Description
The Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering (RACE) Division comprises fishery and oceanography research scientists, geneticists, pathobiologists, technicians, IT Specialists, fishery equipment specialists, administrative support staff, and contract research associates. The core function of this diverse group is to conduct quantitative fishery surveys and related ecological and oceanographic research to measure and describe the distribution and abundance of commercially important fish and crab stocks in the eastern Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and Gulf of Alaska and to investigate ways to reduce bycatch, bycatch mortality and the effects of fishing on habitat The status and trend information derived from both regular surveys and associated research are analyzed by Center stock assessment scientists and supplied to fishery management agencies and to the commercial fishing industry. RACE Division Programs include Fisheries Behavioral Ecology, Groundfish Assessment, Midwater Assessment and Conservation Engineering, Recruitment Processes, Shellfish Assessment, and Research Fishing Gear. These RACE programs operate from three locations:
Department of Commerce
National Marine Fisheries Service
Alaska Fisheries Science Center
RACE Division, F/AKC1
7600 Sand Point Way N.E.
Seattle, WA 98115
Phone: (206) 526-4171
Fax: (206) 526-6723 Kodiak Fisheries Research Center
AFSC Kodiak Laboratory
301 Research Court
Kodiak, AK 99615
Phone: (907) 481-1700
Fax: (907) 481-1701 Hatfield Marine Science Center
Fisheries Behavioral Ecology
2030 SE Marine Science Dr
Newport, OR 97365
Phone: (541) 867-0207
Fax: (541) 867-0136
The research surveys conducted from both NOAA and chartered ships utilize a range of traditional (e.g. bottom trawls) and advanced technology sampling techniques (e.g. acoustics), mensuration equipment, and other sampling systems. A large inventory of such gear is built and maintained by the Division's Survey Support and Research Fishing Gear Programs. RACE Division scientists also use underwater video and sonar systems to observe fish and crab behavior during capture, and laboratory experiments to measure potential for animal survival after experiencing capture stress. Conservation engineering scientists also work with industry to test modifications of fishing equipment to reduce the take of - or impacts on - incidental species (bycatch), which may be out of season or not of commercial fishing interest and the effects of fishing on habitat.
