Western Pacific Fishery Management Council

The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council is one of eight regional councils established by the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. Amended in 1996 to prevent overfishing, minimize by catch and protect fish stocks and habitat, it is now called the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).

The Council is made up of 17 members, the Council staff and several advisory groups. The Council decision-making process is a bottom-up approach, emphasizing public participation and involvement of fisheries management at the local and community levels. Council decisions are based on the best available scientific information provided largely by the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center and are transmitted to the Secretary of Commerce for approval.