The United States and the Russian Federation hold regular consultations on fisheries and marine conservation issues through a bilateral International Consultative Committee (ICC). The twelve-member North Pacific and Bering Sea Fisheries Advisory Body advises the US representative to the ICC. This body includes representatives from the State of Washington, the State of Alaska, and ten other individuals nominated by the governors of those states.

Established under a comprehensive fisheries agreement the United States concluded with the Soviet Union on May 31, 1988, and continued under the U.S.-Russia agreement that took its place, the ICC is responsible for maintaining a mutually beneficial and equitable fisheries relationship through (1) cooperative scientific research and exchanges; (2) reciprocal allocation of surplus fish resources in the respective national 200-mile zones, consistent with each nation's laws and regulations; (3) cooperation in the establishment of fishery joint ventures; (4) general consultations on fisheries matters of mutual concern; and, (5) cooperation to address illegal or unregulated fishing activities on the high seas of the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea.

The advisory body established shall consist of 12 members, as follows:

(A) The Director of the Department of Fisheries of the State of Washington.

(B) The Commission of the Department of Fish and Game of the State of Alaska.

(C) Five members appointed by the Secretary of State from among persons nominated by the Governor of Alaska on the basis of their knowledge and experience in commercial harvesting, processing, or marketing of fishery resources.

(D) Five members appointed by the Secretary of State from among persons nominated by the Governor of Washington on the basis of their knowledge and experience in commercial harvesting, processing, or marketing of fishery resources.