The Pacific Fishery Management Council consists of the Council itself, Council advisory bodies, and Council staff.
The Council consists of 14 voting members, including one representative of each states’ management agency, one obligatory member from each state, four at-large members, one tribal representative and one NMFS representative. The Secretary of Commerce appoints the obligatory, at-large, and tribal representatives, others are appointed by their respective agencies. The Council also has non-voting members representing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission, The U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of State. NMFS regional general council provides legal advice to the Council. The Council make decisions based on majority vote.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council’s advisory bodies (including technical teams, advisory subpanels, committees and working groups) prepare and review information and provide input to help the Council make decisions.