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Home > Regions

Alaska

Overview Science Fisheries Protected Marine Life Habitat Species

Alaska

Alaska's dynamic, often ice-covered seas are home to a remarkable diversity of life—crustaceans, fish, seals, sea lions, porpoises, whales, and more. Few places in the world offer such beauty and bounty. This region of nearly 1.5 million square miles includes waters in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea.

Alaska produces more than half the fish caught in waters off the coast of the United States, with an average wholesale value of nearly $4.5 billion a year. Alaska's fisheries are among the best-managed, most sustainable in the world. Alaska resources provide jobs and a stable food supply for the nation, while supporting a traditional way of life for Alaska Native and local fishing communities.

Together, NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Office and Alaska Fisheries Science Center help ensure the sustainability of these marine resources for generations.

More Information

  • Alaska Geographic Strategic Plan
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Jobs and Internships
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Publications

About Us

  • Alaska Regional Office
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center
  • Alaska Best Scientific Information Available

Follow Us

@NOAAFisheriesAK
NOAA Fisheries Alaska

Photo of a Pacific cod in a rearing tank. Pacific cod, seen here in a rearing tank at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Newport, Oregon lab, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, support a valuable Alaska Fishery. Photo: NOAA Fisheries.
Feature Story

“A Species like Goldilocks”: Discovering the Temperature Limits of Pacific Cod with Ben Laurel

Alaska
Members of the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program use binoculars to look for beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet. Credit: NOAA Fisheries Members of the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program use binoculars to look for beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story

Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program Citizen Science

Alaska
750x500shutterstock_666342400_04272019.jpg Atlantic salmon leaps upstream. Credit: Shutterstock
Feature Story

World Fish Migration Day 2022

Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
School of fish School of yellowfin tuna in the Atlantic Ocean. Credit: iStock
Feature Story

NOAA Releases Two Key Reports, Status of Stocks and Fisheries of the United States

Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Premature harbor seal pup born with lanugo (natal fur) in Haines, Alaska. NOAA Permit 18786 Premature harbor seal pup born with lanugo (natal fur) in Haines, Alaska. NOAA Permit 18786.
Feature Story

Share the Shore: Harbor Seal Pups

Alaska
View More News

Notices & Rules

Protected Resources

Incidental Take Authorization: United States Coast Guard's Floating Dock Extension Project at Base Ketchikan, Alaska

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Incidental Take Authorization: Hilcorp Alaska LLC Oil and Gas Activities in Cook Inlet, Alaska (2022, 2023)

Alaska
Alaska
Fisheries

Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program in Alaska Federal Register Rules and Notices 2004–Present

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Designation of Critical Habitat for the Beringia Distinct Population Segment of the Bearded Seal

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Designation of Critical Habitat for the Arctic Subspecies of the Ringed Seal

Alaska
Alaska
More Fisheries Notices & Rules
More Protected Resources Regs & Actions

Bulletins

IB 22-26: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-25: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-24: NMFS Opens Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-23: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels using Trawl Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-22: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska
More Bulletins

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Public Comment on Draft Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy

May 24, 2022 - Jul 19, 2022

Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National

Summertime Tours at NOAA’s Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute

Jun 1, 2022 - Sep 30, 2022

Alaska
More Events

Open Funding Opportunities

FY 2021–2023: Broad Agency Announcement

Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Competition

National
National
More Opportunities

Featured Highlights

Photo of the chartered research vessel Alaska Knight at dock.

Near-real Time Temperatures From The Bering Sea Bottom Trawl Survey

Alaska
photo of a trawler in the Gulf of Alaska

Central Gulf of Alaska Marine Heatwave Watch

Alaska
photo of the ocean near Bogoslof

Current Sea Surface Temperatures in the Eastern Bering Sea

Alaska
Photo of male and female adult fur seals and pups on rocks next to the water. Fur seals at Zapadni Rookery. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.

The Pribilof Pup Count: From Land & Air - Post 5

Alaska

Alaska Fisheries Science Center

Our high quality research supports sustainable management and conservation of Alaska marine species with economic and cultural benefits for the nation. Alaska waters support some of the most important commercial fisheries in the world. Large and diverse populations of whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises and Alaska native hunting and fishing communities also share these waters.

We study the health and size of marine animal populations. We also study the key areas where these animals feed, breed, and grow. To study ocean habitats, we monitor environmental conditions important to sustain marine life. For instance, we regularly monitor sea surface temperatures in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska. We analyze biological, oceanographic and ecological data collected during research surveys and by trained fisheries observers in our laboratories. From this, we learn more about marine animal diets, growth and reproduction, food web dynamics and the role of humans in marine ecosystems. We use this and other information to monitor changes to marine animal populations and Alaska ecosystems over time.

Fish and Crab Science

  • Age and Growth Research
  • Alaska Fish Research Surveys
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Interactive Data Maps
  • Assessing Alaska Fish Stocks
  • Crab Stock Assessments
  • Genetics Research
  • Groundfish Stock Assessments

Fisheries Monitoring (Observer Program)

  • North Pacific Observer Program
  • Observer Deploy and Declare System
  • Observer Training Schedule
  • Observer Fee Collection and Payment
  • Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis
  • Electronic Monitoring
  • North Pacific Observer Program Contacts
  • North Pacific Annual Sampling Manual

Marine Mammal Science

  • Alaska Marine Mammal Field Work
  • Passive Acoustics
  • Beluga Whales
  • Harbor Seals
  • Ice-Associated Seals
  • Northern Fur Seals
  • North Pacific Right Whales
  • Steller Sea Lions

Ecosystem Science

  • Alaska Economic and Social Science Research
  • Alaska Climate Integrated Modeling Project
  • Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment
  • Ecosystem and Recruitment Processes Research
  • Ecosystems and Ecology Research
  • Ecosystem Status Reports
  • Habitat Research
  • Recruitment Energetics and Coastal Assessment

More Information

  • National Overview: Science & Data
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Divisions and Programs
  • Research in Alaska
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Publications
  • Questions and Answers: Partial Coverage Observer Program Reintroduction
  • NOAA Live! Alaska

Science News & Blogs

Feature Story

“A Species like Goldilocks”: Discovering the Temperature Limits of Pacific Cod with Ben Laurel

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Photo of a Pacific cod in a rearing tank. Pacific cod, seen here in a rearing tank at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Newport, Oregon lab, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, support a valuable Alaska Fishery. Photo: NOAA Fisheries.
Science Blog

EcoFOCI Cruise - Post 1

Alaska
Alaska
The research vessel Oscar Dyson, a large white boat with the NOAA logo on the side. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Science Blog

Addressing Challenges In Communicating Arctic Climate Research: Reflections

Alaska
Alaska
Dungeness crab pots stacked on a pier next to a faded and weathered sign. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story

Scientists Use Innovative DNA Technology to Characterize Nearshore Marine Fish Communities in Southeast Alaska

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Infographic of rock, eelgrass, and sandy underwater habitats with multiple fish species and DNA strands connected by arrows - created by Rebecca White, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries All organisms shed DNA into the environment. Environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used to determine the identities of the fish species that are present at or near the time of sample collection. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Podcast

Podcast: Surveying Alaska's Waters

Podcast ,
Alaska
Alaska
A view of Alaska's shores from the port side - a cloud hangs over the mountains A view of Alaska's shores from the port side - a cloud hangs over the mountains. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
More News

Sustainable Fisheries

The Alaska Regional Office works with the Alaska Fisheries Science Center and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to manage Alaska’s sustainable fisheries. Using the best available science, we work through the Council process authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to develop measures for best management of Alaska’s fisheries, considering a range of factors such as the health of the fish stocks and economic impact of fishery practices. Once fishing levels and regulations are adopted and approved, the Alaska Regional Office works to implement the Council decisions. The goal is to allow fishermen to harvest the optimum amount of fish while leaving enough in the ocean to reproduce and provide future fishing opportunities in perpetuity.

Commercial Fishing

  • Permits, Applications, and Forms
  • Catch Share and Limited Access Programs
  • Groundfish
  • Halibut and Sablefish
  • Crab
  • Salmon
  • Scallop
  • Forage Species, Grenadiers, Sculpins, and Squids

Recreational (Sport) Fishing

  • Unguided Sport Halibut Fishing
  • Guided Sport Halibut Fishing
  • Applications and Reporting Forms
  • Guided Angler Fish (GAF) Program
  • Charter Halibut and GAF Permits Issued
  • Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan
  • Charter Halibut Limited Access Program
  • State of Alaska Sport Fisheries: Salmon, Rockfish, Lingcod, Shellfish, Freshwater Fish

Subsistence Fishing

  • Permit Applications and Reporting Forms
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the Subsistence Halibut Program
  • How to Replace or Renew a SHARC
  • Online SHARC Renewal (eFISH)
  • Permits and Licenses Issued
  • Subsistence Halibut Program

Resources and Programs

  • Online Services (eFISH, eLandings)
  • Permits, Applications, and Forms
  • Restricted Access Management
  • Fisheries Reports
  • North Pacific Observer Program
  • Monitoring and Reporting
  • Bycatch Reduction
  • Cost Recovery Programs and Fee Payment

More Information

  • Rules and Notices Open for Comment
  • Regulations, Acts, and Treaties
  • Figures, Maps, Boundaries, Regulatory Areas, and Zones
  • Fishery Management Plans and Amendments
  • Fisheries Analyses
  • Tribal Consultation
  • Contact Information

Fisheries News

IB 22-26: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-25: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in the West Yakutat District of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-24: NMFS Opens Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-23: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels using Trawl Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-22: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific cod by Catcher Vessels Using Trawl Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska
More News

Protected Marine Life

The Protected Resources Division works to conserve and recover marine mammals in close coordination with the State of Alaska and other partners. To manage protected marine species, as required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and Fur Seal Act, the Alaska Region advances recovery of threatened and endangered species and the conservation of marine mammals, including whales, seals, and sea lions. We work to minimize interactions between marine mammals and commercial fisheries; promote responsible marine mammal viewing practices; coordinate response to stranded or entangled marine mammals; consult with federal agencies to minimize project effects on threatened and endangered species; and cooperatively manage subsistence use of marine mammals through co-management agreements with Alaska Native organizations.

Endangered Species Conservation

  • Proposed Actions Open for Public Comment
  • ESA Species and Critical Habitat Mapper Web Application
  • ESA Species Directory
  • Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species in Alaska
  • ESA Section 7 Consultations
  • Non-Marine Mammals Reviewed for ESA Listing

Protecting Marine Life

  • Marine Mammal Stranding Program (Stranding Hotline: 877-925-7773)
  • Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines
  • Entanglement and Marine Debris
  • Alaska Oil Spill Response Guidance
  • Co-Management
  • Permits and Authorizations
  • Bycatch
  • Marine Mammal Observer Program

Pinnipeds

  • Harbor Seals
  • Ice Seals: Bearded
  • Ice Seals: Ribbon
  • Ice Seals: Ringed
  • Ice Seals: Spotted
  • Northern Fur Seals
  • Steller Sea Lions

Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises

  • Beluga Whale
  • Humpback Whale
  • Bowhead Whale
  • Killer Whale
  • Gray Whale
  • North Pacific Right Whale
  • More Whale Species
  • Dolphin and Porpoise Species

More Information

  • Marine Mammal Stranding Program (Stranding Hotline: (877) 925-7773)
  • Buying or Finding Marine Mammal Parts and Products
  • Stock Assessments
  • Marine Mammal Research
  • Funding Opportunities
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Managed Species: Walrus, Sea Otters, Polar Bears
  • Laws and Policies
  • Contact Information

Marine Life News

Feature Story

Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program Citizen Science

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Members of the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program use binoculars to look for beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet. Credit: NOAA Fisheries Members of the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program use binoculars to look for beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story

Recommended 2022 Species Recovery Grants Projects

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Cook Inlet beluga whale Cook Inlet beluga whale
Feature Story

NOAA Fisheries Designates Critical Habitat for Ringed and Bearded Seals in U.S. Arctic

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
A bearded seal pup A bearded seal pup resting on sea ice. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Shawn Dahle
Feature Story

Pinniped Entanglement Group Brings Together a Worldwide Initiative

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
A Steller sea lion with a packing band around its neck. A Steller sea lion with a packing band around its neck. Credit: Lauri Jemison, ADFG, 2011, taken during research conducted by Alaska Department of Fish and Game under NMFS Permit #14325.
Feature Story

Necropsy Team Puts Heart Into Examining a Whale Named “Spot”: A Valentine’s Day to Remember

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Researchers plan their necropsy of the dead humpback, later identified as Spot, as the tide comes in on Killisnoo Island. Researchers plan their necropsy of the dead humpback, later identified as Spot, as the tide comes in on Killisnoo Island. Credit: NOAA Fisheries, Permit 18786
More News

Habitat Overview

NOAA Fisheries conducts and reviews environmental analyses for a large variety of activities ranging from commercial fishing, to coastal development, to large transportation and energy projects. Working with industries, stakeholder groups, government agencies, and private citizens, we ensure that these activities have minimal impact on essential fish habitat and marine life in Alaska. Our habitat conservation activities include protecting essential fish habitat, mitigating damage to and enhancing habitat affected by hydropower project construction and operations, removing invasive species, and restoring habitat that has been affected by development, oil spills, and other human activities. We focus on habitats used by federally-managed fish species located offshore, nearshore, in estuaries, and in freshwater areas important to migratory salmon.

Essential Fish Habitat

  • EFH Descriptions and Identification
  • EFH Consultations
  • Alaska EFH Mapper
  • Environmental Consultation Organizer (ECO)
  • Frequently Asked Questions about EFH
  • EFH Policy and Directives
  • EFH 5-Year Review
  • EFH Omnibus Fishery Management Plan Amendments

Resource Tools

  • Alaska EFH Mapper
  • National EFH Mapper
  • ShoreZone Coastal Images and Maps
  • Nearshore Fish Atlas
  • Habitat Conservation Area Maps
  • Pacific Salmon Freshwater EFH in Alaska
  • Oil Spill Risk Analysis Calculator

Habitat Programs

  • Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Hydropower Project Review
  • Fish Passage
  • Analyzing Risk to Improve Oil Spill Planning and Response
  • Annual Report of Division Accomplishments

Habitat Restoration

  • Habitat Research in Alaska
  • NOAA Habitat Blueprint: Kachemak Bay, AK, Habitat Focus Area
  • How We Restore

More Information

  • National Overview: Habitat Conservation
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Contact Information

Habitat News

Feature Story

World Fish Migration Day 2022

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
750x500shutterstock_666342400_04272019.jpg Atlantic salmon leaps upstream. Credit: Shutterstock
Feature Story

Cancer-Fighting Green Sponge Brings More Than Just Good Luck!

Feature Story ,
Alaska
National
Alaska
National
A Latrunculia austini sponge is measured by red laser dots. During dive expeditions, submersibles use various cameras and sensors to survey the seafloor and water column. In this image, red lasers beamed from a submersible are being used to measure the size of a Latrunculia austini sponge. Credit: Bob Stone/NOAA Fisheries.
Feature Story

Student Interns Take a Virtual Dive into the World of Deep-Sea Corals and Sponges

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
West Coast
National
An image of a green sponge on the sea floor. The green sponge Latrunculia austini was discovered in 2005 by NOAA Fisheries coral biologist Bob Stone. Hollings Scholar Kaya Mondry spent her summer conducting a literature review on biomedical compounds produced by this species. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story

National Fish Habitat Partnership’s 2021 Waters to Watch Projects Feature Coastal Habitats

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Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
West Coast
National
An image of the Lawrence Creek with added woody debris in California. Lawrence Creek in the Eel River watershed in California. Credit: Trout Unlimited
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Discovering Deep-Sea Sponges in Alaska

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Alaska
Alaska
Underwater photo of a pink fish hiding inside a conical yellow sponge. A pregnant sharpchin rockfish shelters within a sponge on the seafloor off Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
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Featured Species

Alaska's coastal communities depend on healthy marine resources to support commercial and recreational fisheries, tourism, and the Alaskan way of life. Our mission at NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Office is the science-based stewardship of Alaska’s marine resources and their habitats in the Gulf of Alaska, eastern Bering Sea, and Arctic oceans. We are responsible for supporting sustainable fisheries, recovering and conserving protected species, such as whales and seals, and promoting healthy ecosystems and resilient Alaska coastal communities.

Beluga whale illustration. Credit: Jack Hornady for NOAA Fisheries.

Beluga Whale

Humpback whale illustration. Credit: Jack Hornady for NOAA Fisheries.

Humpback Whale

drawing of stellar sea lion

Steller Sea Lion

color drawing of a Pacific cod

Pacific Cod

color illustration of Alaska pollock

Alaska Pollock

North Pacific right whale illustration

North Pacific Right Whale

northern fur seal illustration

Northern Fur Seal

harbor seal illustration

Harbor Seal

ringed seal illustration

Ringed Seal

bearded seal illustration

Bearded Seal

Drawings of three types of salmon

Pacific Salmon and Steelhead

harbor porpoise illustration

Harbor Porpoise

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More Information

  • Alaska Stock Assessments
  • Ecosystem Status Reports

Species News

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“A Species like Goldilocks”: Discovering the Temperature Limits of Pacific Cod with Ben Laurel

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Alaska
Alaska
Photo of a Pacific cod in a rearing tank. Pacific cod, seen here in a rearing tank at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Newport, Oregon lab, the Hatfield Marine Science Center, support a valuable Alaska Fishery. Photo: NOAA Fisheries.
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Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program Citizen Science

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Alaska
Alaska
Members of the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program use binoculars to look for beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet. Credit: NOAA Fisheries Members of the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program use binoculars to look for beluga whales in Alaska's Cook Inlet. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
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Share the Shore: Harbor Seal Pups

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Alaska
Alaska
Premature harbor seal pup born with lanugo (natal fur) in Haines, Alaska. NOAA Permit 18786 Premature harbor seal pup born with lanugo (natal fur) in Haines, Alaska. NOAA Permit 18786.
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NOAA Fisheries Designates Critical Habitat for Ringed and Bearded Seals in U.S. Arctic

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Alaska
Alaska
A bearded seal pup A bearded seal pup resting on sea ice. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Shawn Dahle
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Pinniped Entanglement Group Brings Together a Worldwide Initiative

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Alaska
Alaska
A Steller sea lion with a packing band around its neck. A Steller sea lion with a packing band around its neck. Credit: Lauri Jemison, ADFG, 2011, taken during research conducted by Alaska Department of Fish and Game under NMFS Permit #14325.
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