Sustainable Fisheries

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration manages all marine fisheries within the United States. Passed in 1976 the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act is the primary law that governs marine fisheries and management. It’s objectives include: preventing overfishing, rebuilding stocks, increasing long-term economic and social benefits, ensuring a safe and sustainable supply of seafood and protecting habitat that fish need to spawn, breed, feed, and grow to maturity.

Securing a Just Space for Small-Scale Fisheries in the Blue Economy

In developing countries oceans support 47 million women and men engaged in small-scale fishing and fish-trading

Habitat compression and ecosystem shifts

The 2014-2016 marine heatwave in the northeast Pacific is linked to record numbers of whale entanglements in the California crab fishery.

Economic and sociocultural impacts of fisheries closures

A massive harmful algae bloom in the Spring of 2015 generated an economic and social shock for coast fisheries communities.

Adaptive co-management to achieve climate-ready fisheries

Climate-related impacts to marine ecosystems threaten the biological, social, and economic resilience of the U.S. fishing industry.

Explore California State Fisheries

This interactive Fisheries Data Explorer allows users to visualize data from commercial fisheries and commercial passenger fishing vessels across the State.