stocks Act of 1992 (16
U.S.C. 5006), the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the
Secretary of Transportation and the U.S. Commissioners, is responsible
for issuing regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes
and objectives of the Convention and the Act.
The North Pacific Anadromous Stocks Act of 1992 provides that the
United States shall be represented on the NPAFC by not more than three
U.S. Commissioners, appointed by and to serve at the pleasure of the
President for a term not to exceed four years, but are eligible for
reappointment. 16 U.S.C. 5003(a). Of the Commissioners:
(1) One must be an official of the U.S. Government;
[[Page 31529]]
(2) One must be a resident of the State of Alaska who is
knowledgeable or experienced concerning anadromous stocks and
ecologically-related species of the North Pacific Ocean; and
(3) One must be a resident of the State of Washington who is
knowledgeable or experienced concerning anadromous stocks and
ecologically-related species of the North Pacific Ocean.
The U.S. Commissioners, in consultation with an advisory panel,
identify and recommend to the NPAFC research needs and priorities for
anadromous stocks and ecologically-related species and oversee research
programs involving such fisheries, stocks, and species. 16 U.S.C.
5003(c). Anadromous stocks are the stocks of species listed in the
Annex to the NPAFC Convention (six species of Pacific salmon and
steelhead trout), and ecologically-related species are the living
marine species that are associated with anadromous stocks found in the
Convention Area, including, but not restricted to, both predators and
prey of anadromous fish. 16 U.S.C. 5002(1) & (8).
Non-government commissioners are not considered to be Federal
employees except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims
liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title
28. 16 U.S.C. 5003(a).
In carrying out their official duties, a modest amount of travel is
required. The total number of trips varies from year-to-year but is
typically one trip per year lasting less than a week, usually to an
international destination. Necessary travel expenses are paid by the
U.S. Department of State. 16 U.S.C. 5003(e). Commissioners receive no
compensation for their services. 16 U.S.C. 5003(d).
South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO)
SPRFMO is an intergovernmental organization established in 2012 by
the Convention on the Conservation and Management of High Seas Fishery
Resources in the South Pacific Ocean (SPRMO Convention). SPRFMO is
committed to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of the
fishery resources of the South Pacific Ocean and, in so doing,
safeguarding the marine ecosystems in which the resources occur. The
SPRFMO Convention applies to the high seas of the South Pacific,
covering about a fourth of the Earth's high seas areas. Currently, the
main commercial resources fished in the SPRFMO Area are Jack mackerel
and jumbo flying squid in the Southeast Pacific and, to a much lesser
degree, deep-sea species often associated with seamounts in the
Southwest Pacific. More information on SPRFMO can be found at <a href="https://www.sprfmo.int/">https://www.sprfmo.int/</a>.
The implementing legislation for the SPRFMO (16 U.S.C. 7801 et
seq.) provides that the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the
Secretary of State and the Secretary of the department in which the
Coast Guard is operating, may promulgate such regulations as may be
necessary and appropriate to carry out the international obligations of
the United States under the SPRFMO Convention, including implementation
of SPRFMO conservation and management measures. 16 U.S.C. 7804(b).
The SPRFMO legislation also provides that the United States shall
be represented in SPRFMO by not more than three U.S. Commissioners, who
are appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the President and who are
knowledgeable or experienced concerning fishery resources in the South
Pacific Ocean. Of the Commissioners:
(1) One must be an officer or employee of the Department of
Commerce, Department of State, or the Coast Guard; and
(2) One shall be the chairperson or designee of the Western Pacific
Fishery Management Council.
Non-government commissioners are not considered to be Federal
employees except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims
liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title
28. 16 U.S.C. 7802(c)(1).
In carrying out their official duties, a modest amount of travel to
both domestic and international destinations is required. The total
number of trips varies from year-to-year but typically includes one
trip per year lasting less than two weeks, usually to an international
destination. Necessary travel expenses are paid by the U.S. Department
of State as provided under 16 U.S.C. 7802(c)(3). Commissioners (or
Alternate Commissioners, see id. Sec. 7802(b)) receive no compensation
for their services. Id. Sec. 7802(c)(2).
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)
WCPFC is an intergovernmental organization established by the
Convention for the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish
Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean (WCPFC Convention)
which entered into force on 19 June 2004. The objective of WCPFC is to
ensure, through effective management, the long-term conservation and
sustainable use of highly migratory fish stocks in the western and
central Pacific Ocean. The WCPFC Convention applies to all species of
highly migratory fish stocks (defined as all fish stocks of the species
listed in Annex I of the 1982 Convention occurring in the Convention
Area and such other species of fish as the Commission may determine)
within the WCPFC Convention Area, except sauries. Conservation and
management measures under the WCPFC Convention are to be applied
throughout the range of the stocks, or to specific areas within the
WCPFC Convention Area, as determined by WCPFC. More information about
WCPFC can be found at <a href="https://www.wcpfc.int/">https://www.wcpfc.int/</a>.
Pursuant to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention
Implementation Act, 2007 (16 U.S.C. 6901 et seq.), the Secretary of
Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of State and, with respect
to enforcement measures, the Secretary of Homeland Security, is
authorized to promulgate such regulations as may be necessary to carry
out the United States international obligations under the WCPFC
Convention, including implementation of WCPFC conservation and
management measures.
The Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention Implementation
Act provides that the United States shall be represented in WCPFC by
five U.S. Commissioners, appointed by and serving at the pleasure of
the President, who must be knowledgeable or experienced concerning
highly migratory fish stocks and commercial fishing in the western and
central Pacific Ocean. Of the Commissioners:
(1) One must be an officer or employee of the Department of
Commerce;
(2) One must be a Chairman or Member of the Western Pacific Fishery
Management Council; and
(3) One must be a Chairman or Member of the Pacific Fishery
Management Council.
Non-government commissioners are not considered to be Federal
employees except for the purposes of injury compensation or tort claims
liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5 and chapter 171 of title
28.
In carrying out their official duties, a certain amount of travel
to both domestic and international destinations is required. The total
number of trips varies from year-to-year but may include up to three
trips lasting a week or less, usually to an international destination,
and one domestic trip for less than one week. Necessary travel expenses
are paid by the U.S. Department of State.
[[Page 31530]]
Commissioners receive no compensation for their services.
Nomination Process
NMFS is soliciting nominations for non-Federal Commissioner
positions listed below. As explained in the Background Section, the
purpose of this action is to develop a pool of qualified candidates,
who can be considered, as the need arises, for recommendations for U.S.
Commissioner vacancies or for designation as Alternate Commissioners.
Pursuant to the RFMO statutes described below, there may be ``up to'' a
certain number of non-Federal U.S. Commissioners. There is no limit
though on the number of nominees that may be submitted for
consideration. Successful nominees will be considered for appointment
by the appropriate authority and, pending such action by that
authority, may receive an interim designation by the Department of
State, as needed and appropriate. Separate from any nominations
received per this notice, NMFS and/or its federal agency partners may
also independently make Commissioner recommendations. Current
Commissioners that are interested in being included in the pool of
qualified candidates may, but are not required to, indicate as such
through self-nomination or nomination by someone else.
<bullet> IATTC: Up to three U.S. Commissioners who are not an
officer or employee of the Department of Commerce. Not more than two
U.S. Commissioners may be appointed who reside in a State other than a
State whose vessels maintain a substantial fishery in the area of the
Convention. Nomination packages for these positions should provide
details of the nominee's knowledge and experience relative to highly
migratory fish stocks in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, as well as
current state of residence.
<bullet> ICCAT: Up to two U.S. Commissioners who are not salaried
employees of any State or political subdivision thereof, or the Federal
Government. Nomination packages for these positions should provide
details of the nominee's knowledge and experience relative to
commercial and/or recreational fishing, in particular for tuna, tuna-
like species and other highly migratory species, in the Atlantic Ocean,
Gulf of Mexico, or Caribbean Sea.
<bullet> IPHC: Up to two U.S. Commissioners who are not officials
of NOAA. Nomination packages for these positions should provide details
of the nominee's knowledge and experience relative to Pacific halibut,
as well as current state of residence.
<bullet> NAFO: One U.S. Commissioner who is not an official of the
Government. Nomination packages for this position should provide
details of the nominee's knowledge and experience relative to the
fishery resources to which the Convention applies, specifically as it
relates to representing the commercial fishing industry.
<bullet> NASCO: Up to two U.S. Commissioners who are not officials
of the U.S. Government. Nomination packages for these positions should
provide details of the nominee's knowledge and experience relative to
the conservation and management of salmon of U.S. origin.
<bullet> NPAFC: Up to two U.S. Commissioners who are not officials
of the U.S. Government. Nomination packages for these positions should
provide details of the nominee's knowledge and experience relative to
the anadromous stocks and ecologically-related species of the North
Pacific Ocean, as well as current state of residence. Note that to be
considered for appointment, individuals must be a resident of the State
of Alaska or the State of Washington.
<bullet> SPRFMO: One U.S. Commissioner who is knowledgeable or
experienced concerning fishery resources in the South Pacific Ocean,
and who is not an official of the U.S. Government or the selected
Commissioner representative of the Western Pacific Fishery Management
Council. Nomination packages for this position should provide details
of the nominee's knowledge and experience relative to the fishery
resources in the South Pacific Ocean.
<bullet> WCPFC: Up to two U.S. Commissioners who are not officers
or employees of the Department of Commerce or the selected Commissioner
representative of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council or
Pacific Fishery Management Council. Nomination packages for this
position should provide details of the nominee's knowledge and
experience relative to highly migratory fish stocks in the Western and
Central Pacific Ocean.
Nomination packages submitted to recommend that an individual (not
an official of the U.S. Government) be considered for the pool of
Commissioner/Alternate Commissioner candidates should note the relevant
RFMO(s) for consideration and include a resume or curriculum vitae that
documents that individual's qualifications and state of residence.
Self-nominations are acceptable. Letters of recommendation/support are
useful but not required. Nomination packages will be evaluated by NOAA,
in consultation with the Department of State and other federal agency
partners as appropriate, on a case-by-case basis by officials who are
familiar with the requirements, duties, and responsibilities of the
respective positions.
Evaluations will consider the aggregate of an individual's prior
experience and knowledge of the specific fisheries concerned, any
applicable residency or other legal requirements, and any letters of
recommendation provided.
Dated: May 18, 2022.
Alexa Cole,
Director, Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce,
National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2022-11159 Filed 5-23-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.