PMCC believes that sustainable fisheries depend upon implementing standardized methods of collecting, analyzing and applying the 'experiential' data of fishermen to fisheries science. Cooperative research has the potential to improve communication and trust while elevating the level of scientific understanding. Cooperative research programs provide a unique opportunity for those interested in fisheries to collectively resolve complex issues. Through collaboration, federal agencies and fisheries managers benefit from the experience, equipment, and insights of fishermen, while fishermen participate in designing and conducting the research to gather data for superior management of the resource. PMCC conducts research in collaboration with members of the fishing industry, and advocates for increased funding to West Coast cooperative research initiatives.