NOAA Fisheries provides final approval of all Council management actions, implements those actions by publishing rules in the form of federal regulations, and provides for the enforcement of those regulations in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Northeast Fisheries Science Center develops and provides the scientific foundation for management programs by conducting multidisciplinary data gathering, sampling, processing, and research; and by engaging in extensive collaboration with external research partners and fishermen.

Because there are instances in which federal regulations also apply in state waters, the NEFMC coordinates with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to manage some species, in addition to working directly with each state represented on the Council.

The NEFMC's plans are coordinated with other east coast Councils (generally the MAFMC and the SAFMC) to implement compatible or complimentary conservation management systems within the EEZ.

Fishery Management Partners

Other Regional Fishery Management Councils