Groundfish on the West Coast encompass over 90 species sharing one important trait: at some point in their life they live on or near the ocean floor. Groundfish are a crucial part of West Coast underwater environments. They act as both predator and prey to different species and help maintain balance in underwater food chains.

Story Map: West Coast Groundfish Amendment 28: Where Conservation Meets Opportunity

Groundfish support one of the West Coast’s most important year-round commercial fisheries. Commercial fishermen earn over $366 million annually catching groundfish stocks. The commercial groundfish fishery also benefits coastal economies through processing plants, support service businesses, markets, and restaurants.