The three new members are part of the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee, or MAFAC, the only federal advisory panel charged with making recommendations to NOAA and the Secretary of Commerce on the departments living marine resource responsibilities.
MAFAC members draw on their expertise to evaluate and assess national programs, recommend priorities, and provide their views on issues concerning the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, aquaculture, recreational fishing, and ocean governance.
Established in 1971, MAFAC consists of 15 to 21 individuals who are selected through a comprehensive public recruitment process. MAFAC members represent commercial and recreational fisheries interests, environmental organizations, academic institutions, tribes, and consumer groups from a balance of U.S. geographical regions. Member terms are three years, and members may serve two consecutive terms.
MAFAC meets twice a year with supplementary subcommittee meetings as determined necessary by the chair.
The three new members are:
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- Phillip Dyskow, Canton, Ga.; Senior Advisor to the President and former President of the Yamaha Marine Group; board member of the National Marine Manufacturers Association and the Center for Coastal Conservation
- Julie Morris, Sarasota, Fla.; Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, New College of Florida; former co-director of the New College Environmental Studies Program; representative to the Florida State University System's Oil Spill Academic Task Force; former Member and Chair, Gulf of Mexico Regional Fishery Management Council (three terms)
- Va'amua Henry Sesepasara, Pago Pago, American Samoa; Member, American Samoa House of Representatives; Vice-Chairman of the House Agricultural and Fishery Committee; former Director, Department of Marine & Wildlife Resources, American Samoa; former Member, Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council
