Functions, Activities, and Utility of the Three Interstate Marine Fisheries Commissions

Eight Regional Fishery Management Councils were established in 1976 to create a system of fisheries management for the Fishery Conservation Zone in cooperation with the Department of Commerce and the states. In order to serve the states by advocating state interests and coordinating interstate research and territorial sea fisheries management efforts, the following Marine Fisheries Commissions were established: the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, the Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission, and the Pacific Marine Fisheries Commission. The three commissions receive financial support from their member states, as well as funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. GAO made a review of the functions, activities, and utility of the three commissions.