Pacific Fishery Management Council adopts $5.77 million 2026 operating budget amid structural deficit reduction

The Pacific Fishery Management Council unanimously approved a $5,766,822 operating budget for calendar year 2026 after a budget committee briefing and discussion on staff and funding status.

Executive Director Merrick Burton told the council the budget committee reviewed 2025 expenditures and the council’s fiscal outlook. Burton said the council had eliminated deep short‑term cuts taken in 2025 and that "the current deficit is about $348,000," down from an estimated structural deficit of roughly $777,000 in 2024. He also reported that the council had received all expected 2026 funding to date, including an additional $367,000 from headquarters earmarked to support administrative items.

Burton summarized that the proposed 2026 budget maintains current staffing levels for the year, funds five council meetings at planned locations with advisory body participation consistent with the committee‑of‑the‑whole structure, and funds ongoing IRA and seafood executive work. He described the near‑term financial position as "good and relatively stable" while noting the long‑term structural deficit remains an issue requiring continued diligence.

Councilor Sharon Kefir moved to adopt the 2026 operational budget as recommended in the budget committee report; the motion was seconded and the council voted unanimously to approve the budget.

What this means: The council will proceed with its planned 2026 meeting schedule and program priorities while continuing to monitor the structural deficit and the transition off short‑term bridging funds. Burton and budget committee staff signaled continued attention to long‑term fiscal alignment and said staff will return to the council with budget monitoring as needed.

Next steps: Council staff will proceed under the adopted budget and continue quarterly fiscal monitoring; the budget committee will reconvene in September to review next‑year planning and any needed adjustments.