Alaska
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- Alaska Fisheries Science Center Divisions and Programs
- Research in Alaska
- Alaska Fisheries Science Center Research Surveys
- Steller Sea Lion Survey Reports
- Ecosystem Research in Alaska
- Age and Growth Research in Alaska
- Alaska Economic and Social Sciences Research
- Alaska Fisheries Science Center Publications Database
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Viewing Marine Mammals
Alaska is among the best destinations worldwide to view marine mammals, including several whale species, sea lions, and seals. These animals need time and space to eat, sleep, socialize, and care for their young. NOAA Fisheries helps ensure marine mammals are not being put at risk by promoting responsible wildlife viewing in Alaska.
Reporting Marine Mammals in Distress
The Marine Mammal Stranding Network is composed of government wildlife and fisheries agencies, veterinary clinics, Alaska Native organizations, and academic institutions who respond to or provide professional advice on handling strandings, and collect and compile data on strandings. If you see injured, entangled or dead whales, seals or sea lions in the water or on the beach, call the statewide 24-hour Stranding Hotline: (877) 925-7773.
Essential Fish Habitat
One of the greatest long-term threats to the viability of commercial and recreational fisheries is the continuing loss of marine, estuarine, and other aquatic habitats. We work to protect and conserve marine habitats that provide food, protection, and safe areas for spawning and rearing marine life. We also identify actions to encourage conservation and enhancement of essential fish habitat.
Learn more about essential fish habitat
Subsistence Halibut Fishing
Science Overview
Highlights
Alaska Research Surveys
Each year we conduct long-term field surveys from land, sea, and air using innovative technologies and methods to monitor the health of fish, shellfish, whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises and other marine life in Alaska. Over time we can detect trends in abundance and population health. We also monitor changes to habitats and the environment that can affect marine species.
Alaska Stock Assessments
A variety of data are input into computer models to estimate population size and trends for fish, crabs and marine mammals generating a stock assessment report. Research surveys provide biological, ecological and environmental data. Independent fishery observers collect information on commercial fisheries catches. We also compile socio-economic data on fishing communities.
Alaska Marine Mammal Research
Together with research partners we collect data from land, sea and air to learn more about whales, seals, and other marine mammals. We study the abundance and trends of these animals, along with their ecology and behavior. Our research results are used by resource managers and federal and tribal government partners to comply with U.S. laws to protect these species.
Ecosystem and Socio-Economic Research
Understanding the health and productivity of marine ecosystems is key to sustainable management. In the laboratory and in the field, our scientists monitor Alaska ecosystems to see how changes in the marine environment affect marine species.
Alaska Fisheries Observers
Trained observers collect information on fisheries catch, including species caught inadvertently (also known as bycatch). They also collect important biological data on fish and threatened and endangered species including Steller sea lions, killer whales, harbor porpoises, and seabirds such as the endangered short-tailed albatross. Scientists use observer-collected data for stock assessments and marine ecosystem research.
Alaska Habitat Research
The frigid waters of Alaska contain a remarkable number of diverse ocean habitats. Our research explores kelp forests, eelgrass meadows, deep-sea coral gardens, valleys and seamounts, the summits of the ocean. We study the places where Alaska marine species live.
Learn more about our exploration of Alaska's rich underwater habitat