A truly sustainable seafood industry also sustains the many communities that rely on that seafood for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and nutrition. Indeed, sustaining the participation of fishing communities in our fisheries is one of the explicit goals of the National Standards governing federal fisheries regulations. NOAA Fisheries’ work directly impacts the economic opportunities, health, and environment of many communities, both domestic and international.
U.S. Seafood Community
Ultimately, NOAA Fisheries can only carry out our mission of ensuring safe and sustainable seafood by working with a diversity of people. We support research, conservation initiatives, technological innovation, and community outreach. We fund institutions and organizations made up of those people—the anglers, commercial fishermen, aquaculturists, seafood companies, tribes, scientists, nonprofits, coastal communities, beachgoers, and more. Their expertise and perspectives directly influence how we manage fisheries and aquaculture, and protect marine mammals and endangered species, as we develop and enforce regulations that are fair and equitable.
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Faces of Seafood
Have you ever wondered how your seafood gets to your plate? Some may think the only players in the seafood supply chain are the people who catch the fish and the people who sell it. But with more than a million jobs supported by the U.S. seafood industry, the roles are as diverse as the people who fill them. A truly sustainable seafood industry also sustains the many communities that rely on that seafood for their livelihoods, cultural practices, and nutrition.
Learn more about the people who support U.S. seafood
Fishing Community Profiles
To better understand how changes in fishery regulations may impact different groups of people, we have created profiles of regional fishing communities. The profiles portray each community’s past and current engagement in fisheries. They also contain basic information on the social and economic characteristics of these communities. These reports allow us to assess the social and economic impacts of policies and regulations at the community level, an examination required by various federal statutes.
Learn more about fishing community profiles
Using Social Science to Benefit Communities
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We conduct additional economic and socio-cultural research beyond the fishing community profiles. This ensures we consider the needs of all of the people that depend on the living marine resources that we manage.
Economic and socio-cultural analyses help fisheries managers evaluate the benefits and costs of different activities, prioritize needs, and encourage policies that maximize societal benefits from ocean and coastal resources. By studying both the social and economic aspects of communities, we strive to manage fisheries and protected species in a way that balances the perspectives of multiple communities and fisheries-related disciplines.
Learn more about NOAA Fisheries’ socioeconomics research
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in Seafood Communities
NOAA Fisheries is committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility at all levels of the organization. We are cultivating a diverse workforce to reflect, understand, and respond to the varied communities and stakeholders we serve. We also celebrate the organizations leading the way. Below are just some of the great organizations that are working in this space, including:
- American Fisheries Society’s Hutton Junior Fisheries Biology Program
- Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo
- Minorities in Aquaculture
- Seafood and Gender Equality
- South Central Los Angeles Sustainable Seafood Hub
- Women in Aquaculture
Learn about the NOAA Fisheries Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan 2022–2025 (PDF, 18 pages)
Global Seafood Community
The United States is a global leader in conservation and sustainable seafood. Our nation is one of the largest consumers and importers of seafood in the world. U.S. standards for seafood products have a major impact on the sustainability of the world’s global seafood trade.
Strengthening Global Marine Stewardship
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We work closely with foreign governments, foreign entities, and international organizations to promote conservation and sustainable fisheries management internationally.
- International engagement
- International and regional fisheries management organizations
- International fisheries agreements
Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing
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Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing describes a wide variety of fishing-related activities that violate both national and international fishing regulations. These activities significantly undermine U.S. and global efforts to sustainably manage fisheries and conserve marine resources. As a result, IUU fishing threatens food security and upsets the economies of coastal communities around the world. NOAA Fisheries is one of several federal agencies working together to effectively address this critical issue.
- Understanding IUU fishing
- Identification of IUU fishing activities
- Keeping IUU fishing products out of U.S. markets
Improving Fisheries Governance
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The lack of information and oversight in fisheries management among some developing nations has resulted in declining marine stocks, many of which are vital to providing fish to the local markets. We encourage various fisheries governance projects and programs to achieve effective and responsible marine stewardship and ensure sustainable global fisheries management.
International fisheries governance efforts
Conserving International Species and Reducing Bycatch
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The United States is a leader in promoting the global conservation of marine mammals, sharks, tunas, sea turtles, and seabirds. One of the ways we work to conserve these species internationally is by helping foreign countries reduce bycatch. We support bilateral and multilateral cooperative efforts that work on the ground to reduce bycatch, including data collection efforts and projects to improve bycatch reduction technologies.
International bycatch reduction projects and resources
