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###### Department of Commerce

###### National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

          - RIN 0648-XF739

# AGENCY:

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

# ACTION:

Notice; request for nominations.

# SUMMARY:

Nominations are being sought for appointment by the Secretary of Commerce to fill vacancies on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee (MAFAC or Committee) that are open or will be pending in February 2018. MAFAC is the only Federal advisory committee with the responsibility to advise the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) on all matters concerning living marine resources that are the responsibility of the Department of Commerce. The Committee makes recommendations to the Secretary to assist in the development and implementation of Departmental regulations, policies, and programs critical to the mission and goals of NMFS. Nominations are encouraged from all interested parties involved with or representing interests affected by NMFS actions in managing living marine resources. Nominees should possess demonstrable expertise in a field related to the management of living marine resources and be able to fulfill the time commitments required for two annual meetings and year round subcommittee work. Individuals serve for a term of three years for no more than two consecutive terms if re-appointed. NMFS is seeking qualified nominees to fill upcoming vacancies being created by term limits.

# DATES:

Nominations must be postmarked or have an email date stamp on or before November 27, 2017.

# ADDRESSES:

Nominations should be sent to Heidi Lovett, MAFAC Assistant Director, NMFS Office of Policy, 14th Floor, 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

                        Heidi Lovett, MAFAC Assistant Director; (301) 427-8034; email:                         *heidi.lovett@noaa.gov*.                    

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The MAFAC was approved by the Secretary on December 28, 1970, and subsequently chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. App. 2, on February 17, 1971. The Committee meets twice a year with supplementary subcommittee meetings as determined necessary by the Committee Chair and Subcommittee Chairs. No less than 15 and no more than 21 individuals may serve on the Committee. Membership is comprised of highly qualified, diverse individuals representing commercial, recreational, subsistence, and aquaculture fisheries interests; seafood industry; environmental organizations; academic institutions; tribal and consumer groups; and other living marine resource interest groups from a balance of U.S. geographical regions, including the Western Pacific and Caribbean.

A MAFAC member cannot be a Federal employee, member of a Regional Fishery Management Council, registered Federal lobbyist, State employee, or agent of a foreign principal. Selected candidates must pass a security check and submit a financial disclosure form. Membership is voluntary, and except for reimbursable travel and related expenses, service is without pay.

Each nomination submission should include the nominee's name, a cover letter describing the nominee's qualifications and interest in serving on the Committee, curriculum vitae or resume of the nominee, and no more than three supporting letters describing the nominee's qualifications and interest in serving on the Committee. Self-nominations are acceptable. The following contact information should accompany each nominee's submission: name, address, telephone number, fax number, and email address (if available).

                    Nominations should be sent to Heidi Lovett (see                     **ADDRESSES**                    ) and must be received by November 27, 2017. The full text of the Committee Charter and its current membership can be viewed at the NMFS' Web page at                     *www.nmfs.noaa.gov/​mafac.htm*.                

Dated: October 10, 2017.

Jennifer Lukens,

Director for the Office of Policy, National Marine Fisheries Service.

[FR Doc. 2017-22220 Filed 10-12-17; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 3510-22-P