American Fisheries Advisory Committee Act
May 12, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1188
Became law: May 12, 2022
May 12, 2022
Statute: 136 Stat. 1188
Became law: May 12, 2022
Summary
Creates the American Fisheries Advisory Committee to help give out money for projects that study and improve the fishing industry.
What problem does this solve?
The process for giving out money for fishing research did not always include advice from people who work in the fishing industry. This law creates a special committee with members from the fishing community to help decide which research projects should get funding.
What does this law do?
Creates the American Fisheries Advisory Committee
Establishes a new committee to advise on fisheries research and development grants. The committee is divided into six geographic regions covering all U.S. states and territories.
Defines committee membership
Specifies that the committee will have members from six regions, including seafood harvesters, processors, fishers, and scientists, plus several at-large members from the industry.
Outlines committee responsibilities
Tasks the committee with identifying fishing community needs, developing grant proposals, reviewing applications, and recommending which projects should receive funding.
Requires independent technical review
Mandates that before the committee reviews grant applications, at least three outside experts must provide a written technical evaluation of each proposal.
Requires public access to grant information
Requires anyone who receives a grant to publicly post a title and summary of their project, explaining how it will help U.S. fisheries.
Who does this affect?
- Fishing industry workers
- Fisheries scientists
- Seafood businesses
What is the real world impact?
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Gives the fishing community a voice
Ensures that money for fisheries research is guided by people who work in the industry, like fishers and processors. This helps make sure the funded projects are practical and address real-world needs.
When does this start?
This law sets several deadlines for establishing the new committee and its processes after it was signed on May 12, 2022.
Committee establishment
The Secretary of Commerce must establish the six regions of the American Fisheries Advisory Committee within 90 days of the law's enactment.
Guidance for technical reviews
The Secretary of Commerce must issue guidance for the technical evaluation of grant proposals within 180 days of the law's enactment.