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Welcome to the Office of Sustainable Fisheries
The Office of Sustainable Fisheries (OSF) is a headquarters program office of the NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), or NOAA Fisheries Service. OSF works to manage fish stocks important to commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries by providing guidance to our Regional Offices and Regional Fishery Management Councils; facilitating effective communication between and among constituents; and supporting safe seafood.
Fisheries Management
OSF helps to implement the requirements of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006, which:
In addition, OSF coordinates the NMFS' annual report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries, and the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program. OSF also directly manages fisheries for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species.
Guidance
OSF provides oversight and advice to Regional Fishery Management Councils and the NMFS Regional Offices by:
- developing guidance on Council operations and administration,
- overseeing the clearance of regulatory actions, and
- providing guidance with respect to social impacts of management programs and social impact assessments.
OSF also oversees the processing of all documents, including proposed and final regulations, for publication in the Federal Register, and prepares Social Science Guidelines.
Partnerships
OSF works in partnership with state and federal agencies to provide communication avenues among all of our constituents. These constituents include the Regional Fishery Management Councils. OSF provides national policy and oversight for NMFS' interactions with coastal states and island territories/commonwealths, Interstate Marine Fisheries Commissions, and national groups; and increases communication and understanding between the agency, our constituents and the general public.
Safe and Sound Seafood Decisions
The National Seafood Inspection Laboratory in Pascagoula, MS, is also a part of OSF, where it supports the Department of Commerce Seafood Inspection Program.
Be sure to check out our FishWatch consumer guide, which can help you make informed decisions about the seafood you eat by providing the most accurate and up-to-date information on seafood available in the U.S.
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