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

Uncrewed Vehicles Hold Promise for Ocean Data Collection in Difficult-to-Reach Areas

We try to “see” fish and plankton using acoustics in offshore wind energy areas off the Northeastern United States.
April 18, 2024 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
A small vessel shaped like a submarine floats in calm ocean waters, with a large suspension bridge in and sailboats in the background. The Exail DriX, an uncrewed surface vehicle, in Narragansett Bay. Credit: NOAA/Michael Jech

New Study Sheds Light on Alaska’s Largest, Most Mysterious Shark

Researchers created a “one-stop shop” for information critical to conserving the highly vulnerable Pacific sleeper shark.
April 15, 2024 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Photograph of a large black sleeper shark hovering over the sandy and rocky deep seafloor Pacific sleeper shark photographed at 3,125 feet depth by the remotely operated vehicle, Deep Discoverer. Credit: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research.

Influence of Climate on Young Salmon Provides Clues to Future of World’s Largest Sockeye Run

New insight on how climate drives salmon survival provides key information for sustainable management and resilient fishing communities.
April 08, 2024 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Photo of two red and green, breeding adult sockeye salmon in a river with gravel bottom Adult sockeye salmon. Credit: Masahide Kaeriyama, Hokkaido University.
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Science Blogs

Gearing up for the Big Show: NOAA Ship Gear Trials

While many hear of the exciting research and results that come after the completion of at-sea scientific missions, much is done ahead of time to ensure their success. Gear trials and training are all necessary leading up to the big show.
April 17, 2024 - Survey ,
Pacific Islands
Two researchers stand on each side of two bongo nets and inspect them while aboard a ship. Two researchers test bongo nets during a gear trial. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

From the Sea to the Database: The Process of Data Collection on the Fall Groundfish Survey

An Inside Look at the 2023 Fall Groundfish Survey

Extensive planning, data collection procedures, and teamwork involved in the fall groundfish survey aboard NOAA Ship Oregon II.
April 16, 2024 - Survey ,
Southeast
Three individuals stand smiling on the deck of a boat wearing orange vests, hard hats, and gloves Teamwork makes the dream work! Volunteer scientist Kambrial Love (left), fisheries biologist Beverley Barnett (middle) and chief boatswain Farron Cornell (right) getting ready to process the catch from the trawl. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/ Hannah Shahmoradi

Winter Sets The Ocean’s Clocks

Field Fresh Blog: Science in Motion

Research fishery biologist Katey Marancik shares how the data she and others collected during the winter 2024 Ecosystem Monitoring Survey are an important starting point for understanding the ocean’s clock for the year.
April 10, 2024 - Research ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
A large piece of ocean water sampling gear sits on the side deck of a research vessel while at sea. The ocean is choppy and the sunrise is peeking through the clouds. A choppy morning during the winter 2024 Ecosystem Monitoring Survey. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Katey Marancik
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