The Marine Mammal Protection Act enacted in 1972 established a national policy to prevent marine mammals from declining beyond the point where they ceased to be significant function elements of the ecosystems of which they are a part.

We encourage fishing industry involvement in research. Cooperative research between scientists, managers, and the fishing industry fosters robust and resilient science, and promotes positive and dynamic partnerships. However, some research activities may

U.S. fisheries are classified under the Marine Mammal Protection Act according to the level of interactions that result in incidental mortality or serious injury of marine mammals.

Scientists and law enforcement officers team up to lay a foundation for strengthening NOAA Fisheries efforts to improve observer safety on commercial fishing vessels and in seafood processing plants.

Fish Passage and Salmon Reintroductions

New study tracked released fish for weeks to months afterwards, finds most recover.

The Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey, California Current Hake Research Cruise, and California Current Ecosystem Survey have been cancelled for 2020.

Humpback whales are commonly seen when boating in Alaska. It is important that boaters follow regional regulations and viewing best practices for the safety of humpback whales and boaters themselves.

Fishing panel adopts policies to bar shark finning and reduce ocean waste; adopts harvest strategy for albacore; and pledges to consider climate change impacts in its future work.

NOAA is responsible for managing endangered species, including the Hawaiian monk seal. One of the greatest population threats is the infectious disease toxoplasmosis, a threat many people haven't heard about. Learn how you can help protect Hawaiian monk s

Scientists study Unusual Mortality Events to monitor the health of marine mammal populations. Understanding and responding to these events is crucial because marine mammals are important sentinels of ocean health.

Sound scientific research is the foundation for conservation and management of our nation's marine fisheries, habitats, and protected species. To help ensure the quality, integrity, credibility, and transparency of our science, we conduct peer reviews of

Openscapes has helped establish Alaska Fisheries Science Center scientists as leaders in open data science, enhance collaborations across divisions and centers, and ensure continuity of long-term research efforts.

Andrew Hein and Stephan Munch, along with co-authors, received the prize for their research on the behavior and population dynamics of coral reef fish.

Learn more about how harmful algal blooms change ecosystems and coastal communities.