NOAA Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries, also known as the National Marine Fisheries Service, is responsible for the stewardship of the nation's ocean resources and their habitat. We provide vital services for the nation, all backed by sound science and an ecosystem-based approach to management: productive and sustainable fisheries, safe sources of seafood, recovery and conservation of protected resources, and healthy ecosystems. U.S. fisheries are among the world’s largest and most sustainable. Seafood harvested from federally-managed U.S. fisheries is inherently sustainable as a result of the U.S. fishery management process. Using the Magnuson-Stevens Act as the guide, NOAA Fisheries assesses and predicts the status of fish stocks, sets catch limits, ensures compliance with fisheries regulations, and reduces bycatch. The resilience of our marine ecosystems and coastal communities depend on healthy marine species, including protected species such as whales, sea turtles, corals, and salmon.