The Alaska Regional Office and the Alaska Fisheries Science Center support the management of one of the most productive and healthy marine regions in the world, from the Arctic ecosystem of the northern coast to the more temperate region of Southeast Alaska. We work closely with the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, as well as with Alaska Native, non-profit, fishing industry, and international organizations, universities, and independent research institutes.
Science
Our scientists focus on assessing groundfish as well as crab and marine mammal stocks, consistent with an ecosystem approach to management. We collect and analyze socio-economic information on Alaska fisheries and monitor commercial groundfish fishery catch and bycatch to support sustainable fisheries management. In addition, we operate the largest fisheries observer program in the U.S., collecting accurate and timely scientific and management information on fish harvests to help prevent overfishing.
Sustainable Fisheries
Our regional managers provide guidance to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and other management agencies on the implementation and monitoring of fishery management measures, and draft National Environmental Policy Act and
other analytical documents to support management decisions. Our fisheries are among the best-managed in the world.
Protected Resources
Our managers are responsible for the development and management of conservation programs for all but three species of marine mammals found in Alaska, and for providing regional policy guidance on marine mammal and other protected species issues. We conduct management and scientific research on living marine resources in waters off Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and California. Our areas of focus include the recovery and management of endangered and protected species and the co-management of marine mammal species with Alaska Native groups.Habitat Conservation
In coordination with industries, stakeholder groups, government agencies, and private citizens, our managers work to avoid, minimize, or offset the adverse effects of human activities on essential fish habitat and living marine resources in Alaska. Our research, focused on ecosystem-based management and the impact of climate change on the marine ecosystems of Alaska, emphasizes entire ecosystems by looking at the interaction of fish populations, fisheries, protected resources, predator-prey relationships, and the environment.International
The region participates in a range of collaborative management and research activities with foreign nations and international groups. These groups include the International Pacific Halibut Commission, International Whaling Commission, North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission, North Pacific Marine Science Organization, International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, and Convention on the Conservation and Management of the Pollock Resources in the Central Bering Sea.
Alaska Regional Office 709 W. Ninth Street (907) 586-7221 |
Alaska Fisheries Science Center 7600 Sand Point Way N.E. (206) 526-4000 |
Regions
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