During the third day of the June 2025 Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting, key discussions centered on the management of fish species, particularly canary and short-spine thornyhead rockfish. The meeting highlighted the potential for automating certain processes to enhance the management of these species within the constraints of the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA).

One significant point raised was the possibility of increasing the Overfishing Limit (OFL) carryover, which could be beneficial for species that are currently underutilized. The speaker emphasized that timely data on fish mortality, especially for trawl-dominant species, supports the feasibility of employing tools outlined in the gap report. These tools, referred to as SpecsFlex, could help manage species while remaining under the Annual Catch Limit (ACL). The speaker noted that there is significant under-attainment of quotas, which provides an opportunity to monitor the results of these management strategies effectively.

In a related discussion, council member Corey Niles proposed an innovative idea likening fish quota management to car insurance. He suggested that the council could create a system where fishermen pay a small fee, similar to an insurance deductible, to cover unexpected large catches caused by uncontrollable factors, such as lightning strikes. This approach could alleviate some of the financial burdens on fishermen and improve the management of Individual Fishing Quotas (IFQs).

The meeting underscored the importance of adaptive management strategies in the face of environmental uncertainties and the need for innovative solutions to support the fishing community. As discussions continue, the council will need to consider the implications of these proposals and how they can be integrated into existing frameworks to enhance sustainability and economic viability in the fishing industry.