NOAA Appointment to Western Pacific Fishery Management Council

Mr Ebiusi is a lawyer and part-time commercial fisherman. He has also served as the president of the Pacific Ocean Research Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to research and knowledge of Pacific game fish.

The councils were established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to prepare fishery management plans for marine fish stocks in their regions.

NOAAs Fisheries Service works closely with the councils as plans are developed, and then reviews, approves, and implements the fishery management plans.

Council members represent diverse groups, including commercial and recreational fishing industries, environmental interests and academia, and carry out the acts requirements to end overfishing, rebuild fish stocks, and manage them sustainably.

Each year, approximately one-third of the total 72 appointed members to the eight regional councils are appointed by the Secretary of Commerce. NOAAs Fisheries Service selects members from nominations submitted by the governors of fishing states, territories and tribal governments and oversees the annual appointment process.

Council members are appointed to both obligatory seats, which are specific to a state, and at-large seats, which can be filled by a person from any of the states in the councils region. Council members may be reappointed to serve three consecutive three-year terms.