Fish are extremely diverse animals living in a variety of habitats ranging from coral reefs and kelp forests to rivers, streams, and the open ocean. Most fish can be categorized into one of two primary groups: bony fish (Osteichthyes) and cartilaginous fish (Chondrichthyes). The skeleton of bony fish is made of bones, while that of cartilaginous fish is made of cartilage. Cartilaginous fish include sharks, skates, and rays.
Most fish under NOAA Fisheries’ jurisdiction are marine fish that spend their entire life in salt water. Others are anadromous—like some species of salmon and sturgeon—which begin their lives in freshwater, migrate to the ocean to grow into adults, and then return to freshwater to spawn.
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the sustainable management of many species of fish under the Magnuson-Stevens Act that are targeted for human consumption and other uses like fertilizer. Some of these fish include Pacific bluefin tuna, Alaska pollock, and summer flounder. We are also responsible for protecting fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act like Atlantic sturgeon and oceanic whitetip shark.
Species News
Ulua angler Cory Olores is one of many fishermen tagging popular game fish with Pacific Islands Fisheries Group’s Tag It program. The program helps fishermen, scientists, and resource managers better understand fish populations. Photo courtesy of Cory Olores
Fisherman Rob Green measures a cod while participating in the Recreational Biological Sampling, or RecBio Program. Credit: Willy Goldsmith
New England For-Hire Groundfish Fleet Partners with NOAA Fisheries to Improve Cod Data
A Type D killer whale, a new species in the Southern Ocean. Credit: Paul Tixier
New Kids on the Block: Species Discovered by Our Scientists
Aerial view of the Ridgefield Pits in the foreground on the East Fork Lewis River before restoration. The Daybreak Pits can also be seen and are located adjacent to the Ridgefield Pits. The project will focus on restoring the nine Ridgefield Pits. Credit: Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership
Washington State River Restoration Project to Revive Salmon Habitat, Support Local Jobs
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Research
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.
Near Real-time Temperatures from the 2025 Bering Sea Bottom Trawl Survey
Water temperature affects many species' spawning times, access to food, growth rates, and overall range. Collecting temperature data helps better understand species’ habitats and the larger ecosystem. This page will update 3x/week throughout the survey.
Near Real-time Temperatures from the 2025 Gulf of Alaska Bottom Trawl Survey
Water temperature affects many species' spawning times, access to food, growth rates, and overall range. Collecting temperature data helps better understand species’ habitats and the larger ecosystem. This page will update 3x/week throughout the survey.
Surveys in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic
We conduct research and monitoring surveys to better understand the physical, biological, economic, and social components of marine ecosystems found in the Northwest Atlantic Ocean from the Canadian Scotian Shelf to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.
Understanding Fisheries Management in the United States
NOAA Fisheries is responsible for managing marine fisheries within the U.S. exclusive economic zone. Learn more about the sustainable management of our marine fisheries.
