Science & Data

Science & Data

NOAA Fisheries' science-based conservation and management of sustainable fisheries, marine mammals, endangered species, and their habitats have become global models for marine stewardship and sustainability.

Our research surveys provide data critical to the stewardship of our nation's ocean resources and their habitat. For 150 years, our scientists and partners have collected survey data to understand current and changing ocean conditions and monitor marine life. The insights we gain are the heart of our science-based conservation and management. 

Effective science-based conservation and management are essential to ensuring sustainable domestic seafood production, maintaining and enhancing fishing opportunities, recovering protected species, and safeguarding ecosystem health.

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Featured News

Cod vs. Crab: It’s Not Just Cod Abundance—Size Influences Predation on Crab

A new study uses spatial models to precisely map how Pacific cod prey on commercially important snow and southern Tanner crabs in the eastern Bering Sea.
March 19, 2026 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Image of Pacific cod resting on the seafloor Pacific cod in Alaska waters. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.

New Research Reveals Broad Spawning Distribution for Bluefin Tuna

Larval and reproductive sampling from 1955 through 2021 reveals that bluefin tuna may have a nearly continuous spawning area from the Northwest Caribbean to the Slope Sea.
March 12, 2026 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
A map of the western Atlantic Ocean showing sampling effort, number of reproductive studies, and spawning intensity. A map of the proposed spawning patterns of Atlantic bluefin tuna in the western Atlantic Ocean. The sampling effort by region directed at adult and larval bluefin tuna is also noted. Credit: Progress in Oceanography

NOAA Fisheries Report Reveals Dire State of Gulf Shrimp Fishery

The U.S. shrimp harvesting industry is experiencing a long-term decline in profits and economic stability, including a $268 million revenue loss since 2021. This report is a first step in addressing barriers to restoring its competitiveness.
March 10, 2026 - Feature Story ,
Southeast
Several shrimp boats lined up at a dock under a cloudy sky Shrimp boats lined up in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. Photo courtesy of Kelsi Furman.
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Science Blogs

Weird and Wonderful: 10 Years of Northeast Bottom Longline Survey Video Footage

Field Fresh Blog: Science in Motion

Field scientist Hannah Ciarametaro explains how and why the Cooperative Research team collects video footage of the ocean floor during the Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey. She shares the weird and wonderful things they have seen along the way.
February 17, 2026 - Survey ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
A scientist deploys a camera cage into the ocean over the side of a boat while the captain looks on. Chief Scientist Giovanni Gianesin deploys a camera cage while Captain Eric Hesse operates the vessel during the Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Calvin Alexander

Sound Bytes: Meet the Pilots of the Underwater Glider Challenge

Sound Bytes

A conversation with the NOAA pilots guiding gliders to capture the sounds of our ocean.
February 05, 2026 - Research ,
Pacific Islands
West Coast
Glider deployment team aboard R/V Kaunānā posing with underwater ocean gliders Glider team aboard R/V Kaunānā in Hawai'i, preparing to deploy 8 gliders. Credit Marvin Chea/UH Marine Center.

Adventures of a Field Scientist in the Gulf of Maine: So What Do You Do Out There?

Field Fresh Blog: Science in Motion

Field scientist Maura Flynn shares her highlights from the Fall Bottom Longline Survey, which samples the Gulf of Maine’s rocky bottom in partnership with two commercial fishing vessels.
January 15, 2026 - Survey ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
The port side of a white fishing vessel at sunset.
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