Numerous issues dealing with the resource-rich waters of Washington, Oregon and Idaho remain a time-consuming endeavor for the NWD. With the "over fished" designations for nine species of groundfish on the west coast, the NWD has been fully engaged in the development of Rockfish Conservation Areas (RCAs) and implementation of a VMSfor as many as 500 limited entry fishing vessels.

Special agents in the NWD focus on two Fishery Management Plans in the Northwest which manage over 146 species of fish and 15 species of marine mammals found within the 3 states. focusing on endangered salmon recovery, minimizing marine mammal harassments and implementing VMS on the west coast ground fishery have been high priorities.

Charged with the enforcement of marine resource laws covering over 89,241 square miles of ocean and 142,202 miles of inland waters and critical habitat, the 15 special agents in the NWD remain active.

The Northwest Division (NWD) consists of the coastal states of Washington and Oregon, as well as the states of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota and South Dakota.