Alsea, Ore – The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife and Oregon State University announced today that they are seeking candidates for the Oregon Hatchery Research Center Advisory Committee. The committee meets quarterly, with meetings scheduled for April 27, July 27, and October 26, 2009.

One member is needed to represent each of the following categories: Federal Government, Science-at-large, Education K-12, and Public-at-Large with duties running June 2009 through May 2012. One member is needed to represent Conservation with duties running July 2009 through June 2012. The length of each term is three years, and members may apply for reappointment. 

Candidates must submit a letter of interest by March 31, 2009. The letter should specify why the applicant is interested and provide three references. ODFW and OSU representatives will finalize their selections prior to April 15, 2009. The next Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2009.

The 15-member committee advises the OHRC Senior Scientist on activities and functions related to the operation and maintenance of the OHRC. Committee members represent the federal government, local governments, conservation groups, sport fishing groups, the commercial fishing industry, tribes, resource producers (agriculture, timber and gravel), watershed councils and education. Two members represent the public-at-large and four represent the scientific community.

The OHRC is a cooperative research project between ODFW and OSU. The center’s mission is to develop an understanding of the mechanisms that may create differences between hatchery and wild fish, and devise ways to reduce and manage the differences so that hatcheries can be used responsibly in the conservation and management of Oregon’s native fish.

For more information about the Advisory Committee or how to submit a letter of interest, please contact Margaret Cleveland at margaret.l.cleveland@state.or.us or 503-947-6230. For more information about the OHRC, visit OHRC’s website at www.dfw.state.or.us/OHRC.

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