Council adopts provisional 2026 operational budget amid funding uncertainty
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Summary
The Pacific Fishery Management Council approved a provisional operational budget for 2026, acknowledging uncertainties from an ongoing continuing resolution and staff vacancies; the budget carries forward a cautious approach with contingency for contract timing and monitoring early‑year funding.
The Pacific Fishery Management Council voted to adopt a provisional 2026 operational budget after the Budget Committee presented its supplemental report and staff described the council’s fiscal outlook.
Budget Committee chair Patricia summarized 2025 expenditures and introduced a staff‑proposed provisional budget. Staff noted Congress had passed a continuing resolution for FY2026 through Jan. 30, leaving exact NOAA funding levels uncertain. The provisional budget anticipates five in‑person meetings in 2026, continuation of current staffing levels in planning, and contract needs for special projects. Committee discussion recognized limited certainty about funding and recommended monitoring the need for a spring budget committee meeting once federal appropriations are clearer.
Council member Sharon moved adoption of a provisional 2026 operational budget (motion text shown on screen). The motion was seconded and passed by voice vote. Staff said most contracts would not be executed until funding is known and that leadership planned to monitor the situation and, if needed, convene a spring budget committee meeting.
The motion adopted a provisional operational budget figure as presented in the supplemental materials; staff emphasized the provisional nature of the budget pending final NOAA appropriations and noted the council will revisit contracting and spending plans as the funding situation clarifies.
