Since 1980, the Western Groundfish Conference (WGC) has been a forum to review current research and management concerning groundfish resources in the eastern North Pacific Ocean. Participants commonly represent state and national fisheries resource agencies, universities, non-governmental organizations, and stakeholder groups. It is the only meeting of its kind on the West Coast and provides a unique opportunity for these individuals to interact with colleagues and present research in the fields of groundfish biology, assessment, conservation, monitoring, and management.

The four-day program covers an array of topics including and not limited to:

  • Bycatch reduction,
  • Emergent technologies (e.g., eDNA),
  • Life history and ecosystem processes,
  • Habitat and distribution,
  • Stock assessment and fishery monitoring
  • Survey methods and fisheries management,
  • Effects of climate change, and
  • Social and community impacts.
The most recent Western Groundfish Conference was held in Juneau, Alaska from 24 to 28 April 2023. The next one will be held in Washington State in February 2026.