From the rocky shores of New England to the warm waters of the Western Pacific, saltwater recreational fishing is integral to the social, cultural, and economic life of our nation’s coastal communities. In partnership with the regional fishery management councils, interstate fishery commissions, and states, great strides have been made in managing U.S. saltwater recreational fisheries under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Overfishing has largely ended, important recreational species are rebuilding across the country, and there is a diverse array fishing opportunities for anglers to explore. Nevertheless, amid these success stories, key challenges remain and NOAA Fisheries is committed to working collaboratively to find solutions that promote sustainable, enduring, and vibrant recreational fisheries for generations to come.
We are pleased to present a series of concise saltwater recreational fisheries fact sheets that highlight recent regional trends, economic impacts, fishing opportunities, and issues of interest from around the country.
Regional Snapshots
- Alaska (PDF, 2 pages)
- Atlantic Highly Migratory Species (PDF, 2 pages)
- Caribbean/En Español (PDF, 2 pages)
- Gulf of Mexico (PDF, 2 pages)
- Mid-Atlantic (PDF, 2 pages)
- New England (PDF, 2 pages)
- South Atlantic (PDF, 2 pages)
- West Coast (PDF, 2 pages)
- Western Pacific (PDF, 4 pages)
