Resource Assessment and Conservation Engineering Division

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.

http://www.afsc.noaa.gov/RACE/default.php