Under the terms of the Pacific Salmon Treaty, the Pacific Salmon Commission Southern Panel has responsibility for salmon originating in rivers with mouths south of Cape Caution, with the exception of Fraser River sockeye and pink salmon. The Panel is made up of no more than six representatives and alternates from each country. Membership reflects a range of governmental and fishing interests, including representatives from both the commercial and recreational fishing industries. It provides recommendations and comment on the management of the fisheries in its area of responsibility before and after each season's harvest. This is done by reviewing technical data on annual fishing plans and regulations, and the salmon enhancement programs of each country. The Panel also provides the Commission with specific recommendations for the development of fishery plans.

The United States shall be represented on the southern Panel by six Panel members, of whom:
(1) one shall be an official of the United States Government, with salmon fishery management responsibility and expertise;
(2) one shall be an official of the State of Oregon, with salmon fishery management responsibility and expertise;
(3) one shall be an official of the State of Washington, with salmon fishery management responsibility and expertise, appointed by the Governor of Washington. The Governor may also designate an alternate Panel member, meeting the same qualifications and having the same term of office, to service in the absence of the Panel member
(4) two shall be appointed from a list submitted by the treaty Indian tribes of individuals with salmon fishery management responsibility and expertise; and
(5) one shall be from the commercial or recreational sector who is knowledgeable and experienced in the salmon fisheries for which the southern Panel is responsible, and shall be appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce from the list of nominations provided by the Governors of Washington and Oregon. The Secretary may also designate an alternate Panel member, meeting the same qualifications and having the same term of office, to service in the absence of the Panel member. Fishing industry representatives shall each be appointed for one year terms; member and alternate positions shall rotate between the commercial and recreational sectors on an annual basis.