Domestic Management

The Fisheries Management Plan for U.S. West Coast Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species (as amended July 2011) was developed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council in response to the need to coordinate state, Federal, and international management. NOAA Fisheries, on behalf of the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, partially approved the Management Plan on February 4, 2004.  The majority of implementing regulations became effective on April 7, 2004. The reporting and record keeping provisions became effective February 10, 2005.  

Currently, the Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan covers 11 stocks considered in the fishery( management unit species) and 8 non-target stocks (ecosystem component species). Even though, ecosystem component species are not considered "in the fishery",  the Council is expected to consider measures to mitigate and minimize bycatch of these species, to the extent practicable, consistent with National Standard Nine. The Council tracks ecosystem component species over time, periodically evaluates their status, and assesses whether any management is needed under the fisheries management plan, in which case, the ecosystem component species could be reclassified as a management unit  species. 

The Highly Migratory Species Fishery Management Plan has been amended twice since its implementation. 

• Amendment I, approved by NOAA Fisheries on June 7, 2007, incorporates recommended international measures to end overfishing of bigeye tuna in the Pacific. 
• Amendment 2 ,approved by NOAA Fisheries on June 27, 2011, added 8 ecosystem component species, and made the plan consistent with revised National Standard One Guidelines. The list was created by including the monitored species in the plan and by reclassifying two management unit species.

For more information on Highly Migratory Species, contact Heidi Taylor at Heidi.Taylor@noaa.gov or 562.980.4039.
For more information or questions on permits, contact Shannon Penna at 562.980.4238.