Final 2022–2024 Regional Action Plans: In Development
NOAA Fisheries Science Centers and Regional Offices are currently developing updated Climate Science Regional Action Plans.
The plans identify actions that each region intends to take over three years (2022–2024) to address regional climate science needs and fulfill the objectives of the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy.
A public comment period was open from April 22–July 29, 2022. Comments received are being considered during development of final plans. Final documents are anticipated to be available in 2023.
![RAP_map.jpg]()
Climate Science Regional Action Plans Overview
Climate Science Regional Action Plans guide the implementation of the NOAA Fisheries Climate Science Strategy in each region. Launched in 2016, these plans are designed to increase the production, delivery, and use of scientific information needed to fulfill NOAA Fisheries’ mission in a changing climate. Specifically, they identify actions to address key information needs for climate-informed decision-making including what’s changing, expected future conditions, and how to increase resilience and adaptation of living marine resources and the many people who depend on them. These actions will help track changes, assess risks, provide early warnings and forecasts, and evaluate the best management strategies for changing conditions in each region.
2016 Regional Action Plans
The following are the 2016 Regional Action Plans developed in each region by our science centers and regional offices.
Alaska—Bering Sea/Gulf of Alaska
Climate-related changes include loss of sea ice, changing ocean temperatures, changing ocean chemistry and related changes in ocean productivity and diversity. The Alaska Fisheries Science Center is leading the way in cutting-edge research and monitoring to track and project the impacts of changing sea ice and other climate impacts on marine resources and resource-dependent communities in the region.
Learn more about Alaska's regional climate action plan >
Western
Climate-related changes include changes in precipitation patterns, stream flow, temperatures, sea level, and water chemistry. The Northwest and Southwest Fishery Science Centers focus on research to improve understanding of risks to marine ecosystems, species, and communities; how to forecast them; and identify ways to mitigate their impacts. Additionally, they conduct a variety of climate-related science activities including research on the impacts of environmental variability and climate change on marine ecosystems, fish stocks, and fisheries.
Learn more about the West Coast regional climate action plan >
Pacific Islands
Climate-related changes include rising sea levels, changing ocean temperatures, changing ocean chemistry, and related changes in ocean productivity and diversity. The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center is at the forefront of monitoring coral reef ecosystem health to mitigate the effects of new threats.
Learn more about the Pacific Islands regional climate action plan >
Northeast
Climate-related changes include increasing ocean temperatures, rising sea levels, ocean acidification, changes in precipitation, ocean currents, ocean productivity and diversity. The Northeast Fisheries Science Center has a variety of research and monitoring efforts that help track, understand and forecast climate-related impacts on resources and resource-dependent communities.
Learn more about the Northeast regional climate action plan >
Southeast/Gulf of Mexico
Climate-related changes include rising sea levels, increasing sea surface temperatures, extreme weather, and coastal and ocean acidification that can affect the productivity and diversity of the region’s marine and coastal resources. The Southeast Fisheries Science Center conducts a variety of research and monitoring efforts to help sustain and restore populations, protect and restore habitats in healthy ecosystems, and understand climate-related changes.
Learn more about the Southeast U.S. Continental Shelf and Gulf of Mexico regional climate action plans >
Humpback whales swimming underwater. Credit: Kogia.org
Sunset over the ocean during a research cruise for the Northwest Fisheries Science Center. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
Klamath River. Credit: Shane Anderson.
North Atlantic right whale Catalog #3560 ‘Snow Cone’ sighted December 2, 2021 entangled and with a new calf. Photo credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission taken under NOAA permit 20556.