NOAA Seeks Nominations for U.S. Delegation to the IWC
On January 13, 2008, the U. S. National Oceanic and atmospheric administration published notice seeking nominees for one non-federal position to the U.S. Delegation to the Intersessional Meeting on the Future of the International Whaling Commission that will be held in March 2009, in Rome, Italy. The non-federal representative selected as a result of this nomination process is responsible for providing input and recommendations to the U.S. IWC Commissioner representing the positions of non-governmental organizations.

The Secretary of Commerce is charged with the responsibility of discharging the domestic obligations of the United States under the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling, 1946. The U.S. IWC Commissioner has responsibility for the preparation and negotiation of U.S. positions on international issues concerning whaling and for all matters involving the IWC. The Commissioner is staffed by the Department of Commerce and assisted by the Department of State, the Department of the Interior, the Marine Mammal Commission, and by other agencies.

All nominations must be addressed to Bill Hogarth, U.S. Commissioner to the IWC, and sent via post to: Ryan Wulff, National Marine Fisheries Service, Office of International Affairs, 1315 East-West Highway, SSMC3 Room 12620, Silver Spring, MD 20910. NOAA must receive all nominations by February 8, 2009.