Closing the Loop in Fishery Management: the Importance of Instituting Regular Independent Management Review

Importance of instituting regular independent review process in U.S. federal fishery management is examined. The assessment review provides quality control for management advice and a feedback process through which fisheries science is improved over time. Intensive review of stock assessments has several noteworthy effects. On the negative side, the reviews are time-consuming, costly, and can be highly contentious. Public comments on fishery management plans almost invariably reflect interest-group perspectives. Reviews by technical staff attempt to ensure that management measures reflect council decisions and meet National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) guidelines. A process of management review would afford continuous, incremental improvement in fishery management and benefit managers, the public, and the resource.