---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 5602"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "5602"
heading: "Requests for scientific advice"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/5602"
units:
  - "Chapter 76 — Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Convention"
---

# §5602. Requests for scientific advice

- (a) **Restriction—** A [Representative](/usc/16/5609.md?p=13) may not make a request or specification described in paragraph [(1)](#b-1) or [(2)](#b-2) of subsection (b), respectively, unless the [Representative](/usc/16/5609.md?p=13) has first—
  - (1) consulted with the appropriate Regional Fishery Management [Councils](/usc/16/5609.md?p=7); and
  - (2) received the consent of the [Commissioners](/usc/16/5609.md?p=4) for that action.
- (b) **Requests and terms of reference described—** The requests and specifications referred to in [subsection (a)](#a) are, respectively—
  - (1) any request, under Article VII(10)(b) of the [Convention](/usc/16/5609.md?p=5), that the [Scientific Council](/usc/16/5609.md?p=14) consider and report on a question pertaining to the scientific basis for the management and conservation of [fishery resources](/usc/16/5609.md?p=8-A) in waters under the jurisdiction of the United States within the [Convention Area](/usc/16/5609.md?p=6); and
  - (2) any specification, under Article VII(11) of the [Convention](/usc/16/5609.md?p=5), of the terms of reference for the consideration of a question referred to the [Scientific Council](/usc/16/5609.md?p=14) pursuant to Article VII(10)(b) of the [Convention](/usc/16/5609.md?p=5).

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 104–43, title II, § 203, Nov. 3, 1995, 109 Stat. 378; Pub. L. 114–327, title V, § 503, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1995.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–327, § 503(1), in introductory provisions, substituted “A Representative may” for “The Representatives may”, “described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b)” for “described in subsection (b)(1) or (2)”, and “the Representative has” for “the Representatives have”.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 114–327, § 503(2), substituted “VII(10)(b)” for “VII(1)”.

Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 114–327, § 503(2),(3), substituted “VII(11)” for “VIII(2)” and “VII(10)(b)” for “VII(1)”.