Taking Stock of the Regional Fishery Management Councils

Over a third of the nation's fish stocks currently are overfished. These stocks historically supported some of America's most important fisheries: cod, salmon, rockfish, tuna, and red snapper, to list only a few. This study, initiated and supported by the Pew Charitable Trusts, looks in detail at the mandates, constitution, rules, and procedures of the regional fish councils to determine whether the counsils can effectively manage the nation's fisheries. The report discussed four key problems that plague the councils and suggests ways to implement changes.