USNC Charter

Rules of Operation

1. Official Designation: Census of Marine Life (CoML), U.S. National Committee (henceforth to be referred-to as the USNC).
2. Objectives and Scope of Activity: The USNC is a body of marine science researchers and individuals who make their living on or from the oceans and are dedicated to ocean conservation. Within the goals of CoML and under the guidance of the international Scientific Steering Committee (SSC), the USNC will work together, and with funding agencies and policy-makers, to identify U.S. priorities for the CoML and find ways to make needed activities happen. The U.S. Committee will contribute to the global goals of the CoML, guided by the frameworks agreed upon internationally. The USNC will need to build partnerships among ocean stakeholders (federal and state government agencies, marine industries, environmental groups, universities and marine labs, aquariums and natural history museums) in order to identify research and data priorities, encourage programs and develop funding, provide quality control, and promote knowledge of the CoML and its findings.
3. Time Necessary for the USNC to Fulfill its Purpose: Continuing.
4. Sponsor of the USNC: The international Scientific Steering Committee of the Census of Marine Life.
5. Organization Responsible for Providing the Necessary Support for USNC: The program office for the U.S. National Committee.
6. Description of Duties for Which the USNC is Responsible: The USNC shall be responsible for leading the development and implementation of a U.S.-focused program of research within the context of the overall vision and goals of the global CoML program. Included in this is the need to address technical and financial issues associated with the implementation of the U.S. research plan, to obtain U.S. ocean community input and develop community support for the U.S. activities of the CoML, to foster educational and public outreach opportunities, and to coordinate with other CoML activities and related research programs and activities.
7. Estimated Number and Frequency of USNC Meetings: The USNC meets two to three times per year on dates agreeable for the majority of members and on call Chairperson for extraordinary sessions. Any sub-committees or working groups will meet as required to accomplish their particular studies or projects.
8. The USNC Termination Date: Continuing
9. Established: December 2002
10. Membership: The USNC will consist of 12 to 18 individuals with expertise in such areas as marine biology and ecology, biological oceanography, systematics, physical oceanography, marine technology, data management and geographical information systems, environmental statistics, environmental history, fisheries, resource management, conservation, public outreach, and conduct of large environmental research programs. In addition, committee members will geographically represent the United States and be selected from all sectors including research institutions, industry, government and non-government organizations. The term of membership in the USNC will be three (3) years, renewable for up to two (2) additional terms of two (2) years each. An Additional ex-officio position will be retained for the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) – USA Regional Node Manager.
11. Designees: Committee members will each assign one designee to attend meetings and follow through on necessary activities when the member is unavailable. The designee should provide the same expertise as the member he or she represents. Members may assign a new designee when necessary or appropriate.
12. Chair and Vice-Chair: The Committee Chair will serve a term of two (2) years. A Committee Vice-Chair will serve a term of two (2) years. The positions of Chair and Vice-Chair will rotate among the members of the USNC on a voluntary basis and will be officially recognized by the unanimous vote of the USNC. Terms for both the Chair and the Vice-Chair are renewable by unanimous USNC vote.