The June 2025 Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting commenced on June 13, 2025, focusing on various topics related to fishery management and innovation. The meeting began with an executive director's report, which included updates on the status of discussions regarding groundfish management and sector management. The director noted that the COVID health emergency protocols were no longer in effect, but illness protocols remained in place for attendees.

Following the executive report, the council opened the floor for public comments. Diana Henig, executive director of Positively Groundfish, presented a new program called "Catch and Create," aimed at fostering product innovation using West Coast groundfish species. The program offers a six-month startup accelerator that provides participants with a $20,000 stipend for product development, mentorship, and marketing support. Henig emphasized the need for innovative products beyond traditional fish filets to meet consumer demands and enhance the value of groundfish in the market.

Next, Trent Hartill, president of the Pacific Whiting Conservation Cooperative, addressed the council regarding an application for an exempted fishing permit (EFP). This permit would allow the at-sea sectors of the Pacific whiting fishery to process fish in a specific area off the California-Oregon border, which has been closed to processing for over 30 years due to past bycatch concerns. Hartill argued that advancements in cooperative management and observer coverage have changed the conditions that led to the original prohibition. He highlighted the potential for improved bycatch management by allowing flexibility in fishing locations.

Hartill and his colleague Glenn Merrill discussed the importance of genetic sampling for any salmon caught in the proposed area, proposing that all salmon encountered would be genetically tested to better understand stock composition. They acknowledged the need for coordination with other fishing sectors and expressed a commitment to minimizing bycatch.

The council members engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the implications of the proposed EFP, including concerns about salmon bycatch and the need for transparency with stakeholders, particularly Northern California tribes and local fishing communities. Several members emphasized the importance of ensuring that the interests of all fishing sectors are considered, especially given the current challenges faced by the salmon industry.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on the EFP application and the innovative programs presented, with a focus on enhancing the sustainability and profitability of the fisheries involved. The council plans to continue addressing these topics in future sessions, ensuring that all stakeholders have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process.