The Council’s advisory panels (APs) are made up of individuals who either fish commercially or recreationally or are knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of a fishery or group of fisheries under the Council’s jurisdiction.
To the extent possible, advisory panels reflect a broad range of expertise, geographic locations, user groups, gear types, and social and economic perspectives. The Council benefits most from AP recommendations when its panels reflect the full range of participants in a fishery.
AP members provide information and guidance to their assigned oversight committees and offer recommendations during the development of federal fishery management plans, amendments, framework adjustments, and specification packages. Advisors also may be asked to provide input on special issues or problems.
Advisors are appointed every three years following a solicitation for candidates. The Council's Executive Committee has final approval over advisory panel member appointments.