Which statement about the relationship between PFMC and NMFS is correct?

• A. NMFS approves, implements, or modifies measures recommended by the Council and enforces federal regulations
• B. NMFS has no role in PFMC decisions
• C. PFMC directly enforces all regulations without NMFS involvement
• D. NMFS only handles port inspections and has no regulatory role in PFMC matters

Answer: (A)

The relationship being tested is how regional councils and the federal agency work together to manage fisheries. The Council develops management measures for fisheries in its region, drawing on scientific advice and input from stakeholders. The federal agency, NMFS, then reviews those measures and has the authority to approve, modify, implement them as federal regulations, and enforce them. That combination—Council recommendations guiding federal rules and NMFS carrying out enforcement—is why this statement is correct. NMFS indeed has a regulatory role beyond port inspections and is responsible for implementing and enforcing the federal measures that come from the Council process.