(a) Scientific experts
(1) In general
The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall appoint at least 6 but not more than 12 individuals to serve as scientific experts on the joint technical committee, at least 1 of whom shall be an official of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(2) Term of office
An individual appointed under paragraph (1) shall be appointed for a term of not to exceed 4 years, but shall be eligible for reappointment. An individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term of office of that individuals predecessor shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.
(b) Independent member
In addition to individuals appointed under subsection (a), the Secretary, jointly with the Government of Canada, shall appoint 1 independent member to the joint technical committee selected from a list of names provided by the advisory panel.
