Image for Pacific Fisheries Management Council

Pacific Fisheries Management Council

The Pacific Fisheries Management Council (PFMC) is a regional body that develops and recommends regulations for fishing in the Pacific Ocean off the U.S. West Coast. Its goal is to ensure sustainable use of fish stocks like salmon, rockfish, and other species, balancing ecological health, economic interests, and recreational fishing. The council consists of representatives from states, tribes, federal agencies, and the fishing industry. It works closely with scientific data to create management plans, set catch limits, and protect ocean ecosystems, helping to maintain healthy fish populations for current and future generations.