The June 2025 Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting commenced on June 13, 2025, focusing on the implications of recent executive orders (EOs) and their impact on fishery management practices. The discussions highlighted a significant shift towards a deregulatory agenda, mirroring approaches taken during the previous administration.

The meeting began with an overview of the current deregulatory framework, which mandates that for every regulatory action imposed, ten deregulatory actions must be identified. This contrasts with the previous requirement of two for one. The council emphasized the importance of balancing regulatory costs with savings achieved through deregulatory measures, aiming to minimize financial burdens on both the fishing industry and taxpayers.

A key point raised was the exemption of routine fishery management actions from this deregulatory scrutiny. Actions such as setting annual specifications, opening or closing fishing seasons, and issuing permits are not subject to the cost-benefit analysis that applies to more significant regulatory changes. The council acknowledged that while some regulatory actions are necessary due to statutory requirements, the focus would remain on maximizing deregulatory opportunities.

The discussion also touched on the recent "Restoring Gold Standard Science" executive order, which aims to enhance the quality and transparency of scientific research within fishery management. The council expressed confidence that their existing practices align well with the goals outlined in this EO, emphasizing reproducibility, transparency, and the need for unbiased scientific inquiry.

As the meeting progressed, additional executive orders were briefly mentioned, indicating ongoing efforts to streamline regulations and improve the efficiency of fishery management processes. The council is currently awaiting further guidance from the White House on implementing these directives.

In conclusion, the PFMC meeting underscored a strong commitment to a deregulatory approach in fishery management, with an emphasis on balancing regulatory actions with cost-saving measures. The council's alignment with the new executive orders reflects a broader goal of enhancing both economic opportunities for the fishing industry and the integrity of scientific research in the field. Further developments are anticipated as the council awaits additional guidance on these initiatives.