Federal Fisheries Group Presides Over Pacific Ocean Policies And Politics

Steven Alan via Flickr

Whether you want more fresh sashimi at a reasonable price or to save sea turtles from extinction, chances are the Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council will have a role in the outcome.

Wespac's 13 voting members make decisions at public meetings held three times a year that impact thousands of people — arguably millions — and hundreds of species. The federally funded agency is one of eight in the nation that collectively operate on a $28 million annual budget.

Yet relatively few in Hawaii could even name the Wespac council chair, Manny Duenas, let alone tell you anything about its latest actions.

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