§5721 Yukon River Salmon Panel

Summary

Set up a Yukon River Salmon Panel to advise the U.S. government about Yukon River salmon that start in Canada. The Panel must advise the Secretary of State on any talks with Canada about those salmon, advise the Secretary of the Interior about restoring and improving the stocks, and carry out other conservation and management tasks under the law. The Secretary of State may also name the Panel members to represent the United States on any successor group to the interim agreement reached by exchange of notes on February 3, 1995, if the new agreement allows it. The Panel has six members: one U.S. government official chosen by the Secretary of State, one Alaska state official chosen by the Governor, and four people with Yukon River salmon experience chosen by the Secretary of State. For each of the four slots, the Secretary must pick from at least three nominees sent by the Governor, who may use suggestions from expert groups. At least one of the four must represent Lower Yukon districts, one must represent Upper Yukon districts, and at least one must be an Alaska Native. The Secretary and Governor can name alternates. Members serve four-year terms and can be reappointed. Decisions must be agreed to by the Alaska state member and the four local members. Panel members may talk with other interested parties.