In 1970s when the FCMA was first passed many fishermen feared it would be detrimental due to increased regulation. However it has since become an integral part of protecting fishery ecosystems for future generations and has been seen as successful at accomplishing its goals.

The FCMA divides U.S coastal waters into eight fishery management councils where each council develops their own plans or “Fishery Management Plans” to establish catch limits, gear restrictions, fishing season lengths, bycatch allowances etc adapted from scientific data collected from within their region. These plans are then submitted for approval by the Secretary of Commerce who can either accept or reject them based on consistency with national standards set down by the act itself as well as other relevant laws such as the Magnuson-Stevens Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 which both took place during this decade but are not specifically related to fisheries management themselves but do have implications under certain circumstances if they interfere with FMCAs objectives such as conserving essential fish habitats or preventing unnecessary losses of non-target species amongst others All decisions made must adhere strictly these standards otherwise they will not be accepted which helps ensure that all regional plans remain consistent behind one overarching standard while still allowing independence between states should local conditions require different approaches towards achieving those same standards in practice .

One major contribution made by FCMA was creating Regional Advisory Councils composed mostly of fisherman from within each region whose purpose is ensuring that any changes proposed before being sent up for approval actually reflect what’s best for their particular area instead relying solely upon data generated elsewhere so that decision makers aren’t just blindly following whatever advice happens come their way without understanding how it might actually affect people living within specific areas differently than what’s expected under general guidelines set out nationally . This gives locals more say in terms practicalities surrounding fisheries management & ensures better representation when difficult decisions need make sure everyone affected gets full chance air their views rather than just having lobby groups dominating process like days prior passing act itself .

Furthermore due new authority given Department Commerce early 70s forming National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) who now responsible executing policies devised through cooperative efforts between state governments across country & federal agencies like NOAA along implementing measures developed local advisory councils thus eliminating much bureaucracy associated pre-existing system involving multiple governmental departments & making communication easier grant final say federal level whenever needed regardless location issue originates from . This means fewer delays actions needing taken quicker responses problems arise swiftly adapting adaptable strategies necessary handle rapidly changing conditions especially ones dealing highly unpredictable nature marine life cycles which very important considering evolutionary advances oceanic species moving faster than we able keep track let alone anticipate potential consequences our interference could bring about near future years come .

The FCMA also introduced an enforcement system consisting primarily manned vessels patrolling designated regions along coast enforcing rules placed against violations committed sea whilst simultaneously gathering useful research throughout process so check progress policy implementations accurate enough monitor trends realistic manner order understand effects regulations having environment overall further refining existing protocols anything deemed too weak needing strengthening right away help maintain healthy balance ecosystem preserves resources benefit generations move forward sustainable manner eventually reaching greater heights success rate past decades combined had some undeniable impacts today’s generation catches giving us hope restoring previously endangered stocks under proper guidance sometime soon hopefully sooner rather later unfortunately only time tell whether current regulations prove sufficient enough carry torch brighter yet come .