2009 North Carolina Code
Chapter 143B - Executive Organization Act of 1973.
§ 143B-289.57. Marine Fisheries Commission Advisory Committees established; members; selection; duties.

§ 143B‑289.57.  Marine Fisheries Commission Advisory Committees established; members; selection; duties.

(a)        The Commission shall be assisted in the performance of its duties by four standing advisory committees and four regional advisory committees. Each standing and regional advisory committee shall consist of no more than 11 members. The Chair of the Commission shall designate one member of each advisory committee to serve as Chair of the committee. Members shall serve staggered three‑year terms as determined by the Commission. The Commission shall establish other policies and procedures for standing and regional advisory committees that are consistent with those governing the Commission as set out in this Part.

(b)        The Chair of the Commission shall appoint the following standing advisory committees:

(1)        The Finfish Committee, which shall consider matters concerning finfish.

(2)        The Crustacean Committee, which shall consider matters concerning shrimp and crabs.

(3)        The Shellfish Committee, which shall consider matters concerning oysters, clams, scallops, and other molluscan shellfish.

(4)        The Habitat and Water Quality Committee, which shall consider matters concerning habitat and water quality that may affect coastal fisheries resources.

(c)        Each standing advisory committee shall be composed of commercial and recreational fishermen, scientists, and other persons who have expertise in the matters to be considered by the advisory committee to which they are appointed. In making appointments to advisory committees, the Chair of the Commission shall ensure that both commercial and recreational fishing interests are fairly represented and shall consider for appointment persons who are recommended by groups representing commercial fishing interests, recreational fishing interests, environmental protection and conservation interests, and other groups interested in coastal fisheries management.

(d)        Each standing advisory committee shall review all matters referred to the committee by the Commission and shall make findings and recommendations on these matters. A standing advisory committee may, on its own motion, make findings and recommendations as to any matter related to its subject area. The Commission, in the performance of its duties, shall consider all findings and recommendations submitted by standing advisory committees.

(e)        The Chair of the Commission shall appoint a regional advisory committee for each of the three coastal regions designated in G.S. 143B‑289.54(b) and shall appoint a regional advisory committee for that part of the State that is not included in the three coastal regions. In making appointments to regional advisory committees, the Chair of the Commission shall ensure that both commercial and recreational fishing interests are fairly represented. (1997‑400, s. 2.1.)