September 27, 2024 — The New England Fishery Management Council is looking for qualified candidates to serve on its new Climate and Ecosystem Steering Committee (Steering Committee). The application deadline is Friday, October 18, 2024. Appointment terms are for two years, starting in November 2024, with the possibility for reappointment.
COMMITTEE STRUCTURE: The Steering Committee will be comprised of members of the Council and its Scientific and Statistical Committee, NOAA Fisheries and Council staff, members of the fishing industry, and other government and non-government experts with experience in the following key areas:
- Climate scenario planning and climate-resilient fishery management approaches;
- Ecosystem approaches to fishery management;
- Fishery stock assessment methods;
- Governance, policy, and marine user management;
- Biology, oceanography, and climate science; and/or
- Social sciences and economics.
WHY IS THE COUNCIL CREATING A NEW COMMITTEE: The Council is facing unprecedented challenges associated with climate change and has identified the need to introduce additional flexibility into the management process to address changes in abundance, distribution, and productivity of managed stocks. In recognition of these challenges, NOAA Fisheries is providing funding from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to assist Councils in the transition to climate-resilient fishery management approaches. Also, as part of its 2024 work priorities, the Council agreed to consider ecosystem approaches across all of its fishery management plans. The Council established the Climate and Ecosystem Steering Committee to provide overarching guidance and support for design and implementation of climate-ready management approaches. The Steering Committee’s tasks are outlined in the solicitation announcement.
WHAT’S INVOLVED: The Climate and Ecosystem Steering Committee will be led by a Council-appointed chair and vice chair. The committee is expected to meet at least twice annually as a full group with intersessional meetings as needed and report directly to the Council. The Council will share the group’s recommendations with regional partners.
HOW DO I APPLY: Applicants must submit a resume and a summary of qualifications for the appointment. Completed applications should be emailed to Sherie Goutier at sgoutier@nefmc.org or mailed to Cate O’Keefe, Executive Director, New England Fishery Management Council, 50 Water Street, Mill 2, Newburyport, MA 01950. All application materials must be received no later than October 18, 2024.