The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council opened its meeting Tuesday by recognizing newly appointed members, just moments before learning another seat would be open.

But whereas the other members’ seats opened up due to term limits, Vice Chair David Itano‘s at-large seat will need filled because he has been hired as recreational fishing coordinator, said Councilman Mike Tosatto, NMFS Pacific Islands regional administrator.

Tosatto said he is expecting word soon on how Itano’s seat will be filled in the interim before Wespac’s next meeting in October. The council meets three times a year.

Chair Manny Duenas‘ seat is among the three to open up due to term limits. Vice Chair Stephen Haleck, a business entrepreneur representing American Samoa, and Hawaii Councilman Sean Martin of Pacific Ocean Producers, are the other two departing members. 

New members’ three-year terms start Aug. 11. 

The 16-member council kicked off three full days of meetings Tuesday, covering everything from preserving marine resources to protecting indigenous rights. Check out more about what the council will cover and why it matters here.

— Nathan Eagle