Highly Migratory Species
Highly migratory fish travel long distances and often cross domestic and international boundaries. These pelagic species live in the water of the open ocean, although they may spend part of their life cycle in nearshore waters. Highly migratory species managed by NOAA Fisheries include tunas, some sharks, swordfish, billfish, and other highly sought-after fish such as Pacific mahi mahi.
These highly migratory species are targeted by U.S. commercial and recreational fishermen and by foreign fishing fleets. Because they migrate long distances and live primarily in the open ocean, only a small fraction of the total harvest of these species is taken within U.S. waters.
In the United States, NOAA Fisheries sustainably manages highly migratory species under theMagnuson-Stevens Act in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans:
- Atlantic Highly Migratory Species, including the Gulf of America (formerly Gulf of Mexico) and Caribbean
- West Coast Highly Migratory Species
Responsible management also requires international cooperation through a number of agreements and regional fishery management organizations including theInter-American Tropical Tuna Commission,International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna, Commission on the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean, andConvention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Species News
A subsample of bluefin tuna larvae collected via net tow from the Slope Sea. The small individuals are about 3 millimeters in length and the larger individuals are about 6 millimeters. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Katey MarancikGenomics Help Uncover Mysteries of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
An excavator digs a new stream channel while a dump truck unloads stones to recreate the stream bed on Resurrection Creek. Credit: Molly Feltner/NOAA
The Kwoneesum Dam after its reservoir was drained. Credit: Cowlitz Indian TribeWashington Dam Removal Opens Lower Columbia River Tributary for Salmon and Steelhead
A white marlin tagged with a spaghetti tag, getting ready to be released. Photo courtesy of Chris Jobes.Multimedia
Excavators on the Chequessett Neck Dike over the Herring River. (Credit: Molly Feltner/NOAA)
River herring migrating up a Cape Cod stream. Credit: Danielle Weissman/NOAA.Largest Salt Marsh Restoration in the Northeast to Bring Back Cape Cod River Herring
Research
2023 Top Fish Taggers for the Cooperative Tagging Center
NOAA Fisheries greatly appreciates the many tagging teams and anglers who tag and release fish to support our science. Here, we highlight the top taggers from 2023.
Commercial Fishing Business Cost Survey
Our survey seeks to better understand the costs associated with commercial fishing in the Northeast.
Monitoring the Ecosystem in the Northeast
The most comprehensive, ongoing program exploring marine resources and oceanographic conditions in the Northwest Atlantic. Our analyses inform local and international fisheries management, protected species research, and climate science.
Cooperative Research in the Southeast
Cooperative research involves partnerships between the fishing industry and scientists. We work together to improve our understanding of ocean ecosystems and support the management of sustainable and productive fisheries.
International Collaboration
Fish and other marine animals travel beyond national boundaries.
