Recent Stories
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New projections on the effects of ocean acidification
Acidification of seawater as it absorbs increasing amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere will reverberate through the marine food web, but not necessarily in the ways you might expect.
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NOAA invites input on proposed killer whale protection zone in Puget Sound
NOAA seeks public comments on a petition calling for a whale protection zone for highly endangered Southern Resident killer whales on the west side of Washington’s San Juan Island in Puget Sound.
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West Coast adopts electronic reporting for all commercially caught sablefish
Now, all sablefish landings will be recorded with electronic fish tickets. This replaces long-used paper tickets and makes harvest data quickly available to fishery managers and law enforcement.
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Harbor porpoises repopulating Puget Sound, new research finds
After nearly disappearing from Puget Sound, harbor porpoises rebounded-- a remarkable ‘comeback’, although there is no full understanding of why they declined and how the species recovered.
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Early action key to reducing sea lion impacts on salmon, new study finds
Sea lions that prey on migrating salmon pass their behavior to other sea lions. A study suggests that to be more effective, sea lion removals should have begun earlier.
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New recovery plan aims for delisting Oregon Coast coho salmon
A new plan for Oregon Coastal coho positions them for possible removal from the federal list of threatened and endangered species within the next 10 years.
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Dam overhaul improves fish passage, opens window on migration
A recent overhaul of the inflatable, rubber Mirabel Dam improved salmon and steelhead passage up and down the Russian River while maintaining seasonal water for its users.
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New forecast tool helps ships avoid blue whale hotspots
Researchers combined tracking data with satellite observations to develop a system to predict blue whale locations. “WhaleWatch” alerts ships where they may encounter the whales.
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Managing the Ladnscape for Everyone
Puget Sound partners are identifying projects that restore vital salmon habitat as well as protecting the viability of local agriculture, to conserve these resources for future residents.
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Agencies pursue hatchery for CCC coho
Officials are working to relocate and expand a small hatchery that has helped endangered Central California Coast coho salmon hang on in their historic habitat south of the Golden Gate.
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California North-Central Coast & Russian River Watershed
The California North-Central Coast and Russian River Watershed was prioritized by President Obama allowing collaborative efforts to understand the impacts of climate change on the region.
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Rockfish Recovery in the Puget Sound
Some inhabitants of the Puget Sound are never seen; 28 species of rockfish make their home there. This video highlights unique research and recovery measures being taken to assure their future.
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Collection of white abalone boosts recovery efforts
There are now many more white abalone in captivity than we know of in the wild. That’s scary for the population, but presents a great opportunity to save them.
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New NOAA program gives vet foothold in fisheries
A joint program for veterans expands across NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast Region to recruit and train veterans in fisheries science, building their resumes for a career in the field.
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NOAA Fisheries seeks input on proposed Snake River salmon and steelhead recovery plan
Snake River Chinook & Steelhead swim from Idaho, Washington and Oregon down to the ocean and back again. A proposed recovery plan outlines strategies to recover these long distance travelers.
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NOAA Fisheries seeks input on recovery plan for eulachon
A cornerstone of Native American trade, Eulachon harvests were transported hundreds of miles inland. They spawned when other food was scarce, so they were known as “savior” or “salvation” fish.
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New multispecies plan provides roadmap to salmon and steelhead recovery
Widespread development has caused the decline of wild salmon and steelhead in California’s coastal watersheds. Today, NOAA Fisheries released a plan to recover these species.
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New grants seek solutions to West Coast whale entanglements
Marine mammal researchers and West Coast crab fishermen are working together to end large whale entanglement in crab pot lines.
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“Selfie” culture puts marine wildlife at risk
People don’t always realize their negative effects on wildlife. News reports, internet videos, and social media show beach goers disturbing seals, sea lions and their pups while taking photos.
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El Niño Impacts Black Abalone, but Some Show Signs of Recovery
The warming Pacific has worried scientists studying the highly endangered black abalone. They knew that earlier El Niños had taken a heavy toll. Now they have some good news and some bad news.
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Washington State takes lead in promoting sustainable shellfish aquaculture
Washington State is demonstrating strong support for shellfish aquaculture, providing a model for other states under NOAA Fisheries’ National Shellfish Initiative.
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New grants target two of West Coast’s most endangered species
New grants will restore essential habitat for two of our most endangered species of salmon – Sacramento River winter-run Chinook salmon and Central California Coast coho salmon.
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Electronic monitoring may expand for West Coast catch share fleets
Video systems may soon provide an alternative to human observers in tracking the catch on more West Coast fishing vessels, under new regulations proposed by NOAA Fisheries and the PFMC.
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West Coast Research Expedition Tracks Elusive Beaked Whales
Marine mammal scientists are beginning a research expedition using sound to search of the least known, most mysterious and deepest diving whales off the West Coast.
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From farm to your table, oysters offer a sustainable choice
You have heard of “Farm to Table” in terms of vegetables, but there’s a similar concept in shellfish aquaculture. Oyster farms deliver fresh, healthy, protein-packed oysters to your table.
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Salmon Habitat Restoration: A Critical Investment in Flood-Prone Communities
When habitat restoration brings back natural hydrology and tidal flows for endangered fish, the land nearby is better protected from flooding, sea level rise, and saltwater intrusion.
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NOAA Fisheries releases draft recovery plan for Puget Sound/Georgia Basin yelloweye rockfish and bocaccio
NOAA Fisheries is seeking comments on a new draft recovery plan for yelloweye rockfish and bocaccio in Puget Sound, the Strait of Georgia, and the eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca.
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New Washington wetland “bank” advances fish habitat restoration
NOAA approved a novel approach to fund restoration and protection of prime wetland and river habitat in southwest Washington, promoting recovery of threatened salmon and steelhead.
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NOAA Scientists Search for Endangered White Abalone
NOAA scientists employ remote technology in their search for white abalone, believed to be near extinction. A few thousand animals are thought to remain off Southern California.
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NOAA and partners speed up restoration projects for protected fish
Agencies are accelerating the review of restoration projects to benefit South-Central and Southern California Coast steelhead, which face increased challenges from the ongoing drought.
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Benefits for Wildlife Flow from San Clemente Dam Removal
Removing the 106-foot high San Clemente Dam restored 25 miles of spawning and rearing habitat for South Central California Coast Steelhead, a population listed as threatened under the ESA.
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International Search Reveals Genetic Evidence for New Species of Beaked Whale
An international team identified a new species of whale that ranges from northern Japan to Alaska’s Aleutian Islands. Japanese whalers call the rare black whales “karasu,” the word for raven.
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NOAA staff win award for work with veterans
Two NOAA Restoration Center employees received the coveted Golden Pipe Award for developing a program that assists veterans’ transition into environmental resource careers.
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‘Condor Time’ for Central California Coast Coho Salmon
Unprecedented support saved the California condor from extinction in the early 1980’s. It’s time to do the same for another remarkable California native, the Central California Coast coho salmon.
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NOAA Fisheries proposes delisting Puget Sound/Georgia Basin canary rockfish
NOAA proposes to remove Puget Sound canary rockfish from the endangered species list after a study found that the population was not genetically distinct from other canary rockfish in the west.
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New salmon mural promotes the art of sustainability
Nearly 100 volunteers from the Seattle area celebrated World Fish Migration Day in May by painting a mural in the shape of a salmon, and learning environmental lessons along the way.
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NOAA Killer Whale patrols begin in San Juan Islands
NOAA begins seasonal patrols around Washington’s San Juan Islands to ensure all vessels stay at least 200 yards away from killer whales and keep their path clear.
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U.S. proposes framework for rebuilding Pacific bluefin tuna
The U.S. will propose to extend catch limits on Pacific bluefin tuna for another 2 years, as well as a long-term framework to rebuild the overfished species.
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Introducing Underrepresented Students to Cutting-Edge Marine Science
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to operate a remote vehicle 1,000 feet below the surface? Six high school students were invited to spend a day doing hands-on work in Puget Sound.
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Salmon and steelhead 2016 five year status reviews
We review each of our listed species’ status every 5 years, determining if their current classification still applies, or if it should be changed.
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Ocean acidification puts Northwest Dungeness crab at risk, research finds
Ocean acidification expected with climate change may slow development and reduce survival of Dungeness crab, a key component of the Northwest marine ecosystem and a significant fishery.
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Gray whale skeleton to be collected for educational use
An injured juvenile gray whale died in the Puget Sound. Many organizations assisted in monitoring, and the Navy provided a site for the necropsy. The skeleton will go to educational use.
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World Fish Migration Day 2016
Celebrate World Fish Migration Day and learn how NOAA Fisheries West Coast Region works to promote fish passage, restore habitat, and protect migratory fish.
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Pacific bluefin tuna: limits on fishery make U.S.-caught fish a good choice
U.S.-caught Pacific Bluefin Tuna on the West Coast is harvested legally and sustainably. Consumers can purchase the fish with a clear conscience.
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Rebuilding plans pay off for West Coast groundfish fishery
Half of the 10 overfished species are rebuilt and at least 2 more may be rebuilt soon, due to the support and sacrifice of West Coast ports and fishermen.
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Workshop highlights urgency of abalone recovery efforts
Scientists, aquarists, educators, industry, and resource managers convened to explore the future of abalone recovery, particularly critically endangered white abalone, to guide future recovery efforts.
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Sardine numbers remain low, 2016 fishing remains closed
Scientists and managers weighed a new stock assessment for the West Coast. The assessment showed that sardine numbers are still below the cut-off level where sardine fishing will be allowed again.
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Oregon netmaker helps fleet catch the right fish
NOAA Administrator Kathryn D. Sullivan visited a small business in Newport, OR, that provides West Coast fishermen with innovative nets that catch more fish while avoiding sensitive stocks.
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Salmon and Steelhead find “Safe Harbor” in First-Ever Agreement
NOAA and the Sonoma County Water Agency signed our first “Safe Harbor Agreement” offering Russian River landowners incentives to enhance their property for ESA protected salmon and steelhead.
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“Super Sucker” targets highly invasive Sargassum in Southern California
A pilot project to target control of a highly invasive alga off California’s Catalina Island using a giant underwater vacuum tube known as the “Super Sucker” is yielding promising results.
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Dangerous fishing may be endangered
A study found that the behaviors making commercial fishing one of the most dangerous lines of work dropped sharply following the adoption of catch shares management in the sablefish fishery.
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My First Encounter with Gray Whales on their Epic Migration Route
Every day, volunteers record the numbers and activities of migrating gray whales from a safe distance on shore. Over 30 years of valuable data have been collected by this citizen science effort.
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Photo contest reflects the diversity of NOAA jobs and environments
We asked NOAA Fisheries employees, contractors, interns and other associates on the West Coast to show us what they do.
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Local high school students showcase artwork focused on endangered species
California students participated in the 8th annual NOAA Art Contest. Their work featured ocean species vulnerable to extinction such as sea turtles, marine mammals, abalone, and salmonids.
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High-tech river studies reveal benefits of habitat restoration for fish
A powerful new research method is quantifying the benefits of stream restoration for salmon and other native fish across the Pacific Northwest.
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The Sound of Salmon Surviving
570 critically endangered, winter-run Chinook transmit sound as they migrate to the sea. New hydrophones will detect the presence of migrating fish around the dangerous pumps in the delta.
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Lawrence Creek- A New Habitat Restoration Approach on the West Coast
In a high priority salmon recovery area, a small team of biologists created a productive “off channel” habitat at Lawrence Creek, in less time and for 10% of the cost of similar projects.
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Leaders launch second phase of Washington Shellfish Initiative
Leaders launch second phase of Washington Shellfish Initiative
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Underweight California sea lion and northern fur seal pups at a California rookery forebodes the possibility of high strandings along U.S. West Coast this winter and spring
Scientists observed another year of low pup weights during their annual survey on the San Miguel Island rookery off California, where sea lions and fur seals breed and rear their young.
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Mathematical Models Provide Critical Information to Save Salmon
NOAA scientists created mathematical models to understand the behavior of endangered Sacramento River winter-run Chinook, as well as how water temperatures impact Chinook offspring.
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Willamette gets promising grade, but ESA listed fish are still struggling
The river earned a B-minus in the 1st-ever Willamette Report Card. The grade demonstrates how far it has come from when factories and cities used the river to carry away raw waste, not so long ago.
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November takes a bite out of the Blob
The so-called “blob” of infamous warm ocean waters that has gripped the West Coast and shaken up its marine ecosystems in the past two years is battered, but not dead yet, NOAA scientists report.
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Studying Sea Turtles Amid Warming Waters
Warm water has brought many unexpected visitors into California waters this year. Scientists are using these conditions to study a particular warm-water wanderer -- the Pacific loggerhead sea turtle.
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Vessel speed biggest factor in noise affecting killer whales
Vessel speed determines how much noise reaches nearby killer whales. Studies show they alter their behavior around vessels and noise. This affects their ability to communicate and find food.
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Jimmycomelately Creek—Tribal Members Aid in Salmon Recovery to Bring Back Traditional Fishing
A creek on the north Olympic Peninsula of Washington known for its unique name, Jimmycomelately, now also boasts a successful story of salmon recovery.
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NOAA Fisheries assists Olympic National Park in reopening Elwha River
NOAA recently helped Olympic National Park demolish several large boulders that blocked migrating salmon, steelhead and bulltrout even after the landmark removal of dams on the Elwah River.
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Snake River Fall Chinook Recovery Plan released
NOAA Fisheries today released a proposed recovery plan for Snake River fall Chinook salmon, outlining a blueprint for rebuilding the threatened fish.
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California Drought-A Shared Vision for Salmon Recovery
This fourth and final video on our series highlights how partnerships forged with landowners and water agencies are essential to achieving long-term recovery of salmon in California.
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A green sturgeon tag is a real find, for a kid on the beach and for NOAA scientists.
A discarded satellite tag on the beach leads to a reward and a visit from NOAA Scientists investigating the impact of commercial fishing on ESA listed green sturgeon.
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Veterans Corps Expands Again — Working Towards the Goal of Covering Coastal Watersheds State-wide in California
The Veterans Fisheries Corps Program trains veterans in fisheries restoration. The program is expanding to cover coastal watersheds state-wide in California.
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Draft recovery plan outlines blueprint for restoring Oregon Coast coho salmon
Draft recovery plan outlines blueprint for restoring Oregon Coast coho salmon
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Two of Oregon's Worst Barriers Removed
This summer, the Fielder and Wimer dams on Evans Creek in Oregon were removed, restoring unimpeded fish passage to an important Rogue River tributary.
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Observers face danger at sea
NOAA Fisheries at-sea observers and monitors work alongside fishermen in stressful, strenuous and at times, hazardous conditions. A letter from the Head of NOAA Fisheries, Eileen Sobeck.
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Proposed plan seeks to restore salmon and steelhead across 8 million acres of California’s north-central coast
California Coastal Chinook, Northern California steelhead, & Central California Coast steelhead once thrived in coastal watersheds. NOAA released a proposed plan to recover these three species.
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The Voluntary Drought Initiative
In this video: through the Voluntary Drought Initiative, NOAA Fisheries & the California Department of Fish & Wildlife work with water users to protect endangered fish throughout the drought.
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Strong Snake River Fall Chinook Returns
Improvements in the Columbia and Snake River Basins are leading to record Snake River fall Chinook returns.
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Managing Cold Water for Endangered Fish
With Chinook facing lethally high stream temperatures, scientists deploy new device to help manage the dwindling supply of cold water the fish need to survive.
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California Drought: A Changing Landscape
In this video: What some California water suppliers do to serve their ag customers while helping to keep water in streams for fish, and how moisture sensors save water and money for one farmer.
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A River Runs Around it
The removal of the old San Clemente Dam and the rerouting of the Carmel River is the result of unprecedented cooperation among stakeholder groups.
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Researchers Borrow Investment Strategy to Save Salmon Stock
Financial management strategy may seem an unlikely method to save wild salmon, but NOAA is using a key financial lesson to restore Central California Coast coho to the Scott River.
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California Drought Saving Salmon
In this video: government agencies and private landowners collaborate and compromise on water for endangered salmon. Our first in a series about water use during California’s drought.
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Deeper understanding of ecosystems critical to recovery of West Coast abalone populations
Understanding the role abalone play in different ecosystems is important for their recovery and the health and resiliency of the marine habitats they support.
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Farmers reroute water for fish
Thanks to a cooperative effort, water flows in seven tributaries of the Yakima, helping fish and riparian vegetation that might otherwise be lost.
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Elliot Bay Seawall
Rebuilding Seattle’s Elliot Bay seawall has been described as a model of protecting critical infrastructure while providing important fish habitat.
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NOAA Fisheries input on sand mining helps protect key fish habitat
Sand, not gold, has since become one of the world’s most precious and finite resources originating in California’s mountains.
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Proposed floodplain restoration protects farmland, reduces flood risk, and restores salmon in Tillamook County, Oregon
NOAA, FEMA, and others are working to reduce flood risk, increase resiliency of the ecosystem, and restore salmon habitat in Tillamook Bay by coordinating and aligning their investments.
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Migratory Bird Award
The 2015 Presidential Migratory Bird Stewardship Award goes to NOAA and partners for developing a device to prevent migratory seabird mortality in the West Coast Groundfish longline fishery.
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Warm Blood Makes Opah an Agile Predator
NOAA Fisheries identifies opah, or moonfish, as the first fully warm-blooded fish that circulates heated blood throughout its body, giving it a competitive advantage in the cold ocean depths.
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Diving deeper into abalone - dedicated scientists and volunteers on a mission to better understand endangered species
Dedicated scientists and volunteers are on a mission to better understand the now rare abalone species. They're diving deeper to recover the listed populations.
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Partners set in motion historic venture to reintroduce salmon to the Yuba River
Spring-run Chinook salmon may once again return to their historical habitat high in the Sierra Nevadas.
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Sardine assessment shows cyclic decline in population
Sardines are known for wide population swings. Scientists are working to understand the variability and a decline which led to the recent West Coast suspension of commercial sardine fishing.
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Mysteries of the deep
Scientists who have spent much of their careers in deep-sea submersibles observing coral and sponges are sharing their experiences and expertise through innovative online seminars.
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Local knowledge shapes recovery of Puget Sound rockfish
A collaborative research study incorporates the knowledge of recreational anglers into recovery planning for three rockfish species in Puget Sound.
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The era of abalone-rich waters, retired fishermen recalls collecting daily limit with one dive
Conservationist Ken Nielson remembers when abalone numbers were so large he could catch his limit with one breath. Ken hopes his great grandchildren will be able to dive for abalone someday.
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Environmental Changes Stress West Coast sea lions
Starving sea lion pups wash up on the beaches of Southern California while adult male sea lions crowd into the coastal communities of the North. How does this happen in the same population?
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Scientists trail killer whales at sea for insight into winter habitat, food
NOAA scientists follow Southern Resident killer whales, collecting remains of their prey, fecal samples, acoustic recordings and other data to better understand their winter range and food sources.
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Removal of diversion dam improves habitat access for migrating fish in California’s Tehama County
With a pyrotechnics show lasting less than a minute, federal and state officials remove an old diversion dam on a tributary to the Sacramento River, opening 5 miles of habitat to protected fish.
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Announcing this year’s recipients of the Science in Studio Award
We are pleased to announce the recipients of this year’s Science in Studio Award: Protecting Our Waters from Toxic Pollutants.
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By going fishing and viewing marine life, 100,000 youth experience the ocean’s wonders
In January, 30 eager youth headed out for the experience of a lifetime. The kids boarded the Dolphin for a day of fishing and viewing marine life—something few had ever dreamt of.
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New West Coast Team & Coordinator to lead engagement on recreational fisheries issues, working to strengthen fishing opportunity & partnerships
A newly established NOAA Fisheries coordinator & team will work with anglers & fisheries managers to improve recreational fishing opportunity and stewardship throughout the Pacific states.
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New adult fish facility opens Oregon’s South Santiam basin to threatened salmon & steelhead
Oregon’s Foster Dam just got an upgrade, one that is proving vital to the survival of threatened Upper Willamette River spring Chinook salmon and winter steelhead.
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Genetics Lab Unravels Mystery Killing At Sea
There was not much left of the victim. Scientists used genetics to identify what fell prey to the killer whale attack off the coast of central California
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Partnerships and innovation contributing to recovery of West Coast abalone populations
To rebuild abalone populations, NOAA Fisheries is tapping into partnerships and innovative restoration techniques to swing the pendulum toward recovery.
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Surprise Discovery off California Exposes Loggerhead 'Lost Years'
Discovering juvenile loggerhead turtles more than 200 miles from California reveals new details about a mysterious part of the endangered turtles’ epic migration known as “the lost years.”
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Veterans aid fish recovery, gain work experience through Vet Corps
The Veterans Fisheries Corps Program is providing veterans with training and natural resources work experience restoring fish habitat and conducting research and monitoring.
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Preparing for a fourth year of drought, NOAA Fisheries takes action with partners for 2015 water operations
Since Governor Brown’s drought declaration last January, NOAA has worked with federal and state partners to manage the state’s limited water supply as efficiently and effectively as possible
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Turning the High Beams on Ocean Acidification
A grant of $1.4 million will help shellfish growers and scientific experts work together to expand ocean acidification monitoring in waters particularly important to Pacific coast communities.
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Enjoy watching Elephant seals, but from a safe distance
Elephant seals are back on West Coast beaches. Here are interesting facts as well as safe viewing guidelines. As with all marine mammals, stay safe by staying back.
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Biggest fish in the ocean receives international protection
Whale sharks are among the world’s largest fish, and it is precisely their size that prompted restrictions to protect them from impacts associated with tuna fishing.
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New U.S. Commissioner to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission
President Obama appointed Barry Thom, NOAA Fisheries Deputy Regional Administrator of the West Coast Region, as a U.S. Commissioner to the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission.
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Survey Surprises
An on-going survey encountered species of tropical whales and birds, never before documented so far north, as well as loggerhead turtles, likely attracted by unusually warm waters.
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Just in time for winter, endangered coho find refuge in newly restored habitat
Just in time for winter, endangered coho find refuge in newly restored habitat
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Sockeye Fitness
Endangered Snake River sockeye salmon are regaining the fitness of their wild ancestors, with naturally spawned juveniles migrating to the ocean and returning as adults at a much higher rate.
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From its headwaters to the sea, California’s Ten Mile River undergoes a restoration transformation
Partners are coming together to do something no one in California has ever done before – restore an entire watershed from the headwaters to the sea to help recover endangered coho salmon.
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The importance of Eelgrass
NOAA Fisheries is providing guidelines to prevent further loss of one of nature’s most valuable and productive habitats in the marine environment—eelgrass.
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Countries increase protections for overfished Pacific bluefin tuna
United States, Mexico and Japan propose to reduce the catch of Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean, a critical step in rebuilding the population of this overfished species.
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Countries increase protections for overfished Pacific bluefin tuna
United States, Mexico and Japan propose to reduce the catch of Pacific bluefin tuna in the eastern Pacific Ocean, a critical step in rebuilding the population of this overfished species.
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West Coast Marine Mammal Survey Spots Unusual Whales, Dolphins, Turtles and Seabirds
A warmer ocean has been linked to sightings of unusual species of seabirds, fish and marine mammals rarely seen in the northern Pacific.
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Simple solution, big benefits – LED lights shown to reduce eulachon bycatch
Researchers have discovered a simple but extraordinarily effective means of keeping threatened eulachon out of fishing nets trawling for pink shrimp: light up their escape route.
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New plan lays framework for recovering threatened coho salmon
Newly adopted plan provides framework for recovering coho salmon across 13 million acres of land in southern Oregon and northern California.
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Oregon charter captain sentenced for harvesting protected salmon
An Oregon charter boat captain pleaded guilty and was sentenced for harvesting protected wild coho salmon with sport fishing clients.
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NOAA Fisheries proposes requiring streamer lines to protect seabirds
New rule proposes use of streamer lines to keep endangered short-tailed albatross from getting caught in fishing gear.
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Unusual North Pacific warmth
NOAA Fisheries is watching a persistent expanse of exceptionally warm water spanning the Gulf of Alaska that could send reverberations through the marine food web.
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Anglers and Scientists Team up for Rockfish
Northwest scientists go out into the Puget Sound with local fishermen to learn more about Rockfish, and plan for their recovery.
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Oregon deck boss charged with assaulting federal fishery observer
An Oregon deck boss has been charged with assaulting a federal fishery observer while at sea.
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Humpback whales freed, thanks to partners mobilizing rapid response
NOAA Fisheries' West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network mobilized rescue teams to free a juvenile and adult humpback whale that, in separate events, became entangled in fishing gear.
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Sockeye on the road to recovery
Sockeye salmon are breaking records, passing Bonneville in numbers not seen since the dam was completed in 1938. The return to Lower Granite Dam is the third strongest since 1975.
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Recovering Central Valley’s Salmon & Steelhead
Three species of salmon and steelhead in California's Central Valley currently face extinction. A new NOAA Fisheries' Recovery Plan is guiding restoration efforts.
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The West Coast groundfish fishery has received its “sustainable” certification from the international Marine Stewardship Council.
The West Coast groundfish fishery has received its “sustainable” certification.
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You Say Okanogan, I say Okanagan, but Salmon Will Call it Home
Under the ESA, NOAA Fisheries designated an “experimental population” to reintroduce spring-run Chinook salmon to the Okanogan River.
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Special Report: Southern Resident Killer Whales
Southern Resident Killer Whales: 10 Years of Research & Conservation report released
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Washington’s Baker River reaches all time record—one million salmon are on their way to the Pacific Ocean
A record-smashing season for young salmon migrating down the Baker River in Washington. One million fish just passed the hydroelectric project thanks to innovative fish passage technology.
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The Best of the West, Photo Contest Captures Breadth of NOAA Fisheries’ Mission in Action
“Perfect composition,” “precise balance,” “unexpected beauty,” and “layers of action” are sentiments used to describe the winners of NOAA Fisheries’ 2014 West Coast Photo Contest.
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Seeing Puget Sound through a new lens: underwater exploration supports rockfish recovery efforts
With over 2,200 scuba dives and countless hours operating a remotely operated vehicle, one man's expertise is contributing to the future of nearly 30 rockfish species in Puget Sound.
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Precision mapping opens new window on salmon habitat
Habitat survey teams are fanning out, measuring the fine details of Columbia Basin rivers and streams as part of an ambitious initiative to assess and track the condition of fish habitat.
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Big Data from a Small Device
One of the biggest tools in salmon restoration is about the size of a grain of rice. Learn about salmon restoration and Pit Tags.
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World Fish Migration Day
Migratory fish are threatened by barriers such as dams and weirs. NOAA Fisheries and our partners will sponsor fun and educational events all over the region. What is happening in your area?
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Fishery Survey Vessel Reuben Lasker
What is 208-ft. long, glides through the ocean as silent as a gray whale, counts fish with the speed of sound, and calls San Diego home? NOAA Fisheries' newest vessel, Reuben Lasker.
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The Status of the Stocks Report
New NOAA reports show strong economic gains from fishing and continued progress toward rebuilding and recovering our Nation's fisheries.
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With forecast of strong returns, salmon fisheries now open off West Coast
Ocean salmon fisheries are open off the West Coast. Scientists project that 3.2 million Chinook and 2.5 million coho salmon will return this year—adding up to a 2014 salmon season akin to 2013.
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Ocean conditions drove recent Columbia River sockeye booms
Sockeye have surprised the Northwest in recent years by returning to the Columbia River in tremendous numbers. Now scientists know why.
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Investing in the Future: an Innovative New Stewardship Program
NOAA and partners awarded $4.9M for long-term stewardship of sites in Commencement Bay, WA. A new collaborative will conserve habitat and provide shoreline access to urban communities.
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Rolling up their sleeves to commemorate Earth Day: NOAA staff work to restore Seattle campus shoreline
To commemorate Earth Day, NOAA staff will be rolling up their sleeves to restore shoreline habitat along Lake Washington at our Western Regional Center in Seattle.
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Oregon farmers find a cool solution for steelhead
Locally developed system balances the water needs of Oregon farmers with that of protected steelhead by keeping cool water in streams during extreme heat.
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Who Rules California's Russian River?
NOAA research and forecasting unifies conservationists, farmers, and winegrowers vying for a limited water supply in California's Russian River.
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Habitat Conservation Plans: Mitigating private activities to protect vulnerable species
To protect vulnerable species, we must protect their natural habitats. The Endangered Species Act provides a tool, known as a Habitat Conservation Plan, to do just this.
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Working to protect steelhead while maintaining flood protection for Santa Barbara County
New plan lays framework to maintain flood protection for Santa Barbara County while improving fish passage and protecting riparian habitats.
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Creating the Nearshore Habitat Animation
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Removing barrier opens 40 miles of habitat to threatened steelhead in California Creek
A concrete wall once kept steelhead from reaching prime habitat in a tributary of San Francisco Bay. NOAA & partners came together to remove the barrier, opening 40 stream miles to fish.
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Bridging art with science to protect salmon habitat
Healthy shorelines are vital to the survival of young salmon. To protect these habitats, NOAA and students bridged art with science to create an animation that calls us to action.
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NOAA Scientist has deep roots
Melanie Harrison's great grandmother influenced her decision to become a NOAA scientist. She puts her Alabama roots to work managing water resources and protecting fish species.
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Protecting fish from California's extreme drought
It seems intuitive that fish need water, but water is getting harder to come by. NOAA is working with partners to ensure vulnerable fish populations survive the dangerously dry conditions.
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Removal of Stearns Dam supports steelhead reintroduction program in Oregon’s Deschutes River Basin
Stearns Dam is the latest structure to be removed from the Pacific Northwest's landscape. The removal supports the reintroduction of steelhead into Oregon's Deschutes River Basin.
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NOAA art contest inspires ocean awareness among local youth
The NOAA art contest provides a unique way to get high school students involved and educate them about ocean and environmental health.
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Killer in Distress
Why isn't the Southern Resident killer whale population rebounding? Find out what NOAA's scientists and managers are doing to help this endangered species recover.
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Historic accord sets stage for anti-poaching program in California’s Garcia River watershed
Tribe, state, and feds come together to address poaching in California's Garcia River watershed. New accord sets stage to protect the watershed's listed salmon and steelhead.
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Bay Delta Conservation Plan Draft EIS/EIR
The Draft Bay Delta Conservation Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Impact Statement are now available for public comment
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Greater number of whale sightings cause for celebration, but remember to give whales a wide berth
It is natural to be mesmerized by the colossal size and strength of whales. But don’t get too close. It’s dangerous for you and the whale, and may interfere with its ability to find food.
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Washington Shellfish Initiative lifts Native Oyster Restoration Efforts in Puget Sound
Native oyster restoration efforts in the Puget Sound are moving forward, thanks to the Washington Shellfish Initiative.
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Eight months of rehabilitation culminates in sea turtle’s release near Long Beach
Last winter, an emaciated olive ridley turtle washed on Venice Beach. The turtle suffered from hypothermia, starvation, and an inability to float. Now rehabilitated, it was released this fall.
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Rights of Passage: Taking Action to Restore Listed Anadromous Fish
Fish passage has a new meaning thanks to innovative technology and design. In Oregon & Washington, current and planned dam passage operations are working to protect the resource.
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Sonar technology takes scientists under Ozette Lake's water, revealing new picture for threatened sockeye's recovery
Sonar technology is being used to census adult fish in one of Washington State’s most pristine bodies of water—Ozette Lake.
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Smart Management, Smart Fishermen: Strategies Shift as West Coast Fleet Gains Confidence under Catch Shares
Less than three years after its inauguration and despite initial uncertainty a new fishery management system for West Coast trawl fishermen is a huge success.
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Gray whale freed from rope entanglement thanks to international collaboration
Banding together to protect marine mammals: U.S., Tribal, and Canadian partners come together to free a gray whale from rope entanglement in Strait of Juan de Fuca.
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Making way for steelhead: Removal of obsolete Idaho dam reopens prime spawning reaches
Dutch Flat Dam, a nearly century-old barrier near Troy, Idaho, was once as forgotten as the steelhead run that it blocked. But fish will soon return to pristine habitat because the dam is coming down.
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Community comes together to restore Morro Bay's eelgrass beds
A community responds to a request from the Morro Bay National Estuary Program to protect the bay’s rapidly declining eelgrass beds.
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RCO Salmon Video
"There are a handful of critters that define this region, and Pacific salmon are right at the top.” Partners are coming together in Washington to restore the state’s iconic salmon runs. Watch the video and
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Restoring salmon runs requires floodplain restoration
Floodplains play a quiet but vital role in the health of West Coast salmon. They provide refuge for young salmon to forage and rear and they support adult salmon returning to spawn.
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Enforcement officers hit the water to protect Puget Sound's Southern Resident killer whales from vessels
More law enforcement will watch whales and boats in Puget Sound. NOAA provided a $925,000 grant to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to keep vessels 200 yards away from Orcas.
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A single sockeye’s homecoming brings hope to the Yakima Basin
One hundred years. That’s how long it’s been since native sockeye populations inhabited the lakes of the Yakima Basin—until now.
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Pescadero Steelhead can celebrate Independence Day
Volunteers in hip boots and waders rescued threatened steelhead from an oxygen-depleted beach lagoon. Fifty-four adult fish were acclimated to cool sea water, then released into the ocean.
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A new addition to A pod, Springer seen with new calf
Remarkable news for killer whale recovery efforts—Springer, an orphaned killer whale rescued and returned to her family in 2002, is sighted with newborn calf off coast of British Columbia.
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NOAA Fisheries announces new West Coast Region—Northwest Region & Southwest Region unite to protect marine resources West Coast-wide
NOAA Fisheries announces merger of Northwest and Southwest Regions. Today we unite as a single region, the West Coast Region, to protect NOAA’s trust resources coast-wide.
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Newly adopted Recovery Plan guides restoration of lower Columbia River salmon & steelhead
Newly adopted recovery plan provides framework for restoring lower Columbia River salmon & steelhead. NOAA works with partners to put the plan into action.
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Youth Stream Team
Environmental program helps children delve into science, exposing them to fish biology and watershed dynamics. Learn how NOAA funds supported local youth habitat monitoring and restoration.
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Catch and Release for Puget Sound’s Rockfish: the Catch is in the Release
Puget Sound Anglers, the largest fishing club in Washington, teaches safe catch, recompression and release for deep water species to reduce fish deaths from barotrauma.
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Where did the Juvenile Sockey go?
With a network of receivers along the Salmon River, NOAA scientists search for clues that will solve a mystery. Why do so many young sockeye salmon disappear on their way to the ocean?
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Ocean Drifters have been telling stories for decades
Who knows where this drift bottle may have traveled during 47 years at sea? An Alaska resident found the survey in a bottle, one of almost 10,000 released to track ocean currents and fish migration.
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Returning salmon bring a better life to eastern Washington State
Recreational fishing businesses benefit from strong salmon runs. People are working together to protect and restore wild salmon habitat as salmon fishing spurs economic activity across Washington.
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Middle Columbia River Steelhead: Recovery and Restoration
In eastern Oregon, NOAA and partners work to recover threatened Middle Columbia Steelhead protected under the Endangered Species Act.
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Have Your Hake and Eat It Too
NOAA scientists and West Coast fishermen collaborated to reduce uncertainty in the Pacific hake fishery, improving near-term outlook for fishermen while protecting long-term availability of the fish.
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Status of Stocks 2012
The 2012 Status of Stocks report shows we have rebuilt six more fish stocks for a total of 32 stocks since 2000. On top of that, overfishing in U.S. fisheries is at an all-time low.
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Announcing Winners of the 2nd Annual NOAA Fisheries Northwest Photo Contest
These images – a close up of a bull kelp, the synchronous leap of Pacific White-Sided dolphins, a foggy scene of field work, among many others – inspire and remind us our work is important.
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Celebrating Earth Day
NOAA's Earth Day 2013 festivities span the nation with nearly 100 public events – there's something for everyone! Find out more on NOAA’s Earth Day page
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NOAA teams up with PNCA for an educational video about crucial nearshore habitat
To create an animated plea to maintain natural, non-armored shorelines as crucial habitat for juvenile salmon, NOAA teamed up with students at the Pacific Northwest College of Art
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New Fish Passage Opens Up Historical Habitat
A narrow canyon, an aging hydroelectric dam and dedicated engineering: the multi-year project adds vital upstream and downstream fish passage on the North Umpqua River
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Recreational Fisheries will get a boost from collaboration of NOAA + Rec Fishing Industry
NOAA and a group of Northwest anglers work together to enhance recreational fishing opportunities for everyone.
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Local High Schools Show Ocean Science Knowledge in the Orca Bowl and the Salmon Bowl with help from NOAA Staff
Northwest students excelled at the Orca Bowl and Salmon Bowl Competitions. Now the winners are on their way to the 16th Annual National Ocean Science Bowl in Wisconsin.
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Using the Pacific Ocean to predict Columbia River Chinook returns
Predicting the future is not for the faint of heart, but scientists are using biological indicators from the Pacific Ocean to make Chinook run predictions that are better than hunches.
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NOAA works with the Federal Highway Administration to protect aquatic life
As they modernize transportation systems, the Federal Highway Administration keeps the Endangered Species Act in mind.
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Modernized Minto Fish Trap will be safer for fish and for fish biologists
A modern Minto Fish Trap on the North Santiam River will protect listed steelhead and spring Chinook salmon as well as provide a safer environment for the biologists.
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Fisher Slough Marsh Restoration
Restoration has immediate biological benefits as well as long-term economic benefits.
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Killer Whales & Salmon
Many salmon populations, like the whales that eat them, are threatened. There may not be enough Chinook to restore and grow the Northwest's killer whale population.
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Explore Our New Website!
The Northwest Region has a new website for you to explore!
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NOAA and partners use settlement funds to restore central Oregon’s Beaver Creek
NOAA & partners use settlement funds to restore Central Oregon's Beaver Creek
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First year of West Coast catch share shows promise
In 2011, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council and NOAA Fisheries implemented the West Coast Groundfish Trawl Catch Share Program. In just one year, the program has become a national model for sustainable fisheries management.
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Willamette River recognized with prestigious Thiess International Riverprize
The International RiverFoundation awarded the 2012 Thiess International Riverprize to restoration partners in the Willamette River Basin.
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NOAA proceeds with steelhead reintroduction in the Deschutes River Basin
The Deschutes River Basin once supported thriving steelhead runs. In 1964, the completion of Round Butte Dam prevented juvenile steelhead from migrating to the ocean.
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Small research station provides immense value to scientific advancement and marine exploration
The Point Adams Biological Research Station, at the mouth of the Columbia River, is where NOAA Fisheries scientists discover new understandings about ecology.
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Face to Face with an Orca: New Exhibit Tells the Story of Sooke to Shed Light on the Killer Whales’ Plight
Every birth and death within an endangered population matters. With Southern Resident killer whales, every individual whale has a name and a story.