In effect, this Commission gives both countries a forum through which to resolve their difficult salmon management problems. The Pacific Salmon Commission is a sixteen- person body with four Commissioners and four alternates each from the United States and Canada, representing the interests of commercial and recreational fisheries as well as federal, state and tribal governments. Each country has one vote in the commission. The agreement of both is required for any recommendation or decision by the Commission. Each Panel is made up of no more than six representatives and alternates from each country.
Membership reflects a range of governmental and fishing interests.
The panels provide recommendations and comment on the management of the fisheries in their area of responsibility before and after each season's harvest. This is done by reviewing technical data on annual fishing plans and regulations, and the salmon enhancement programs of each country. Panels provide the Commission with specific recommendations for the development of fishery plans. Agreement of both sides is needed for any decision or recommendation. Panel recommendations are based on information received by the panels from a variety of bilateral technical committees .