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.

Ourresearch 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.

More Research Topics

Featured News

Follow the Whales: How Tagging Supports Whale Research and Rescue

To track the movements of whales, scientists and emergency responders use electronic tags. These tags rely on the same technology—telemetry—that lets people navigate with GPS or find a lost smartphone.
February 11, 2026-Feature Story,
National
Acoustic recording tags on the back of a partially submerged killer whaleDigital acoustic recording tags temporarily attached to killer whales measured vessel noise reaching the whales. The suction cup tags eventually fall off without harming the whales. Photos taken under NOAA Fisheries and Department of Fisheries and Oceans research permit (No.781-1824 and 16163).

Show Seafood Some Love and Get Heart-Healthy!

U.S. seafood is sustainably produced, so it’s good for the planet. But did you know that it’s also good for your heart?
February 11, 2026-Feature Story,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
A graphic with pink and red background with a NOAA logo and decorative hearts in the bottom left corner. Text reads: "Get Heart-Healthy with Seafood" and there is a large heart graphic filled with a photo of a shrimp and vegetable bake.

Science Blogs

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 glidersGlider 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.