We pursue these goals through six major avenues of action:

1. Encourage Appropriate Regulatory Action.
The MCA works to continue and expand the diligent, responsible practices that make the North Pacific groundfish fishery the best managed fishery the world:

1. Science- based management decisions;
2. Conservative fishing quotas;
3. Effective monitoring and enforcement;
4. Rationalization of effort;
5. Protection of fisheries-dependent communities;
6. Incorporation of ecosystem-based management principles into Fishery Management Plans;
7. Maintaining an open, transparent public process where all stakeholders can participate; and
8. Recognizing the North Pacific as a sustainable source of wholesome, nutritious, high-quality seafood.

2. Support Smart Management with Sound Science
We advocate continued, expanded, and ongoing basic peer-reviewed research and applied, cooperative research involving partnerships between resource user groups and government managers, including the on-board observer program, vessels as research platforms, and collection and use of real-time data from the fisheries. MCA members presently support a wide variety of research efforts, including the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center and the North Pacific Marine Research Foundation.

3. Reduce Bycatch and Bycatch Mortality.
Because rationalization eliminates the "race for fish," reduces bycatch, improves safety, and results in delivery of higher quality products, the MCA generally supports quota-based rationalized fishing systems. We encourage ongoing funding for conservation efforts, and advocate experimental approaches to solving both nationwide and regional challenges, especially partnerships between industry, the regional fishery management councils, government, and academia.

4. Foster Science, Avoid Litigation.
The increasing prevalence of litigation hampers the ability of government agencies to do their regular work, and creates a massive drain on energy and resources of all parties. The MCA seeks non-litigious solutions to both, protect marine resources and the fisheries and communities that depend on them, using the same transparent, public, science-driven process central to Council decisions.

5. Minimize Pollution and Contaminants.
Pure water, healthy ecosystems, wholesome seafood, steady jobs, and livable communities are inextricably related. The long-term health of our fisheries depends on minimizing pollution and contaminant threats, from sources as diverse as industrial and commercial activities, port development, navigation threats, agriculture, silviculture, aquaculture, urban and suburban development, erosion, mining, logging, dumping, and natural events.

6. Remove Marine Debris.
The MCA is building a new, cooperative program to identify, collect, transport, and dispose of marine debris, including derelict fishing gear.