NEWPORT, Ore. -- The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is accepting nominations for a seat on the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council). The deadline to request nomination materials is Feb. 19, 2021 and the three-year term begins Aug. 11, 2021. The Council manages fisheries for approximately 119 species of salmon, groundfish, coastal pelagic species (sardines, anchovies and mackerel) and highly migratory species (tunas, sharks and swordfish) off the coasts of Oregon, Washington and California. It includes 14 voting members representing tribal and state fish and wildlife agencies, and private citizens knowledgeable about sport fishing, commercial fishing and/or marine conservation. The ideal candidate would be knowledgeable about fishery resource conservation and management in marine waters off the West Coast. Specific knowledge of and experience in management issues and fisheries is important, as is a strong conservation ethic. The successful candidate also must work collectively with other Council members, often making difficult decisions, to fulfill the standards set forth by the Magnuson-Stevens Act.  Members make a substantial time commitment to fully participate in Council business and related activities. The Oregon obligatory seat is currently held by Christa Svensson, who is eligible for re-appointment. ODFW will send all nominations to the Governor, who will then forward the names of at least three candidates to the National Marine Fisheries Service (in the U.S. Department of Commerce) for consideration. Successful appointees must pass an extensive FBI background check. Anyone interested in being considered, or wishing to nominate someone, must contact Jessica Watson at 541-351-1196 or [email protected] no later than Feb. 19, 2021, with completed application packets submitted no later than Feb. 26, 2021. The Pacific Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional fishery management councils established by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to manage fisheries from three to 200 miles offshore of the United States coastline.  The Pacific Council is responsible for fisheries off the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington.