The Regional Council system was designed to allow regional, participatory governance by knowledgeable people with a stake in fishery management. The eight Regional Councils develop management plans for marine fisheries in waters seaward of state waters of their individual regions. Plans and specific management measures (such as fishing seasons, quotas, and closed areas) are developed based on sound scientific advice, and are initiated, evaluated, and ultimately are adopted in a fully transparent and public process. These plans and measures are implemented by the National Marine Fisheries Service.
Fishery Management Councils
