Our Goal

For over two centuries, coastal and marine fishery resources have been an important component of our nation’s heritage, supporting thriving fishing communities and enriching recreational opportunities, as well as providing seafood that is consumed within the U.S. and exported abroad. Recognizing the importance of coastal and marine fisheries to their constituents and the inherent migratory nature of fish species, the 15 Atlantic coastal states came together to form our Commission.

The main objective of fisheries management is to allow enough harvest to sustain and build the fishing and seafood industries while protecting the productivity and sustainability of the marine ecosystems. Today, the Commission manages 27 shellfish, diadromous and marine species. Some of these species are managed solely by the Commission and the states, such as striped bass, menhaden, American lobster and eel, while other species, such as Atlantic herring, summer flounder, and coastal sharks, are cooperatively managed by the Commission, NOAA Fisheries and the East Coast Regional Fishery Management Councils.