---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 5703"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "5703"
heading: "Panel"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/5703"
units:
  - "Chapter 77 — Yukon River Salmon"
  - "Subchapter I — Implementation of Interim Agreement"
---

# §5703. Panel

- (a) **Representation—** The United States shall be represented on the [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) by six individuals, of whom—
  - (1) one shall be an official of the United States Government with expertise in salmon conservation and management;
  - (2) one shall be an official of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of Alaska with expertise in salmon conservation and management; and
  - (3) four shall be knowledgeable and experienced with regard to the salmon fisheries on the Yukon River.
- (b) **Appointments—** [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) members shall be appointed as follows:
  - (1) The [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) member described in [subsection (a)(1)](#a-1) shall be appointed by the Secretary of State.
  - (2) The [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) member described in [subsection (a)(2)](#a-2) shall be appointed by the Governor of Alaska.
  - (3) The [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) members described in [subsection (a)(3)](#a-3) shall be appointed by the Secretary of State from a list of at least 3 individuals nominated for each position by the Governor of Alaska. The Governor of Alaska may consider suggestions for nominations provided by organizations with expertise in Yukon River salmon fisheries. The Governor of Alaska may make appropriate nominations to allow for, and the Secretary of State shall appoint, at least one member under [subsection (a)(3)](#a-3) who is qualified to represent the interests of Lower Yukon River fishing districts, and at least one member who is qualified to represent the interests of Upper Yukon River fishing districts. At least one of the [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) members under [subsection (a)(3)](#a-3) shall be an [Alaska Native](/usc/16/3102.md?p=16).
- (c) **Alternates—** The Secretary of State may designate an alternate [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) member for each [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) member the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) appoints under subsections[^1] (b)(1) and (3), who meets the same qualifications, to serve in the absence of the [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) member. The Governor of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of Alaska may designate an alternative [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) member for the [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) member appointed under [subsection (b)(2)](#b-2), who meets the same qualifications, to serve in the absence of that [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) member.
- (d) **Term length—** [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) members and alternate [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) members shall serve four-year terms. Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of any term shall be appointed for the remainder of that term.
- (e) **Reappointment—** [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) members and alternate [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) members shall be eligible for reappointment.
- (f) **Decisions—** Decisions by the United States section of the [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) shall be made by the consensus of the [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) members appointed under paragraphs [(2)](#a-2) and [(3)](#a-3) of subsection (a).
- (g) **Consultation—** In carrying out their functions under the [Agreement](/usc/16/5702.md?p=1), [Panel](/usc/16/5702.md?p=2) members may consult with such other interested parties as they consider appropriate.

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be “subsection”.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 104–43, title VII, § 704, Nov. 3, 1995, 109 Stat. 393.)