Since our 2001 report, the commission has addressed most OPPAGA recommendations related to wildlife, freshwater fisheries, and marine fisheries management. It also partially implemented our recommendation for integrating its systems for tracking citations issued to persons violating state laws and regulations.

The commission and the Legislature have also taken action to address our 2001 report's recommendations relating to the commission's financial condition. To address the problem of continuing deficits in several operating trust funds, the commission reviewed its financial situation and recommended that the Legislature increase the fees it charged for certain licenses. The 2003 Legislature subsequently authorized the commission to charge fees for new permits and increase the fees for some licenses. The commission also engaged in a strategic planning process to identify lower priority programs and activities that could be eliminated to address funding deficits.