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

NOAA Fisheries Certifies Two State Recreational Fishing Surveys to Improve Catch Estimates

Alabama and Mississippi creel surveys certified as valid sources of data to inform recreational fishery management.
April 29, 2026 - Feature Story ,
Southeast
T. Playforth holds up a large red snapper during a day spent with friends on a recreational fishing charter in the Gulf of America.

Is It a Dolphin or a Porpoise?

Dolphins and porpoises are both cetaceans, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart. Learn how to recognize a dolphin vs. a porpoise.
April 28, 2026 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
An infographic from NOAA Fisheries illustrates the physical and behavioral differences between dolphins and porpoises, highlighting distinctions in their faces, teeth, fins, and social tendencies. At first glance, dolphins and porpoises look similar. Taking a closer look, there are some general differences that distinguish these animals. See the common bottlenose dolphin (left) and harbor porpoise (right) pictured above.

Putting the Fishing Industry First at the Cooperative Research Summit

The Summit brings scientists and fishermen together to actively build research partnerships. In its fourth year, it’s still the only event of its kind focused on collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual respect to improve the future of fisheries.
April 27, 2026 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
A sheet of paper printed with the 2026 Northeast Cooperative Research Summit. In the background is a large conference room full of Summit participants 2026 Northeast Cooperative Research Summit. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Heather Soulen
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Science Blogs

Groundfish Gut Check: Partnering with the Fishing Industry to Update Groundfish Data

Field Fresh Blog: Science in Motion

Field scientist Hannah Ciarametaro works with the Northeast’s fishermen to update groundfish conversion factors for better data. She encounters some blood and guts along the way.
April 16, 2026 - Survey ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Gray and white fish on top of a length board with a computer screen and orange baskets in the background. Data collection setup with haddock resting on top of magnetic length board. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Hannah Ciarametaro

Sound Bytes: Synchronous Swimming (With Robots) – Behind the Glider Challenge

Sound Bytes

The exciting work of flying robots underwater takes science, teamwork, and flexibility.
March 30, 2026 - Technology ,
Pacific Islands
West Coast
Two people sit on the left and right sides of a bright yellow undersea glider while on a vessel in the ocean. They are wearing life jackets, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing. The deep blue ocean is visible behind them. Dr. Selene Fregosi (right) and Jeremy Taylor, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, supported NOAA Fisheries’ undersea glider challenge in Hawaiʻi in early 2026. The challenge assessed glider performance and capabilities in field conditions off Oʻahu. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Calla Lloyd-Lim

When It Comes to Tagging Seals, Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

Field Fresh Blog: Science in Motion

Join science center seal researchers Kimberly Murray and Ellie Heywood, their Tufts University collaborator Wendy Puryear, and several other partners on a balmy 40° January day sampling and tagging gray seals on Nantucket, Massachusetts.
March 23, 2026 - Survey ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Close up of a tagged male gray seal. Seal researchers tagged a gray seal pup with a satellite tag during field work in January 2026. Photo taken under MMPA Permit# 26939. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Milton Levin (Permit# 26939)
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