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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

An animation showing several species of seals in their native habitats with the words "Seal & Sea Lion Week" across the top. Seal & Sea Lion Week is March 20-24, 2023.
Feature Story

Seal and Sea Lion Week

Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Young Salmon in sample bags Juvenile chum salmon in sample bags. Credit: Katrina Mueller.
Feature Story

Changing Environmental Conditions on the Yukon River May Pose Challenge For Juvenile Salmon

Alaska
Sunflower sea star underwater Sunflower sea star. Photo: Janna Nichols
Feature Story

NOAA Fisheries Proposes Listing Sunflower Sea Star as Threatened under Endangered Species Act

Alaska
West Coast
SeaWorld staffer tending to Tyonek. SeaWorld staffer tending to Tyonek. NOAA Fisheries ESA/MMPA Permit No. 18786-02. Credit: SeaWorld San Antonio.
Feature Story

SeaWorld San Antonio Celebrates Tyonek’s 5-Year Anniversary at the Park

Alaska
Pacific halibut on seafloor. A Pacific halibut on the seafloor in the Gulf of Alaska
Media Release

Alaska Halibut Season Opens March 10

Alaska
View More News

Notices & Rules

Fisheries

2023-2024 Alaska Groundfish Harvest Specifications

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Proposed Rule to List the Sunflower Sea Star as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act

Alaska
West Coast
Alaska
West Coast
Fisheries

Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan and Annual Management Measures - Federal Register Rules and Notices

Alaska
Alaska
Fisheries

Amendment 124 to the FMP for the Groundfish of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands and Amendment 112 to the FMP for Groundfish of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Incidental Take Authorization: Turnagain Marine Construction's Cruise Dock Construction Project in Whittier, Alaska

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

Upcoming Events

2023 Alaska Fisheries Science Center Seminar Series -- Keith Fuller

Mar 28, 2023

Alaska

2023 Alaska Fisheries Science Center Seminar Series -- Jessica Glass

Apr 11, 2023

Alaska
More Events

Bulletins

IB 23-21: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod By Pot Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 23-20: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 23-19: Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 23-18: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 23-17: NOAA Reminds Vessel Owners, Operators, and Managers of 2023 BSAI Rockfish Maximum Subarea Species Catch Amounts

Alaska
Alaska
More Bulletins

Open Funding Opportunities

Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program Funding

National
National

FY 2021–2023: Broad Agency Announcement

National
National
More Opportunities

Featured Highlights

An animation showing several species of seals in their native habitats with the words "Seal & Sea Lion Week" across the top. Seal & Sea Lion Week is March 20-24, 2023.

Seal and Sea Lion Week

Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Young Salmon in sample bags Juvenile chum salmon in sample bags. Credit: Katrina Mueller.

Changing Environmental Conditions on the Yukon River May Pose Challenge For Juvenile Salmon

Alaska
Sunflower sea star underwater Sunflower sea star. Photo: Janna Nichols

NOAA Fisheries Proposes Listing Sunflower Sea Star as Threatened under Endangered Species Act

Alaska
West Coast
School of adult chinook salmon Spring Chinook Salmon. Credit: Michael Humling, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Alaska Salmon Research Task Force

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, age, 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
  • Fish Age Determination Tool

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
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Strategic Science Plan 2023-2027

Science News & Blogs

Feature Story

Changing Environmental Conditions on the Yukon River May Pose Challenge For Juvenile Salmon

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Young Salmon in sample bags Juvenile chum salmon in sample bags. Credit: Katrina Mueller.
Feature Story

"Taking a Big Picture of a Big Industry": Observing Fisheries in Alaska

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
A woman in bright orange and yellow gear measures a large fish on the deck of a fishing vessel. Williamson served as a setline survey specialist for the International Pacific Halibut Commission in 2021. Photo courtesy of Sarah Williamson.
Feature Story

Developing 3D Stereo Camera Technology to Support Sustainable Fisheries

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Scientist leans forward over a desk to look closer at a TV mounted on the wall showing rock with hydrocoral and a rockfish swimming. A scientist, wearing a helmet after launching scientific equipment into the ocean, identifies rockfish in deep-sea coral habitat from a stereo camera image. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Paul Hillman.
Feature Story

2022 Fall Openscapes Champion Cohort Makes Inroads to Open Science

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Screenshot of a zoom call with many people A screenshot of some of Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Fall 2022 Openscapes participants over Zoom. Credit: Openscapes Champions.
Feature Story

Uncrewed Surface Vehicles Complement NOAA Vessels for More Efficient Fisheries Surveys

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Uncrewed Surface Vehicle on water
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)
  • Federal Fishing Permits and Licenses Issued in Alaska
  • 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
  • Federal Fishing Seasons in Alaska
  • Fisheries Analyses
  • Tribal Consultation
  • Contact Information

Fisheries News

IB 23-21: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod By Pot Catcher/Processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 23-20: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in Statistical Area 620 in the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 23-19: Reallocation of Pollock in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 23-18: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Catcher Vessels Greater Than or Equal to 50 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-and-line Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 23-17: NOAA Reminds Vessel Owners, Operators, and Managers of 2023 BSAI Rockfish Maximum Subarea Species Catch Amounts

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

Seal and Sea Lion Week

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
An animation showing several species of seals in their native habitats with the words "Seal & Sea Lion Week" across the top. Seal & Sea Lion Week is March 20-24, 2023.
Feature Story

NOAA Fisheries Proposes Listing Sunflower Sea Star as Threatened under Endangered Species Act

Feature Story ,
Alaska
West Coast
Alaska
West Coast
Sunflower sea star underwater Sunflower sea star. Photo: Janna Nichols
Feature Story

SeaWorld San Antonio Celebrates Tyonek’s 5-Year Anniversary at the Park

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
SeaWorld staffer tending to Tyonek. SeaWorld staffer tending to Tyonek. NOAA Fisheries ESA/MMPA Permit No. 18786-02. Credit: SeaWorld San Antonio.
Feature Story

Empowering a Fleet Through Electronic Technologies

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Harbor with trawl vessels and snowcapped mountains Trawl EM vessels at their home port in Sand Point, AK.
Feature Story

2019 Report of Marine Mammal Strandings in the United States

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Stranding Network members perform an animal autopsy on a stranded gray whale that lies within a sectioned off area of the beach. A team of scientists from The Marine Mammal Center and the California Academy of Sciences perform a necropsy on a stranded gray whale at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. Photo: Katie D’Innocenzo/The Marine Mammal Center.
More News

Habitat Conservation

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
  • 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

Green Crab Detected in Alaska for the First Time

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
The carapace of an invasive green crab, and a live green crab. Credit: Linda Shaw/NOAA Fisheries The carapace of an invasive green crab, and a live green crab. Credit: Linda Shaw/NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story

National Fish Habitat Partnership Projects to Engage Recreational Fishing Partners and Restore Habitat

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Pacific Islands
Southeast
National
Alaska
Pacific Islands
Southeast
National
 An adult with Kuleana Coral Reefs teaching a group of children in an outdoor classroom. Credit: Kuleana Coral Reefs/Blake Nowack. Kuleana Coral Reefs staff teaches future anglers about coral as critical fish habitat in Hawaiʻi. Credit: Kuleana Coral Reefs/Blake Nowack.
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.
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Student Interns Take a Virtual Dive into the World of Deep-Sea Corals and Sponges

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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
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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.

Side-profile illustration of white beluga whale with round, flexible "melon" head

Beluga Whale

Left-facing illustration of mostly black Humpback whale with white on underside and pectoral fins and distinctive hump on back.

Humpback Whale

drawing of stellar sea lion

Steller Sea Lion

Side-profile illustration of a brown/grayish Pacific cod fish with dark spot patterning and long chin barbell (a whisker-like organ). Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady

Pacific Cod

Left-facing side-view illustration of Alaska pollock. Fins and top of fish is dark gray/black and fades to silver/white with tan speckled coloring. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Jack Hornady

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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Seal and Sea Lion Week

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Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
An animation showing several species of seals in their native habitats with the words "Seal & Sea Lion Week" across the top. Seal & Sea Lion Week is March 20-24, 2023.
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Changing Environmental Conditions on the Yukon River May Pose Challenge For Juvenile Salmon

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Young Salmon in sample bags Juvenile chum salmon in sample bags. Credit: Katrina Mueller.
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NOAA Fisheries Proposes Listing Sunflower Sea Star as Threatened under Endangered Species Act

Feature Story ,
Alaska
West Coast
Alaska
West Coast
Sunflower sea star underwater Sunflower sea star. Photo: Janna Nichols
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SeaWorld San Antonio Celebrates Tyonek’s 5-Year Anniversary at the Park

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
SeaWorld staffer tending to Tyonek. SeaWorld staffer tending to Tyonek. NOAA Fisheries ESA/MMPA Permit No. 18786-02. Credit: SeaWorld San Antonio.
Feature Story

Developing 3D Stereo Camera Technology to Support Sustainable Fisheries

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Scientist leans forward over a desk to look closer at a TV mounted on the wall showing rock with hydrocoral and a rockfish swimming. A scientist, wearing a helmet after launching scientific equipment into the ocean, identifies rockfish in deep-sea coral habitat from a stereo camera image. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Paul Hillman.
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