Each Council shall establish and maintain, and appoint the members of, a Scientific and Statistical Committee to assist it in the development, collection, and evaluation of such statistical, biological, economic, social, and other scientific information as is relevant to such Council's development or amendment of any fishery management plan. 

The Scientific and Statistical Committee provides expert scientific and technical advice to the Regional Council on the development of fishery management policy, on the preparation of fishery management plans, and on the effectiveness of such plans once in operation. The Committee aids the Council in identifying scientific resources available for the development of plans, in establishing the objectives of plans, in establishing criteria for judging plan effectiveness, and in the review of plans.

The members of the Committee and a Chairperson are appointed by the Council. Membership shall be multidisciplinary, including both biological and social scientists from the Federal, State, and private scientific community who are knowledgeable about the fisheries to be managed.

Members