There are 90+ species of groundfish managed through the policies of the Pacific Fishery Management Council's Groundfish Fishery Management Plan and under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and other federal laws. NOAA Fisheries governs commercial and recreational fisheries in federal waters from 3-200 nautical miles off the Washington, Oregon, and California coasts. NOAA Fisheries and the council develop policies in cooperation with federal, state and tribal governments, and in consultation with industry, environmental and academic organizations.

2009 photo courtesy of Oregon Recreational Fishing Alliance

The links on this page provide information about current groundfish management measures and regulations. For immediate questions, please contact:

• the NOAA Fisheries Groundfish Team in Seattle about Fisheries Service policies and regulations at 206-526-6140.
• Pacific Fishery Management Council in Portland about upcoming council meetings and events at 503-820-2280, or toll free 1-866-806-7204.