About National Marine Fisheries
NOAA Fisheries is the federal agency, a division of the Department
of Commerce, responsible for the stewardship of the nation's living
marine resources and their habitat. NOAA Fisheries is responsible
for the management, conservation and protection of living marine
resources within the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (water
three to 200 mile offshore). Using the tools provided by the Magnuson-Stevens
Act, NOAA Fisheries assesses and predicts the status of fish stocks,
ensures compliance with fisheries regulations and works to reduce
wasteful fishing practices. Under the Marine Mammal Protection
Act and the Endangered Species Act, NOAA Fisheries recovers protected
marine species (i.e. whales, turtles) without unnecessarily impeding
economic and recreational opportunities. With the help of the six
regional offices and eight councils, NOAA Fisheries is able to
work with communities on fishery management issues. NOAA Fisheries
works to promote sustainable fisheries and to prevent lost economic
potential associated with overfishing, declining species and degraded
habitats. NOAA Fisheries
strives to balance competing public needs and interest in the use
and enjoyment of our oceans' resources.
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