Science & Data

Harbor seal research.

At NOAA Fisheries, we are working hard to better understand Alaska ocean ecosystems and to gather needed information to ensure healthy fish, crab and marine mammal populations. We do this by using varied and innovative technologies to both monitor and study the marine life and local habitat. Here's a look at some of the tools, techniques and technologies we use.

We conduct research on Alaska harbor seal population abundance and trends, a priority for the Alaska Fisheries Science Center since the 1980s. We are required to conduct this research under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which established a national policy to prevent marine mammal populations from declining beyond the point where they cease to be significant functioning elements of the ecosystem. Our long-term datasets, combined with satellite telemetry studies of movement and behavior and new statistical techniques, enable us to estimate abundance and trends for the 12 recognized stocks of harbor seals in Alaska.

Alaska groundfish make up a sizable portion or Alaska's yearly catch. Their significance can be seen in the yearly numbers.

Scientists from Norway, the United States, France, and Australia evaluated the effects of ocean acidification, marine protected areas, and fishing pressure on eight different marine ecosystems.

NOAA Fisheries assessment scientists are responsible for determining the current status of commercial and recreationally caught fish species in the waters of Alaska from 3–200 nautical miles offshore or in federal waters.

The information below represents a brief history of the ageing of groundfish species at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center.

Scientists from NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources, and The Nature Conservancy evaluated how different management strategies would benefit the coastal marine ecosystem and coral reef health at Puakō in Hawai‘i.

Ongoing research of the Arrowtooth flounder (Atheresthes stomias).

Scientists at the Alaska Fisheries Science Center collect and analyze the data needed to sustainably manage Pacific cod in Alaskan waters.