NMFS gets its mission from several federal statutes, the most well known of which are the Magnuson Act, the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In terms of territory, NMFS focuses on the living marine resources inside federal waters. Besides people from the NMFS, these Councils, contain representatives from each of the respective states. Together they are charged with developing fisheries management plans for their region. These plans affect both recreational and commercial fishermen, setting the usual array of size, bag and catch limits, as well as gear and seasonal restrictions.
Some species swim extensively, crossing the jurisdiction of two or more councils.
When that happens one council is charged with developing the plan although all the councils involved will supply data and advice. If you live in a coastal state, you can make your opinion known in several ways. You may attend any regular council meeting and voice your opinion. You can attend scheduled public hearings, contact the council office or the director of the NFMS's regional office nearest you. Lastly you may prefer to speak directly with your state's representative to the council.