(a) Services of conveners and facilitators. A Council or NMFS may employ or enter into contracts for the services of an individual or organization to serve as a convener or facilitator for an FNP established under §600.755, or may use the services of a government employee to act as a convener or a facilitator for such an FNP.

(b) Councils. For an FNP proposed and established by one or more Councils approved expenses shall be paid out of the Council's operating budget.

(c) Expenses of FNP members. Members of an FNP shall be responsible for their own expenses of participation in such an FNP, except that NMFS or the Council may, in accordance with section 7(d) of FACA, pay for a member's reasonable travel and per diem expenses, and a reasonable rate of compensation, if:

(1) Such member certifies a lack of adequate financial resources to participate in the FNP.

(2) The Council or NMFS determines that such member's participation in the FNP is necessary to assure an adequate representation of the member's interest.

(d) Administrative support. The Council or NMFS shall provide appropriate administrative support to an FNP including technical assistance.