Ecosystem Goal: Fisheries Management Program

Program Manager:  Galen Tromble
Program Coordinator:  Kim Marshall McLean

Brief Program Description:

Management of Federal fishery resources in the United States is entrusted to NOAA. Within NOAA, the FMP ensures that fisheries are maintained at productive levels for supporting sustainable fisheries and the ecosystems to which they contribute. The FMP achieves this objective by eliminating over-fishing and rebuilding over-fished stocks. The FMP applies ecosystem-based principles in conserving and managing fisheries within the broad ecosystem structure defined by the jurisdictions of the Regional Fishery Management Councils, the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species program, state, and international fisheries. The FMP translates the status of key fisheries and conveys these indices through various NOAA processes for advancing a conservation ethic in the public including stewardship of marine fisheries. The FMP also includes trade, financial, and inspection services to fishery dependent communities and industry sectors.

• Fish stocks are maintained at productive levels to support sustainable fisheries and ecosystems
• Ecosystem-based principles are applied in conservation and management of Federal, state, and international fisheries
• An environmentally literate public has adopted a conservation ethic and promotes stewardship of marine fisheries
• Regulatory quality improvements are fully implemented
• Guidance is applied to develop/revise plans to incorporate ecosystem-based management principles
• Over-fished stocks are managed under rebuilding plans
• Improved economic performance of fishing industry
• Federal/state/international fishery managers become increasingly knowledgeable on ecosystem-based principles
• Outreach/Education messages are effectively communicated to foster a conservation ethic
• Regulatory quality improvement training and QA/QC protocols are operational
• Increased opportunities for industry to improve economic performance
• Coordination of marine fisheries management and conservation between state and Federal levels is strengthened
• Efforts are continued to secure appropriate management measures in regional fishery management organizations
• Guidance for ecosystem-based management principles is developed among HQ, regional offices, and Councils
• Credible understanding of public's acceptance of its stewardship role is obtained

President’s FY 05 budget request:  $124.8M