The Fisheries Management Structure and Process under the MFCMA: A North Pacific Perspective

Abstract

Abstract The fishery management process established under the Magnuson Fishery Conservation Management Act (MFCMA) is reviewed using the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) as a model. The council's responsibility is primarily to develop and maintain Fishery Management Plans (FMPs) and has established committees and staff to fulfill this responsibility. The secretary of commerce has the responsibility to evaluate, approve, and implement the FMPs. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is responsible for resource assessment but state agencies contribute. Formal public participation is mandated in the MFCMA but there is extensive informal participation. Once a FMP or amendment has been drafted, a review process ensues involving regional and Washington offices of the NMFS, and the public. In-season management is accomplished by the Regional Office of NMFS. Although many problems face councils today, five seem most important: communication, goals, obtaining timely data, lobbying, and region...