Dr. Jason Schaffler is the Chair of the Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) and Dr. Galen Johnson 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
- April 2025 SSC Minutes Final
- Pre-GFSC Review Draft Update Assessment: Yelloweye Rockfish
- Pre-GFSC Review Draft Update Assessment: Widow Rockfish
- 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 – Final Action
- E.8.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: Scientific and Statistical Committee Report on 2027-2028 Harvest Specifications and Management Measures Planning
- E.6.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: SSC Report on Phase 2 Stock Definitions – Final Action
- Scientific and Statistical Committee Memo – June 2025
- SSC Draft April 2025 Meeting Minutes
- Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) Agenda – June 2025
- March 2025 SSC Minutes Final
- H.3.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: SSC Report on Future Council Meeting Agenda and Workload Planning
- G.4.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: Scientific and Statistical Committee Report on Pacific Mackerel Specifications and Management Measures for 2025-27 – Final Action
- G.5.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: Scientific and Statistical Committee Report on Coastal Pelagic Species Science and Management Priorities
- G.3.a Supplemental SSC Report 1: Scientific and Statistical Committee Report on Pacific Sardine Assessment, Harvest Specifications, and Management Measures for 2025-2026 – Final Action