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
Research
Northeast Shark Research
We conduct shark life history research and long-term monitoring activities essential for stock assessment and management.
Passive Acoustic Technologies
We record sounds in the ocean to learn about marine mammals and other ocean species, working with partners around the globe.
Fish and Invertebrate Acoustics
We record the sounds produced by fish and invertebrates to study their spawning behaviors, locations, and potential threats.
On the Probable Distribution of Stock-Recruitment Resilience of Pacific Saury (Cololabis saira) in the Northwest Pacific Ocean
Our numerical simulation approach provides an analytical tool for calculating the steepness…
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.