The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service requests nominations to fill vacancies in two independent regional Scientific Review Groups to provide advice on a range of marine mammal science and management issues. NMFS seeks nominations for the the Atlantic and Pacific SRGs. Nominees should possess demonstrable expertise in the areas specified below, be able to conduct thorough scientific reviews of marine mammal science, and be able to fulfill the necessary time commitments associated with a thorough review of documents and attendance at one annual meeting.
The SRGs provide expert reviews of draft marine mammal stock assessment reports and other information related to the matters identified in section 117(d)(1) of the MMPA, including: (A) Population estimates and the population status and trends of marine mammal stocks; (B) Uncertainties and research needed regarding stock separation, abundance, or trends, and factors affecting the distribution, size, or productivity of the stock; (C) Uncertainties and research needed regarding the species, number, ages, gender, and reproductive status of marine mammals; (D) Research needed to identify modifications in fishing gear and practices likely to reduce the incidental mortality and serious injury of marine mammals in commercial fishing operations; (E) The actual, expected, or potential impacts of habitat destruction, including marine pollution and natural environmental change, on specific marine mammal species or stocks, and for strategic stocks, appropriate conservation or management measures to alleviate any such impacts; and F) Any other issue which the Secretary or the groups consider appropriate.
NMFS must receive nominations by March 20, 2015.
Click here to read NMFS’ Federal Register notice seeking nominations.
