§8203 National Fish Habitat Board

Summary

Creates the National Fish Habitat Board to lead and coordinate fish habitat work. The Board must set national goals and priorities, recommend groups for Partnership status to Congress, and review and advise on fish habitat projects. The Board has 28 members drawn from many places: 2 from the Department of the Interior, 1 from the U.S. Geological Survey, 1 from Commerce, 1 from Agriculture, 1 from the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (who will be the Chair), 4 state agency reps (one each from the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and West), 2 tribal reps (one for Alaska and one for other States), 2 from regional fishery councils or Marine Fisheries Commissions, 1 from the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, 7 members representing industries and groups such as recreational and commercial fishing, conservation, and science organizations, plus representatives for private landowners, agriculture, local government, two corporate-sector seats, and one private-sector or landowner leader from an active partnership. Members are not paid a salary but may get travel and per diem at the same rates allowed for federal employees under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5. Most non-federal members serve 3-year terms. The initial Board (the federal and state seats) must appoint the rest within 60 days after October 30, 2020, and the Secretary must give at least three tribal candidates in that same 60-day period for the tribal slot. The Chair serves 3 years. The Board meets when the Chair calls it but at least twice a year, and meetings are open to the public. The Board makes its own procedures, requires a majority for a quorum, needs a two-thirds vote of members present to adopt recommendations, and fills vacancies mostly by Board appointment.