To facilitate coordinated, binational fisheries management, the governments of the United States and Canada negotiated and ratified the 1955 Convention on Great Lakes Fisheries which created the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. This bilateral agreement affirms the need for the two nations to collaborate on the protection and the perpetuation of the Great Lakes' fisheries resources. 

The commission consists of four Canadian commissioners appointed by the Privy Council and four American commissioners (plus one alternate) appointed by the President. The commissioners are supported by a secretariat, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

In delivering its program, the commission relies on input and advice from boards it appoints, lake committees, citizen advisors, and state, provincial, tribal, and federal agency officials. 

Funding for the commission is provided by the governments of Canada and the United States.  The commission also has trust funds in both countries to accept private donations. 

See GLFC Fact Sheet #1 about GLFC History, Structure, and Mandate