68 



„ I Pitheriei Maouement 



TnttTMl ind the M>|^uicn Ac 

 Much A 19M; Ph« * 



ISSUES 



* Have conflicts of interest led to any illegal actions by Council members or 

 Council staff? 



* Is there any evidence that Council members have enriched themselves through 

 their actions on the Councils? 



* Is there any evidence that the management or conservation of any fisheries has 

 suffered as a result of a conflict of interest? 



* Does the perceived "domination" of Councils by conunercial and/or recreational 

 fishing interests that may be guided by short-term economic objectives undermine the 

 goal of long-term conservation of fisheries resources? 



* What changes might be expected from Councils if the Magnuson Act barred the 

 appointment of individuals who are less likely to have conflicts of mterest? 



* Do improper conflicts exist between Coundl members' personal financial 

 activities and their service as Council members? If so, how should these conflicts be 

 addressed? 



* How can the composition of Councils be changed to eliminate perceived or 

 actual conflicts while still maintaining the basic philosophy behind the Magnuson Act? 



* Is it still reasonable to believe the underlying Magnuson Act principle that 

 members of the various user groups have the greatest interest in the long term survival 

 of the resource and are essential to the successful functioning of the Councils, or should 

 decisions be made by those without a personal financial interest in the fisheries? 



* Is there fair representation for all interested parties on the Councils? Further, 

 should Congress strengthen the requirement that Councils be "fair £md balanced" or 

 significantly alter the composition of the Councils to ensure that certain interests such as 

 commercial or recreational fishermen, consumers, and conservation groups are better 

 represented? 



* Should the Secretary of Commerce exert greater care when reviewing an FMP 

 to ensure that no conflict of interest has led to the approval of a particular plan? 



* Should NMFS be authorized to revise Council plans or amendments, especially 

 where there is evidence that a conflict of interest may have "tainted" the decision 

 making process? 



* Should Councils be allowed to adopt FMP's that grant exclusive harvesting 

 rights to specific individuals while excluding other users? If so, should more stringent 

 conflict of interest rules apply in this situation 



Jim Mathews or Greg Lambert (majority, X-63514) 

 Rod Moore or Bonnie Bruce (minority, X-63520) 



