Abstract: Ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) is an application of ecosystem-based management in which abiotic, biotic, and socio-economic interactions are considered when managing fisheries. The primary objectives of this study were: (1) to understand how state fishery scientists define EBFM; (2) to identify the perceived implementation of EBFM components within state agencies; and (3) to identify potential barriers in implementing EBFM at the state level. The uniformity across inclusion responses indicated that there was a shared definition of EBFM among state fishery scientists. The most frequently implemented component was engaging stakeholders, and the least frequently implemented component was accounting for uncertainty in ecosystems. Overall, the most frequently cited barriers were stakeholder engagement in the New England region and regulatory barriers in the mid-Atlantic region. These findings can help identify where potential human and fiscal resources should be allocated for successful implementation of EBFM at the state level.