Research and data needs

Research priorities database

Research and Data Needs document (2025)

Why does the Pacific Fishery Management Council identify research priorities?

Fisheries management depends on good scientific information. The Pacific Fishery Management Council (Pacific Council) relies on data developed by Federal, state, and academic scientists, often in coordination with the fishing industry and nongovernmental organizations. Scientists serve on the Pacific Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC), on technical and management teams, on stock assessment review panels, and on other advisory bodies.

The routine identifies research and data needs, both on an ad hoc basis and formally every five years. The Pacific Council’s list of research and data needs is geared to assist National Marine Fisheries Service as well as other researchers, agencies, and research institutions.

The most recent Research and Data Needs document was finalized in June 2025. The document communicates the Pacific Council’s research and data needs to ensure continued well-informed decision-making in the future and to fulfill the Pacific Council’s responsibilities under the Magnuson-Stevens Act.

Research priorities database (2018)

  • The Pacific Council and the SSC developed a database that was populated with research projects as provided in the 2018 Research and Data Needs document.Link to the database
  • How to use the database – instructional video

Research and Data Needs document (2018)

Social Science in the Pacific Fishery Management Council Process

White paper: “Social Science in the Pacific Fishery Management Council Process”

This white paper addresses non-economic social science needs in the fisheries management process. Many Federal rules mandate the consideration of social information in fisheries decision making. In addition, social science can be used for non-mandated purposes such as to improve outreach and education efforts, increase participation by stakeholders, and increase the effectiveness of enforcement. The white paper summarizes how regional fishery management councils and other natural resource agencies use social science; provides a brief history of social science use in the Pacific Council process; and describes Federal mandates for social science, current social science efforts, barriers to using social science in the council process, and social science information needs for the Pacific Council.

For more information

If you have further questions regarding the Research and Data Needs document and/or process, please contact Marlene A. Bellman at (503) 820-2414 or email Marlene.Bellman@pcouncil.org.