Fish are extremely diverse animals living in a variety of habitats ranging from coral reefs and kelp forests to rivers, streams, and the open ocean. Most fish can be categorized into one of two primary groups: bony fish (Osteichthyes) and cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes). The skeleton of bony fish is made of bones, while that of cartilaginous fish is made of cartilage. Cartilaginous fish include sharks, skates, and rays.
Most fish under NOAA Fisheries’ jurisdiction are marine fish that spend their entire life in salt water. Others are anadromous—like some species of salmon and sturgeon—which begin their lives in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to grow into adults, and then return to freshwater to spawn.
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the sustainable management of many species of fish under the Magnuson-Stevens Act that are targeted for human consumption and other uses like fertilizer. Some of these fish include Pacific bluefin tuna, Alaska pollock, and summer flounder. We are also responsible for protecting fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act like Atlantic sturgeon and oceanic whitetip shark.
Species News
Researchers collect water samples for eDNA sampling at the Auke eelgrass site. Photo: NOAA Fisheries.
An Atlantic salmon. (Photo: Atlantic Salmon Federation)
Research
Pacific Hake Acoustic Survey: Krill and Marine Mammal Studies
During the Pacific Hake acoustic survey, scientists from the FEAT Team also collect data on other fish, zooplankton, marine mammals, and seabirds to better understand the relationships between Pacific hake and its marine ecosystem.
Gulf of Alaska Climate Integrated Modeling Project
Anticipating and Adapting to Climate Change The Gulf of Alaska ecosystem supports valuable and diverse marine fisheries, annually producing $1.3-2.1 billion dollars first wholesale value, and many other important recreational and subsistence uses…
Ocean Indicators Summary for 2020
Summary of ocean ecosystem indicators used to characterize juvenile marine salmon survival in the Northern California Current.
2009 Ocean Indicators Summary
A summary of ocean indicators of the northern California Current for 2009.
Insight
Understanding Fisheries Management in the United States
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for managing marine fisheries within the U.S. exclusive economic zone. Learn more about the sustainable management of our marine fisheries.
