The Research Track Steering Committee (RTSC) was paused in 2025. The RTSC, which reports to the NRCC, helps guide the research track assessment process. It includes representatives from the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and NOAA’s Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). The Steering Committee provides guidance on future research track schedules up to five years in advance and explores methods and data to develop new or improve existing stock assessments.