Copied from fryingpantower.com a post from Capt. Dave Tilley
On January 30, 2012, NOAA and NOAA Fisheries honored the eight fishery management councils for their role in shaping the science-based management of U.S. fisheries and the historic milestone to be achieved this year with the implementation of annual catch limits on all federally managed fisheries. These eight councils and the challenges unique to each of their regions, have developed the diverse innovations in management and science that defines U.S. fisheries.
Presided over by the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., recognized each council with a plaque for their unique contributions to managing the nations fisheries.
In recognition of the Councils commitment and exemplary public service to the nation by establishing annual catch limits to prevent overfishing, strengthen science-based management and ensure sustainability of our nations fisheries. "
The North Pacific Council are innovators of many science and management tools that are now hallmarks of sustainably managed fisheries. Once known for its race-for-fish, today the North Pacific has become the model for sustainable fisheries worldwide. It is home to some of the largest, most sustainable fisheries feeding the world.
The Pacific Council has a rich history of leading the way to help build the responsive management strategies we see today. Early on, they committed to science-based management. They set conservative harvests in times of uncertainty. They embraced cooperative efforts with fishermen to innovate management strategies and scientific research. The result? A West coast groundfish fishery that is one of the most progressive management plans for rebuilding vulnerable species and sustainably harvesting others, while keeping fishermen in their jobs.
The Western Pacific council takes complexity to a whole new level. This region is vast: international waters, multiple island-nation cultures, diverse socio-economic demographics, and a broad s