§8203 National Fish Habitat Board

Summary

Creates the National Fish Habitat Board to lead and coordinate fish habitat work, set national goals, suggest groups for official Partnerships, and review habitat projects. The Board has 28 members. They include specific federal agency reps, 4 state agency reps (one each from the Northeast, Southeast, Midwest, and West), 2 Tribal reps (one for Alaska and one for other States), regional fishery or marine commission reps, a Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council rep, 7 industry and conservation reps (covering recreational and commercial fishing, marine and freshwater anglers, habitat groups, and science-based fishery groups), plus reps from private landowners, agriculture, local governments, two business-sector reps, and one private-sector leader from an active partnership. Members do not get pay but may get travel pay at the federal employee rates in title 5. Most non-federal members serve 3-year terms. The first Board started with federal and state agency reps, and the remaining members had to be chosen no later than 60 days after October 30, 2020. The Secretary must give at least three Tribal nominees so the Board can pick the Tribal rep. For certain initial appointees, terms were staggered (two for 1 year, two for 2 years, three for 3 years). Vacancies are usually filled by the Board; Tribal vacancies follow the Secretary’s list of at least three nominees. A member can stay until a successor is chosen. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies rep is Chair for 3 years. The Board must meet when the Chair calls it and at least twice a year, with meetings open to the public. Business needs a majority present to meet, and recommendations need two-thirds of those present to pass. Members who miss three straight regular meetings can be removed by vote and replaced.