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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

  • Strategic Plan (PDF, 24 pages)
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Jobs and Internships

About Us

  • Alaska Regional Office
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center

Follow Us

@NOAAFisheriesAK
NOAA Fisheries Alaska

GOA_trawler.jpg
Feature Story

Central Gulf of Alaska Marine Heatwave Watch

Alaska
Fishing nets at harbor
Feature Story

U.S. Fishing and Seafood Industries Saw Broad Declines Last Summer Due to COVID-19

Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Photo of workers on a boat deck with a surface trawl net.
Feature Story

Distribution and Abundance of Forage Fish in Arctic and Sub-Arctic Waters Affected by Warming Ocean Conditions

Alaska
Photo of a sesame bagel sandwich with lox and schmear. Lox and shmear on a homemade bagel. Credit: WordRidden (CC BY 2.0).
Feature Story

5 Ways to Add More Seafood to Your Family’s Diet

Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
A bearded seal rests on ice in the Bering Sea. NOAA/Cameron A bearded seal rests on ice in the Bering Sea. NOAA/Cameron
Feature Story

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

Alaska
View More News

Notices & Rules

Federal Register Notices of Proposed and/or Continuing Information Collections as Required by the Paperwork Reduction Act

Alaska
Alaska

Initiation of a 5-Year Review for the Arctic, Okhotsk, Baltic, and Ladoga Subspecies of the Ringed Seal

Alaska
Alaska

Initiation of a 5-Year Review for the Beringia and Okhotsk Distinct Population Segments of the Bearded Seal

Alaska
Alaska

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

Alaska
Alaska

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

Alaska
Alaska
More Notices & Rules

Bulletins

IB 21-07: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Vessels using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 21-06: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific cod by Catcher Vessels Greater than or Equal to 60 feet Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 21-05: NMFS Reallocates Pacific Cod from Vessels Using Jig Gear to Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-And-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 21-04: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific cod by American Fisheries Act trawl catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 21-03: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska
More Bulletins

Upcoming Events

There are currently no upcoming events.

More Events

Open Funding Opportunities

Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program Funding

National
National

Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund

Alaska
West Coast
Alaska
West Coast

FY 2021–2023: Broad Agency Announcement

National
National
More Opportunities

Featured Highlights

GOA_trawler.jpg

Central Gulf of Alaska Marine Heatwave Watch

Alaska
Ocean-near-Bogoslof_8-19_mms.jpg

Current Sea Surface Temperatures in the Eastern Bering Sea

Alaska
A bird’s eye view photo of a Christmas anemone at the Kodiak Lab touch tank. A bird’s eye view of a Christmas anemone at the Kodiak Lab touch tank. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.

A View From Inside the Kodiak Lab Aquarium

Alaska

Science in Alaska

Our 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.

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, 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 Research

  • 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

  • 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 Research

  • 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 Research

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

More Information

  • Searching for something from the old Alaska Fisheries Science Center website?
  • 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

Central Gulf of Alaska Marine Heatwave Watch

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
GOA_trawler.jpg
Science Blog

A View From Inside the Kodiak Lab Aquarium - Post 2

Alaska
Alaska
Photo of a Black Eyed Hermit crab on a lab countertop - with claws, legs and eyes extended from its shell. The Kodiak Lab Aquarium's Black Eyed Hermit crab explores a lab countertop. Photo: NOAA Fisheries.
Feature Story

Distribution and Abundance of Forage Fish in Arctic and Sub-Arctic Waters Affected by Warming Ocean Conditions

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Photo of workers on a boat deck with a surface trawl net.
Leadership Message

NOAA Fisheries Looks Ahead at 2021 Science Priorities and Challenges

Leadership Message ,
National
National
Photo of two saildrones in open water.
Science Blog

A View From Inside the Kodiak Lab Aquarium

Alaska
Alaska
A bird’s eye view photo of a Christmas anemone at the Kodiak Lab touch tank. A bird’s eye view of a Christmas anemone at the Kodiak Lab touch tank. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
More News

Sustainable Fisheries in Alaska

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

  • Applications, Permits, and Forms
  • Catch Share and Limited Access Programs
  • Groundfish
  • Halibut and Sablefish
  • Crab
  • Scallop
  • Salmon
  • 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

  • Applications, Permits, and Forms
  • Fisheries Reports
  • Online Services (eFISH, eLandings)
  • North Pacific Observer Program
  • Restricted Access Management
  • 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
  • North Pacific Fishery Management Council
  • Tribal Consultation
  • Contact Information

Fisheries News

IB 21-07: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Vessels using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 21-06: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific cod by Catcher Vessels Greater than or Equal to 60 feet Length Overall Using Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 21-05: NMFS Reallocates Pacific Cod from Vessels Using Jig Gear to Catcher Vessels Less Than 60 Feet Length Overall Using Hook-And-Line or Pot Gear in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 21-04: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific cod by American Fisheries Act trawl catcher/processors in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Alaska
Alaska

IB 21-03: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in Statistical Area 610 in the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska
More News

Protected Marine Life in Alaska

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

  • 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
  • Co-Management
  • Permits and Authorizations
  • Marine Mammal Authorization Program
  • 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

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

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
A bearded seal rests on ice in the Bering Sea. NOAA/Cameron A bearded seal rests on ice in the Bering Sea. NOAA/Cameron
Feature Story

20 Memorable Marine Stories, Videos, and Photos of 2020

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
4994x3329 Oasis at the barren bottom.jpg Pocillopora grandis coral colonies serve as a welcome shelter for these butterflyfish and damselfish. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Ari Halperin.
Feature Story

Time for a Whale Disentanglement: Thanksgiving in Tenakee Springs

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Chew and Lewis Myron Tenakee Springs, AK Gordon Chew uses a GoPro on a pole to assess the humpback entanglement while Steve Lewis carefully negotiates the full circumference of the whale. Credit: Rachel Myron, NOAA permit #18786-04
Feature Story

New Study Shows Economic Importance of Alaska’s Whale-Watching Industry

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Humpback whales bubble net feeding in Southeast Alaska. Humpback whales bubble net feeding in Southeast Alaska. NMFS Permit #14296
Feature Story

Rare Albino Fur Seal Pup Stands Out

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Photo of an albino fur seal pup on a beach with other fur seal pups and adults.
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

20 Memorable Marine Stories, Videos, and Photos of 2020

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
4994x3329 Oasis at the barren bottom.jpg Pocillopora grandis coral colonies serve as a welcome shelter for these butterflyfish and damselfish. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Ari Halperin.
Feature Story

Using eDNA to Monitor Alaskan Waters for Invasive European Green Crabs

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
European green crab A European green crab. Credit: Emily Grason/Washington Sea Grant
Feature Story

National Fish Habitat Partnership Recognized by Congress

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
West Coast
National
Brook Trout Brook trout.
Feature Story

Celebrating Veterans Serving in Habitat Conservation

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Dustin-Casey-taking-GPS-on-Manzana.JPG
Feature Story

World Fish Migration Day 2020

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
More News

Featured Species in Alaska

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.

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Beluga Whale

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Humpback Whale

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Steller Sea Lion

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Pacific Cod

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Alaska Pollock

640x427-north-pacific-right-whale.png

North Pacific Right Whale

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Northern Fur Seal

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Harbor Seal

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Ringed Seal

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Bearded Seal

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Pacific Salmon and Steelhead

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Harbor Porpoise

View All

More Information

  • Alaska Stock Assessments

Species News

Feature Story

Central Gulf of Alaska Marine Heatwave Watch

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
GOA_trawler.jpg
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Distribution and Abundance of Forage Fish in Arctic and Sub-Arctic Waters Affected by Warming Ocean Conditions

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Alaska
Alaska
Photo of workers on a boat deck with a surface trawl net.
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5 Ways to Add More Seafood to Your Family’s Diet

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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
Photo of a sesame bagel sandwich with lox and schmear. Lox and shmear on a homemade bagel. Credit: WordRidden (CC BY 2.0).
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NOAA Fisheries Proposes Critical Habitat for Ringed and Bearded Seals in U.S. Arctic

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Alaska
Alaska
A bearded seal rests on ice in the Bering Sea. NOAA/Cameron A bearded seal rests on ice in the Bering Sea. NOAA/Cameron
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20 Memorable Marine Stories, Videos, and Photos of 2020

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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
4994x3329 Oasis at the barren bottom.jpg Pocillopora grandis coral colonies serve as a welcome shelter for these butterflyfish and damselfish. Photo: NOAA Fisheries/Ari Halperin.
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