Frequent Questions: Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee
The Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee is a Federal Advisory Committee that researches, evaluates, and provides advice and recommendations to the Secretary and NOAA on agency policies, activities, science, conservation, and regulatory programs critical to the mission and goals of NOAA Fisheries. Here are frequently asked questions about MAFAC.
How often does MAFAC meet?
The full Committee typically meets twice per year, once in the DC area and once in a region. Meetings are open to the public and have been held in Juneau, Alaska; Monterey and San Diego, California; Key West, Florida; Honolulu, Hawaii; Portland, Maine; Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Seattle, Washington.
Is member travel to and from MAFAC meetings paid for by NOAA Fisheries?
Members are reimbursed for travel and per diem expenses.
What is the time commitment associated with being a member?
Members are expected to participate in two 3-day long meetings each year. This usually also involves one to two travel days. Additionally, all members are asked to participate on at least one subcommittee. Subcommittee time commitments vary, but typically include at least one meeting per month with some work expected between meetings (1–2 hours).
What is MAFAC currently working on?
- A public survey to gather stakeholder input on effectiveness of deterrents to mitigate or eliminate interactions of marine mammals with fishing gear in the water and at docks and related structures
- Guiding principles to better define climate-ready fisheries, fisheries management, and fishing communities
- Recommendations to improve the agency’s budget strategy to address transparency for stakeholders and their understanding of strategic multi-year investments in core mission-critical infrastructure.
- U.S. seafood and fisheries topics such as fair and reciprocal trade policies, imports, marketing and supply chains, and expansion of aquaculture opportunities, including science and research to help advance marine aquaculture in federal waters, to help increase U.S. consumption of seafood
Who can be nominated to serve on MAFAC?
The nomination process is open to everyone and NOAA welcomes the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your 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