Union warns of staffing crisis at NOAA Fisheries impacting sustainable fishing efforts

The June 2025 Pacific Fishery Management Council (PFMC) meeting commenced on June 13, 2025, with significant discussions surrounding the impacts of recent administrative policies on NOAA Fisheries and the broader implications for sustainable fisheries management. Melissa Head, representing the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Local 8A, addressed the council, highlighting critical staffing losses and operational challenges faced by the Northwest and Southwest Fisheries Science Centers.

Head reported a staggering 20% reduction in staff at the Northwest and Southwest centers since January 20, 2025, with the Northwest Fisheries Science Center alone experiencing a 25% loss of both supervisory and non-supervisory personnel. This decline has resulted from terminations, retirements, and deferred resignations, severely impacting the centers' capacity to conduct essential scientific work. The loss of key personnel, including a deputy director and several scientists, has led to project delays and an indefinite pause on various initiatives.

The testimony underscored that the inability to hire new staff has compounded the issue, leaving remaining employees overwhelmed with increased workloads. Head noted that new administrative requirements have further hindered operations, particularly the vetting process for contracts exceeding $100,000, which has created significant backlogs. For instance, the Northwest Fisheries Science Center's bottom trawl survey has not collected vital oceanographic data since 2008 due to contract delays.

The council members expressed concern over the implications of these staffing and operational challenges. Rebecca Lent emphasized that reduced data availability would necessitate larger buffers in stock assessments, adversely affecting the fishing fleet's economic viability. Corey Ridings inquired about the potential consequences of incomplete surveys, to which Head responded that further staff reductions could jeopardize the ability to conduct necessary assessments.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support from partners and stakeholders to address these pressing issues. The council recognized the critical need for adequate staffing and resources to ensure the sustainability of fisheries and the health of marine ecosystems, as well as the economic stability of fishing communities. The discussions highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts to navigate the challenges posed by current administrative policies and to safeguard the future of fisheries management.