The Department of Fisheries Oceanography is hosting Elle Keane, Biologist and Tribal Liaison Officer for the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office and Asha Ajmani, Tribal Engagement Coordinator at the Northeast Regional Ocean Council on March 5th. The seminar, “Working with Tribal Nations” will be held in SMAST East 101-103 from 3-4. Please join us in person or on Zoom!

Abstract:

The U.S government and the governments of federally-recognized Tribal Nations have a unique government-to-government relationship set forth in the Constitution of the United States, treaties, statutes, and court decisions. Within this relationship, NOAA Fisheries works with Tribal Nations on a range of issues, including habitat, fisheries management, and endangered species, among others. This seminar will provide an overview of this relationship and NOAA Fisheries’ engagement with Tribal Nations in the Greater Atlantic Region. The Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) is a voluntary forum for Tribal, federal, state and NGO partners to form interagency coordination and cooperation on regional approaches to support balanced uses and conservation of the Northeast’s ocean and coastal resources. Recently, NROC launched a Tribal Caucus to identify Tribal interests and needs, and coordinate Tribal guidance on NROC priorities and the implementation of specific NROC projects. These efforts have led to increased Tribal participation in NROC and the development of work groups and other products responding to identified needs.