A precautionary ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management is important due to the fluctuating nature of some fish populations, uncertainty surrounding biomass and recruitment estimation, climatic influence, multiple species interactions and vulnerable dependent predators. Important mid-trophic level forage species in the California Current Ecosystem foodweb include anchovy, sardine and herring, which are all commercially exploited. Predatory fishes including halibut and salmon are also commercially valuable. We synthesize data, develop indicators, and integrate ocean and climate influences, predator-prey interactions and habitat needs into comprehensive frameworks to facilitate implementation into fisheries management. A combination of precautionary approaches can ensure use of the best available science and diminish biases of any one approach separately. Marine fisheries management occurs under multiple jurisdictions, including federal and state levels as well as in Tribal waters. In particular, implementation of the updated California Marine Life Management Act (MLMA) requires inclusion of ecosystem considerations. We collaborate with a variety of agencies to help realize the goal of ecosystem-based fisheries management.