The Groundfish Ecology Program researches marine life off the West Coast of the United States. Our scientists spend time at sea studying groundfish and their habitats through our acoustic, hook and line, and trawl surveys. In addition, we research methods to reduce bycatch through gear modifications. Our program is responsible for collecting the biological information, habitat, and population data used to evaluate the status of West Coast groundfish. The Groundfish Ecology Program encompasses several teams: Fisheries Research Surveys, Fisheries Engineering and Acoustic Technology, and Marine Habitat Ecology. Our teams frequently collaborate with the fishing industry, other NOAA labs such as the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Oregon State University, and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.