Fishery managers must make decisions based on the best assessments and predictions available to them. Improvements in both biological and social sciences and their implementation are required to better protect resources (especially those in rehabilitative stages) from overharvest and habitat degradation, to more optimally and equitably utilize the available surplus, and to increase public confidence in management's assessments and predictions. Public understanding and support are essential for sustaining and increasing the benefits derived from Great Lakes fisheries.