Participation by non-members
Article 6
1. Scientists from institutes of the Member States concerned or international bodies shall be invited to participate as experts in the work of the Regional Advisory Councils. Any other qualified scientist may also be invited. 2. The Commission and national and regional administrations of the Member States concerned shall have the right to participate at any meeting of a Regional Advisory Council as active observers. 3. A representative of the Advisory Committee on Fisheries and Aquaculture shall have the right to participate at any meeting of a Regional Advisory Council as an active observer. 4. Representatives of the fisheries sector and other interest groups from third countries, including representatives from Regional Fisheries Organisations, that have a fishing interest in the area or fisheries covered by a Regional Advisory Council may be invited to participate in that Regional Advisory Council as active observers when issues which affect them are discussed. 5. The meetings of the general assembly shall be open to the public. The meetings of the executive committee shall be open to the public unless, in exceptional cases, decided otherwise by a majority of the executive committee.