Dr. Jason Schaffler is the Chair of the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and Dr. Andrew (Ole) Shelton is the Vice-Chair. Marlene A. Bellman is the staff officer for the SSC.
The SSC is made up of scientists from state and Federal agencies, academic institutions, and other sources. The SSC reviews fishery management plans (FMPs), stock assessments, rebuilding plans, and other documents to ensure the Council is basing their decisions on the best available science. Among other duties, the SSC identifies scientific resources required for the development of FMPs and amendments; provides a multidisciplinary review of FMPs or amendments, and advises the Council on their scientific content; helps the Council evaluate statistical, biological, economic, social, and other scientific information; and makes recommendations on the composition of plan development, technical, and management teams.
The SSC has subcommittees that focus on salmon, groundfish, highly migratory species, coastal pelagic species, ecosystem management, and economics. SSC members are selected by a vote of the Council. At-large members serve three-year terms, while management agency representatives serve indefinite terms.
Recent SSC reports
- Scientific and Statistical Committee Memo – March 2025
- SSC Draft November 2024 Meeting Minutes
- SSC Ecosystem-Based Management Subcommittee Report (Nov 5, 2024)
- Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) Agenda – March 2025
- SSC CPS Subcommittee agenda Feb 26 2025
- Review Material: Development of Indices of Abundance and Absolute Estimates of Abundance using Design-based Methods for Quillback Rockfish from California ROV Surveys
- September 2024 SSC Minutes (Final)
- C.6.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: Scientific and Statistical Committee Report on Future Council Meeting Agenda and Workload Planning
- D.3.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: SSC Report on Research and Data Needs
- C.5.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: SSC Report on Membership Appointments and Council Operating Procedures – Including 2025-27 Advisory Body Appointments
- I.3.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: Scientific and Statistical Committee Report on Methodology Review: Final Fishery Impact Model Review Topics and Stock Assessment Methodologies
- J.3.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: Scientific and Statistical Committee Report on Stock Assessment Prioritization
- H.3.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: Scientific and Statistical Committee Report on Biennial Harvest Specifications and Management Measures – Final
- F.6.b Supplemental SSC Report 1: Scientific and Statistical Committee Report on Sacramento River Fall Chinook Workgroup Progress Report and Recommendations
- F.2.a Supplemental SSC Report 2: SSC Report on Proposed Council Operating Procedure (COP) 15 updates