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Home > Regions

Alaska

Overview Science Fisheries Protected Marine Life Habitat Species

Alaska

Alaska Fisheries Management and Marine Life Protection
Learn about NOAA Fisheries' work in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea.

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

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  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Publications

About Us | Contact Us

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  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center
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@NOAAFisheriesAK
NOAA Fisheries Alaska
NOAA Fisheries Alaska

Featured News

Looking down a dip net full of silvery juvenile salmon.
Feature Story

New Evidence of Temporary Refuge for Migrating Juvenile Salmon From Marine Heatwave Conditions

Alaska
Ribbon kelp on a rope hanging on a rope. Herring roe on farmed ribbon kelp. Credit: Seagrove Kelp Company.
Feature Story

Testing Methods to Minimize Herring Spawning Events on Alaska Kelp Farms

Alaska
Seaweed farmers in Alaska examine their crop Seaweed farmers with Seagrove Kelp in Alaska examine their crop. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story

NOAA Fisheries Accepting Comments on Spatial Planning Study to Identify Draft Aquaculture Opportunity Area Options Within Alaska State Waters

Alaska
Two North Pacific right whales on the surface of a choppy, blue ocean. Once is seen with the top of its head above water and mist expelling from its blow hole while the other's fluke is visible with water falling off the tailing edge. Two North Pacific right whales photographed from the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson in August, 2021, during a survey in Alaska. Photo taken under NOAA Fisheries Research Permit #20465.
Feature Story

Underwater Sound Recordings Confirm Endangered North Pacific Right Whales Use of Historic Habitats

Alaska
Bering Sea snow crabs Bering Sea snow crab. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
Feature Story

Alaskan Communities Use Flexibility in Snow Crab Fishery Regulations for Economic Relief

Alaska
View More News

Notices & Rules

Protected Resources

Incidental Take Authorization: Hilcorp Alaska, LLC's Ice Road and Ice Trail Construction, Operation, and Maintenance Activities on Alaska's North Slope

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Incidental Take Authorization: Narwhal, LLC's Oil and Gas Exploration Activities in West Harrison Bay, Alaska

Alaska
Alaska
Fisheries

Notice of Availability Alaska Draft Aquaculture Opportunity Area Options

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Incidental Take Authorization: Alaska Gasline Development Corporation's Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas Project in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Incidental Take Authorization: City of Ketchikan's Berth III Mooring Dolphins Project in the Port of Ketchikan in the Tongass Narrows, Alaska

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

Bulletins

IB 25-22: NMFS Opens Directed Fishing for Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

Alaska
Alaska

IB 25-21: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Hook-and-Line Catcher/Processors in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 25-20: NMFS Prohibits Recreational Fishing for Chinook Salmon in the Cook Inlet EEZ Area.

Alaska
Alaska

IB 25-19: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (Revised April 21, 2025)

Alaska
Alaska

IB 25-18: NMFS Prohibits Retention of Shortraker Rockfish in the Central Gulf of Alaska (Revised April 15, 2025)

Alaska
Alaska
More Bulletins

Open Funding Opportunities

Fiscal Year 2024–2026: Broad Agency Announcement

National
National
More Opportunities

Featured Highlights

A ribbon seal with dark brown hair and a pattern of large white ribbons on the chest raises her head and shoulders above the water line and looks around among ice floes. An adult female ribbon seal looks around among ice floes in the Bering Sea. Animals are much harder to detect during aerial surveys when they are in the water. Credit: NOAA Fisheries / Josh M London / Photo taken under authority of NOAA Fisheries Research Permit #23858.

New Study Will Improve Abundance Estimates for Bearded, Ribbon, and Spotted Seals in Alaska

Alaska
A crowd of people surrounds a fin whale carcass on the shore Late afternoon residents walk to investigate the fin whale carcass. Credit: Bridget Crokus, volunteer Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services

47-Foot Fin Whale Found Washed Ashore Near Anchorage

Alaska
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

Alaska Marine Life and Ecosystem Science
The Alaska Fisheries Science Center supports the sustainable management and conservation of marine life. Find scientific reports and research program information.

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

New Evidence of Temporary Refuge for Migrating Juvenile Salmon From Marine Heatwave Conditions

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Looking down a dip net full of silvery juvenile salmon.

Scientists Develop Genetic Tools to Study Black-footed Albatross Bycatch

Alaska
Pacific Islands
Alaska
Pacific Islands
A black-footed albatross takes flight over calm blue water.
Feature Story

Underwater Sound Recordings Confirm Endangered North Pacific Right Whales Use of Historic Habitats

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Two North Pacific right whales on the surface of a choppy, blue ocean. Once is seen with the top of its head above water and mist expelling from its blow hole while the other's fluke is visible with water falling off the tailing edge. Two North Pacific right whales photographed from the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson in August, 2021, during a survey in Alaska. Photo taken under NOAA Fisheries Research Permit #20465.
Science Blog

A Voyage Through the Arctic Post #12

Alaska
Alaska
Mabel stands in a hold on a fishing vessel holding a red king crab by its legs. Mabel Baldwin-Schaeffer aboard F/V Anchor Point in Norton Sound. Photo Credit: Adem Boeckmann.
Science Blog

A Voyage Through the Arctic Post #11

Alaska
Alaska
Fish hanging on a stick of wood in front of water. A traditional fish rack on the bank of the Noatak River. Credit: Velma Jones.
More News

Sustainable Fisheries

Alaska Commercial, Recreational, and Subsistence Fishing Resources
Find permits, reporting forms, rules, and regulations for Alaska's commercial, recreational, and subsistence 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 25-22: NMFS Opens Directed Fishing for Pacific Ocean Perch in the Bering Sea Subarea of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Management Area

Alaska
Alaska

IB 25-21: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Hook-and-Line Catcher/Processors in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 25-20: NMFS Prohibits Recreational Fishing for Chinook Salmon in the Cook Inlet EEZ Area.

Alaska
Alaska

IB 25-19: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pollock in Statistical Area 630 in the Gulf of Alaska (Revised April 21, 2025)

Alaska
Alaska

IB 25-18: NMFS Prohibits Retention of Shortraker Rockfish in the Central Gulf of Alaska (Revised April 15, 2025)

Alaska
Alaska
More News

Protected Marine Life Overview

Alaska Marine Life Conservation and Recovery Resources
We protect, conserve, and manage Alaska's protected marine mammals, fish, invertebrates, and sea turtles. Find information on our protected species programs.

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

Underwater Sound Recordings Confirm Endangered North Pacific Right Whales Use of Historic Habitats

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Two North Pacific right whales on the surface of a choppy, blue ocean. Once is seen with the top of its head above water and mist expelling from its blow hole while the other's fluke is visible with water falling off the tailing edge. Two North Pacific right whales photographed from the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson in August, 2021, during a survey in Alaska. Photo taken under NOAA Fisheries Research Permit #20465.
Feature Story

Archived Skin Samples Reveal New Insights on Habitat Use of Rare Eastern North Pacific Right Whales

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
View of whale swimming in the ocean. Collecting a biopsy skin sample from an eastern North Pacific right whale. The yellow dart will be retrieved along with a tiny skin sample. The small bump on the whale’s back is a satellite tag. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Amy Kennedy. MML permit 782-1719
Agency Statement

Update on Continuing Process to Clarify Marine Mammal Harvest Eligibility

Agency Statement ,
Alaska
Alaska
Adult ribbon seal in Alaska An adult female ribbon seal looks around among ice floes in the Bering Sea. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Josh M London. Photo taken while working under authority of NMFS Research Permit #23858
Feature Story

47-Foot Fin Whale Found Washed Ashore Near Anchorage

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
A crowd of people surrounds a fin whale carcass on the shore Late afternoon residents walk to investigate the fin whale carcass. Credit: Bridget Crokus, volunteer Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services
Feature Story

New Method Provides Reliable Estimates for Bearded Seals

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Bearded seal laying on ice on water Bearded Seal. Credit: John Jansen/NOAA Fisheries
More News

Habitat Conservation

Alaska Habitat Conservation and Restoration Resources
We conserve Alaska's habitats to boost fish populations, recover threatened and endangered species, and support communities. Find information on our programs.

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
  • Aquaculture Best Management Practices

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

Underwater Sound Recordings Confirm Endangered North Pacific Right Whales Use of Historic Habitats

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Two North Pacific right whales on the surface of a choppy, blue ocean. Once is seen with the top of its head above water and mist expelling from its blow hole while the other's fluke is visible with water falling off the tailing edge. Two North Pacific right whales photographed from the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson in August, 2021, during a survey in Alaska. Photo taken under NOAA Fisheries Research Permit #20465.
Podcast

2024 Winter News Roundup

Podcast ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
A scientist wearing a personal flotation device squats in front of a long-range autonomous underwater vehicle typing on a laptop while on the back deck of a research vessel at sea. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution engineer Owen Ceserano downloads images collected from a long-range autonomous underwater vehicle called “Stella” on deck of R/V Hugh R. Sharp. HabCam can be seen in the background. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Zach Fyke
Podcast

Summer News Roundup

Podcast ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
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Hand made coral nurseries to restore coral reefs Coral nurseries are one tool NOAA uses to restore reefs, which are vital habitats for many managed seafood species. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
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Meet Emily Mailman, Marine Habitat Resource Specialist for the NOAA Restoration Center

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Emily at Tern Lake in Moose Pass, Alaska. Credit: Emily Mailman/NOAA Emily at Tern Lake in Moose Pass, Alaska. Credit: Emily Mailman/NOAA
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First Winter Foraging Ground For Endangered Cook Inlet Beluga Whales Identified

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Scientist looking at scientific equipment near a lake with hills and trees
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Featured Species

Alaska Managed and Protected Marine Species
Find a list of federally managed or protected fish, invertebrates, sea turtles, and mammals in the Alaska region.

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

Feature Story

New Evidence of Temporary Refuge for Migrating Juvenile Salmon From Marine Heatwave Conditions

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Looking down a dip net full of silvery juvenile salmon.

Scientists Develop Genetic Tools to Study Black-footed Albatross Bycatch

Alaska
Pacific Islands
Alaska
Pacific Islands
A black-footed albatross takes flight over calm blue water.
Feature Story

NOAA Fisheries Accepting Comments on Spatial Planning Study to Identify Draft Aquaculture Opportunity Area Options Within Alaska State Waters

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Seaweed farmers in Alaska examine their crop Seaweed farmers with Seagrove Kelp in Alaska examine their crop. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story

Underwater Sound Recordings Confirm Endangered North Pacific Right Whales Use of Historic Habitats

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Two North Pacific right whales on the surface of a choppy, blue ocean. Once is seen with the top of its head above water and mist expelling from its blow hole while the other's fluke is visible with water falling off the tailing edge. Two North Pacific right whales photographed from the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson in August, 2021, during a survey in Alaska. Photo taken under NOAA Fisheries Research Permit #20465.
Feature Story

Alaskan Communities Use Flexibility in Snow Crab Fishery Regulations for Economic Relief

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Bering Sea snow crabs Bering Sea snow crab. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
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