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Home > Regions

Alaska

Overview Science Fisheries Protected Marine Life Habitat Species

Alaska

Alaska's dynamic, often ice-covered seas are home to a remarkable diversity of life—crustaceans, fish, seals, sea lions, porpoises, whales, and more. Few places in the world offer such beauty and bounty. This region of nearly 1.5 million square miles includes waters in the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea.

Alaska produces more than half the fish caught in waters off the coast of the United States, with an average wholesale value of nearly $4.5 billion a year. Alaska's fisheries are among the best-managed, most sustainable in the world. Alaska resources provide jobs and a stable food supply for the nation, while supporting a traditional way of life for Alaska Native and local fishing communities.

Together, NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Office and Alaska Fisheries Science Center help ensure the sustainability of these marine resources for generations.

More Information

  • Alaska Geographic Strategic Plan
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Jobs and Internships
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Publications

About Us

  • Alaska Regional Office
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center

Follow Us

@NOAAFisheriesAK
NOAA Fisheries Alaska


<span>This Should Show Up in All Regions Science Feeds</span>
 Featured Image
Agency Statement

This Should Show Up in All Regions Science Feeds

Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Pacific halibut gets hooked. A Pacific halibut gets hooked. Credit: Art Sutch
Media Release

Alaska Halibut Season Opens March 6

Alaska
A female European green crab with its egg mass.
Feature Story

Invasive Green Crab Monitoring: Partnerships Propel Species Management

Alaska

<span>NOAA to Increase Enforcement Actions to Ensure Safety of Federal Fishery Observers, Monitors</span>
 Featured Image
Feature Story

NOAA to Increase Enforcement Actions to Ensure Safety of Federal Fishery Observers, Monitors

Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Jamal Moss stands in front of a boat
Feature Story

Auke Bay Laboratories Has A New Deputy Director

Alaska
View More News

Notices & Rules

Fisheries

Final Rule in the future

Alaska
Alaska
Fisheries

Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan and Annual Management Measures - Federal Register Rules and Notices

Alaska
Alaska
Fisheries

2022-2023 Alaska Groundfish Harvest Specifications

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Negligible Impact Determination and MMPA Section 101(a)(5)(E) Authorization for AK Bering Sea Aleutian Islands Pacific Cod Pot Fishery

Alaska
Alaska
Protected Resources

Incidental Take Authorization: Alaska Department of Transportation Ferry Berth Improvements in Tongass Narrows, Alaska (2022)

Alaska
Alaska
More Fisheries Notices & Rules
More Protected Resources Regs & Actions

Bulletins

IB 22-15: NMFS Announces the March 6, 2022 Season Opening of the Sablefish Fixed Gear Fisheries

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-14: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Vessels using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-13: NOAA Reminds Vessel Owners, Operators, and Managers of 2022 BSAI Rockfish Maximum Subarea Species Catch Amounts

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-12: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Vessels using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-11: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Operating as Catcher Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska
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Upcoming Events

There are currently no upcoming events.

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Open Funding Opportunities

A Test Grant

National
National

FY 2021–2023: Broad Agency Announcement

More Opportunities

Featured Highlights

Photo of the chartered research vessel Alaska Knight at dock.

Near-real Time Temperatures From The Bering Sea Bottom Trawl Survey

Alaska
GOA_trawler.jpg

Central Gulf of Alaska Marine Heatwave Watch

Alaska
Ocean-near-Bogoslof_8-19_mms.jpg

Current Sea Surface Temperatures in the Eastern Bering Sea

Alaska
Photo of male and female adult fur seals and pups on rocks next to the water. Fur seals at Zapadni Rookery. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.

The Pribilof Pup Count: From Land & Air - Post 5

Alaska

Alaska Fisheries Science Center

Our research supports sustainable management and conservation of Alaska marine species with economic and cultural benefits for the nation. Alaska waters support some of the most important commercial fisheries in the world; large and diverse populations of whales, seals, sea lions, and porpoises; and Alaska native hunting and fishing communities.

We study the health and size of marine animal populations. We also study the key areas where these animals feed, breed, and grow. To study ocean habitats, we monitor environmental conditions important to sustain marine life. For instance, we regularly monitor sea surface temperatures in the Bering Sea, and Gulf of Alaska. We analyze biological, oceanographic and ecological data collected during research surveys and by trained fisheries observers in our laboratories. From this, we learn more about marine animal diets, growth and reproduction, food web dynamics and the role of humans in marine ecosystems. We use this and other information to monitor changes to marine animal populations and Alaska ecosystems over time.

Fish and Crab Science

  • Age and Growth Research
  • Alaska Fish Research Surveys
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Interactive Data Maps
  • Assessing Alaska Fish Stocks
  • Crab Stock Assessments
  • Genetics Research
  • Groundfish Stock Assessments

Fisheries Monitoring (Observer Program)

  • North Pacific Observer Program
  • Observer Deploy and Declare System
  • Observer Training Schedule
  • Observer Fee Collection and Payment
  • Fisheries Monitoring and Analysis
  • Electronic Monitoring
  • North Pacific Observer Program Contacts
  • North Pacific Annual Sampling Manual

Marine Mammal Science

  • Alaska Marine Mammal Field Work
  • Passive Acoustics
  • Beluga Whales
  • Harbor Seals
  • Ice-Associated Seals
  • Northern Fur Seals
  • North Pacific Right Whales
  • Steller Sea Lions

Ecosystem Science

  • Alaska Economic and Social Science Research
  • Alaska Climate Integrated Modeling Project
  • Ecosystem Monitoring and Assessment
  • Ecosystem and Recruitment Processes Research
  • Ecosystems and Ecology Research
  • Ecosystem Status Reports
  • Habitat Research
  • Recruitment Energetics and Coastal Assessment

More Information

  • Searching for something from the old Alaska Fisheries Science Center website?
  • National Overview: Science & Data
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Divisions and Programs
  • Research in Alaska
  • Alaska Fisheries Science Center Publications
  • Questions and Answers: Partial Coverage Observer Program Reintroduction
  • NOAA Live! Alaska

Science News & Blogs

Science Blog

TEST: Innovation To Learn More about Alaska's Deep-Sea Corals and the Species that Live There Post #2

Alaska
Alaska
A large steel boat at port on a clear day with some clouds on the horizon. Credit: NOAA Fisheries The R/V Woldstad, our home and research laboratory for the next several weeks. The Woldstad is a 121’ steel vessel built originally for the State of Alaska to patrol the icy waters of the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands. Image courtesy of Sean Rooney, NOAA.
Agency Statement

This Should Show Up in All Regions Science Feeds

Agency Statement ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Video

Salmon on the High Seas: Unlocking the Mystery of Salmon in the North Pacific

Video ,
Alaska
West Coast
International
Alaska
West Coast
International
900x600-pink-salmon-NOAA.jpg Pink salmon. Credit: NOAA
Feature Story

New Photos May Be First Visual Evidence Of North Pacific Right Whales Feeding In Bering Sea In Winter

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
two north pacific right whales skimming the water surface Two North Pacific right whales photographed by Josh Trosvig, captain of the cod fishing vessel Cerulean
Feature Story

Market Squid Multiply in Warming Alaska Waters

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Market squid at NOAA Fisheries Little Port Walter Research Station, Southeast Alaska Market squid at NOAA Fisheries Little Port Walter Research Station, Southeast Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/John Eiler
More News

Sustainable Fisheries

The Alaska Regional Office works with the Alaska Fisheries Science Center and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to manage Alaska’s sustainable fisheries. Using the best available science, we work through the Council process authorized under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to develop measures for best management of Alaska’s fisheries, considering a range of factors such as the health of the fish stocks and economic impact of fishery practices. Once fishing levels and regulations are adopted and approved, the Alaska Regional Office works to implement the Council decisions. The goal is to allow fishermen to harvest the optimum amount of fish while leaving enough in the ocean to reproduce and provide future fishing opportunities in perpetuity.

Commercial Fishing

  • Permits, Applications, and Forms
  • Catch Share and Limited Access Programs
  • Groundfish
  • Halibut and Sablefish
  • Crab
  • Salmon
  • Scallop
  • Forage Species, Grenadiers, Sculpins, and Squids

Recreational (Sport) Fishing

  • Unguided Sport Halibut Fishing
  • Guided Sport Halibut Fishing
  • Applications and Reporting Forms
  • Guided Angler Fish (GAF) Program
  • Charter Halibut and GAF Permits Issued
  • Pacific Halibut Catch Sharing Plan
  • Charter Halibut Limited Access Program
  • State of Alaska Sport Fisheries: Salmon, Rockfish, Lingcod, Shellfish, Freshwater Fish

Subsistence Fishing

  • Permit Applications and Reporting Forms
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the Subsistence Halibut Program
  • How to Replace or Renew a SHARC
  • Online SHARC Renewal (eFISH)
  • Permits and Licenses Issued
  • Subsistence Halibut Program

Resources and Programs

  • Online Services (eFISH, eLandings)
  • Permits, Applications, and Forms
  • Restricted Access Management
  • Fisheries Reports
  • North Pacific Observer Program
  • Monitoring and Reporting
  • Bycatch Reduction
  • Cost Recovery Programs and Fee Payment

More Information

  • Rules and Notices Open for Comment
  • Regulations, Acts, and Treaties
  • Figures, Maps, Boundaries, Regulatory Areas, and Zones
  • Fishery Management Plans and Amendments
  • Fisheries Analyses
  • Tribal Consultation
  • Contact Information

Fisheries News

IB 22-15: NMFS Announces the March 6, 2022 Season Opening of the Sablefish Fixed Gear Fisheries

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-14: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Vessels using Pot Gear in the Central Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-13: NOAA Reminds Vessel Owners, Operators, and Managers of 2022 BSAI Rockfish Maximum Subarea Species Catch Amounts

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-12: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Vessels using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska

IB 22-11: NMFS Prohibits Directed Fishing for Pacific Cod by Non-American Fisheries Act Crab Vessels Operating as Catcher Vessels Using Pot Gear in the Western Regulatory Area of the Gulf of Alaska

Alaska
Alaska
More News

Protected Marine Life

The Protected Resources Division works to conserve and recover marine mammals in close coordination with the State of Alaska and other partners. To manage protected marine species, as required under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Endangered Species Act, and Fur Seal Act, the Alaska Region advances recovery of threatened and endangered species and the conservation of marine mammals, including whales, seals, and sea lions. We work to minimize interactions between marine mammals and commercial fisheries; promote responsible marine mammal viewing practices; coordinate response to stranded or entangled marine mammals; consult with federal agencies to minimize project effects on threatened and endangered species; and cooperatively manage subsistence use of marine mammals through co-management agreements with Alaska Native organizations.

Endangered Species Conservation

  • Proposed Actions Open for Public Comment
  • ESA Species and Critical Habitat Mapper Web Application
  • ESA Species Directory
  • Endangered, Threatened, and Candidate Species in Alaska
  • ESA Section 7 Consultations
  • Non-Marine Mammals Reviewed for ESA Listing

Protecting Marine Life

  • Marine Mammal Stranding Program (Stranding Hotline: 877-925-7773)
  • Marine Mammal Viewing Guidelines
  • Entanglement and Marine Debris
  • Alaska Oil Spill Response Guidance
  • Co-Management
  • Permits and Authorizations
  • Bycatch
  • Marine Mammal Observer Program

Pinnipeds

  • Harbor Seals
  • Ice Seals: Bearded
  • Ice Seals: Ribbon
  • Ice Seals: Ringed
  • Ice Seals: Spotted
  • Northern Fur Seals
  • Steller Sea Lions

Whales, Dolphins, Porpoises

  • Beluga Whale
  • Humpback Whale
  • Bowhead Whale
  • Killer Whale
  • Gray Whale
  • North Pacific Right Whale
  • More Whale Species
  • Dolphin and Porpoise Species

More Information

  • Marine Mammal Stranding Program (Stranding Hotline: 877-925-7773)
  • Buying or Finding Marine Mammal Parts and Products
  • Stock Assessments
  • Marine Mammal Research
  • Funding Opportunities
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Managed Species: Walrus, Sea Otters, Polar Bears
  • Laws and Policies
  • Contact Information

Marine Life News

Feature Story

Flame: Juneau, Alaska’s Wildlife Superstar

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Flame, SEAK #1538, taken near Juneau, Alaska in 2007. NOAA Permit 14245) Flame, SEAK #1538, taken near Juneau, Alaska in 2007. NOAA Permit 14245)
Feature Story

New Photos May Be First Visual Evidence Of North Pacific Right Whales Feeding In Bering Sea In Winter

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
two north pacific right whales skimming the water surface Two North Pacific right whales photographed by Josh Trosvig, captain of the cod fishing vessel Cerulean
Feature Story

Celebrating Black History Month 2022

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Collage of NOAA Fisheries employees for Black History Month 2022
Feature Story

Beluga Whale Sounds Aid Scientific Understanding Of When Whales Are Hunting Prey

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
man in boat using equipment to listen for beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska
Feature Story

Signs of Hope for the World’s Most Endangered Great Whale Population

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Photo of a North Pacific right whale at the surface. North Pacific right whale. Credit: International Whaling Commission.
More News

Habitat Conservation

NOAA Fisheries conducts and reviews environmental analyses for a large variety of activities ranging from commercial fishing, to coastal development, to large transportation and energy projects. Working with industries, stakeholder groups, government agencies, and private citizens, we ensure that these activities have minimal impact on essential fish habitat and marine life in Alaska. Our habitat conservation activities include protecting essential fish habitat, mitigating damage to and enhancing habitat affected by hydropower project construction and operations, removing invasive species, and restoring habitat that has been affected by development, oil spills, and other human activities. We focus on habitats used by federally-managed fish species located offshore, nearshore, in estuaries, and in freshwater areas important to migratory salmon.

Essential Fish Habitat

  • EFH Descriptions and Identification
  • EFH Consultations
  • Alaska EFH Mapper
  • Environmental Consultation Organizer (ECO)
  • Frequently Asked Questions about EFH
  • EFH Policy and Directives
  • EFH 5-Year Review
  • EFH Omnibus Fishery Management Plan Amendments

Resource Tools

  • Alaska EFH Mapper
  • National EFH Mapper
  • ShoreZone Coastal Images and Maps
  • Nearshore Fish Atlas
  • Habitat Conservation Area Maps
  • Pacific Salmon Freshwater EFH in Alaska
  • Oil Spill Risk Analysis Calculator

Habitat Programs

  • Aquatic Invasive Species
  • Hydropower Project Review
  • Fish Passage
  • Analyzing Risk to Improve Oil Spill Planning and Response
  • Annual Report of Division Accomplishments

Habitat Restoration

  • Habitat Research in Alaska
  • NOAA Habitat Blueprint: Kachemak Bay, AK, Habitat Focus Area
  • How We Restore

More Information

  • National Overview: Habitat Conservation
  • Funding Opportunities
  • Contact Information

Habitat News

Feature Story

Student Interns Take a Virtual Dive into the World of Deep-Sea Corals and Sponges

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
West Coast
National
An image of a green sponge on the sea floor. The green sponge Latrunculia austini was discovered in 2005 by NOAA Fisheries coral biologist Bob Stone. Hollings Scholar Kaya Mondry spent her summer conducting a literature review on biomedical compounds produced by this species. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story

National Fish Habitat Partnership’s 2021 Waters to Watch Projects Feature Coastal Habitats

Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
West Coast
National
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
West Coast
National
An image of the Lawrence Creek with added woody debris in California. Lawrence Creek in the Eel River watershed in California. Credit: Trout Unlimited
Feature Story

Discovering Deep-Sea Sponges in Alaska

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Underwater photo of a pink fish hiding inside a conical yellow sponge. A pregnant sharpchin rockfish shelters within a sponge on the seafloor off Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
Feature Story

Multi-Year Effort To Observe Seafloor Habitats And Learn More About Deep-sea Corals And Sponges In Alaska

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Underwater photo of orange and white striped rockfish and sea urchins congregating around a large red tree coral on the seafloor. Rockfish and sea urchins congregate around a large red tree coral (Primnoa pacifica) in the Gulf of Alaska. Photo credit: NOAA Fisheries.
Feature Story

Predicting Future Fish Productivity by Better Understanding the Role of Habitat in the Life of a Fish

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Infographic of an underwater habitat with coral, rocks, starfish, fish, a bowhead whale and hexagons showing relationships between pH, temperature, salinity etc. and transfer advection of krill - created by Rebecca White, Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries Habitat includes environmental conditions like water temperatures and salinity and this affects the distribution of fish, crabs, marine mammals and their prey. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.
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Featured Species

Alaska's coastal communities depend on healthy marine resources to support commercial and recreational fisheries, tourism, and the Alaskan way of life. Our mission at NOAA Fisheries Alaska Regional Office is the science-based stewardship of Alaska’s marine resources and their habitats in the Gulf of Alaska, eastern Bering Sea, and Arctic oceans. We are responsible for supporting sustainable fisheries, recovering and conserving protected species, such as whales and seals, and promoting healthy ecosystems and resilient Alaska coastal communities.

Beluga whale illustration. Credit: Jack Hornady for NOAA Fisheries.

Beluga Whale

Humpback whale illustration. Credit: Jack Hornady for NOAA Fisheries.

Humpback Whale

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Steller Sea Lion

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Pacific Cod

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Alaska Pollock

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North Pacific Right Whale

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Northern Fur Seal

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Harbor Seal

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Ringed Seal

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Bearded Seal

Drawings of three types of salmon

Pacific Salmon and Steelhead

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Harbor Porpoise

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More Information

  • Alaska Stock Assessments
  • Ecosystem Status Reports

Species News

Video

Salmon on the High Seas: Unlocking the Mystery of Salmon in the North Pacific

Video ,
Alaska
West Coast
International
Alaska
West Coast
International
900x600-pink-salmon-NOAA.jpg Pink salmon. Credit: NOAA
Feature Story

Flame: Juneau, Alaska’s Wildlife Superstar

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Flame, SEAK #1538, taken near Juneau, Alaska in 2007. NOAA Permit 14245) Flame, SEAK #1538, taken near Juneau, Alaska in 2007. NOAA Permit 14245)
Feature Story

New Photos May Be First Visual Evidence Of North Pacific Right Whales Feeding In Bering Sea In Winter

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
two north pacific right whales skimming the water surface Two North Pacific right whales photographed by Josh Trosvig, captain of the cod fishing vessel Cerulean
Feature Story

Market Squid Multiply in Warming Alaska Waters

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Market squid at NOAA Fisheries Little Port Walter Research Station, Southeast Alaska Market squid at NOAA Fisheries Little Port Walter Research Station, Southeast Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/John Eiler
Feature Story

NOAA Fisheries Denies Request for Emergency Action on Bering Sea Salmon Bycatch

Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska
Juvenile Chinook salmon. Juvenile Chinook salmon.
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