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Regional Fishery Management Councils

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA) created eight regional fishery management councils (councils) responsible for the fisheries that require conservation and management in their region. The councils are composed of both voting and non-voting members representing the commercial and recreational fishing sectors in addition to environmental, academic, and government interests. Under the MSA, councils are required to:

• Develop and amend Fishery Management Plans
• Convene committees and advisory panels and conduct public meetings
• Develop research priorities in conjunction with a Scientific and Statistical Committee
• Select fishery management options
• Set annual catch limits based on best available science
• Develop and implement rebuilding plans

The Office of Sustainable Fisheries supports the councils by conducting the annual nomination and appointment process, training new members, and facilitating periodic meetings of the Council Coordination Committee.

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