The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has been a cornerstone of ocean science, conservation, and economic stability in the U.S. for over 50 years. Today, NOAA Fisheries, the branch focused on managing and protecting marine resources, is absolutely essential to keeping our oceans healthy, our fisheries sustainable, and our coastal communities thriving.
These days, NOAA has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons, with major layoffs raising serious concerns about its future. The recent cuts have already disrupted essential operations, and if this trend continues, the consequences will be severe. As Robert Vandermark, Executive Director of the Marine Fish Conservation Network, puts it, “U.S. fisheries generate approximately 2.3 million jobs and more than $470 billion to our economy. We need the fisheries experts and resources at NOAA to do the hard work of keeping our oceans healthy and our fisheries productive so that we can all benefit from them.” That’s a staggering number, and NOAA plays a huge role in making sure this industry remains viable. Without it, we risk destabilizing fisheries, threatening jobs, and undermining decades of progress in ocean conservation.
One of the most crucial things NOAA does is provide the science that keeps fisheries sustainable. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), also known as NOAA Fisheries, tracks fish populations and helps set responsible catch limits to prevent overfishing. This is critical, just a few decades ago, many fisheries were in serious trouble due to overfishing and poor management. Thanks to NOAA’s science-based approach, the U.S. now has some of the most sustainable fisheries in the world. Without NOAA’s stock assessments and data-driven policies, we could easily slide back into those dark days of depleted fish stocks and economic hardship. Erica Fuller of the Conservation Law Foundation warns, “A dismantled NOAA means efforts to protect fish populations, manage federal fisheries, and safeguard ecologically important habitat would grind to a halt, putting marine ecosystems and livelihoods at risk.”
NOAA is also essential for keeping fishermen safe. Commercial and recreational fishermen alike depend on NOAA’s accurate weather forecasts to decide when and where to fish. Ocean conditions can change in an instant, and without reliable forecasts, fishing trips could turn deadly. Linda Behnken, Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, explains, “Our fishermen rely on timely and accurate weather data for safety and trip planning; we rely on comprehensive resource surveys and sound science as the basis for fisheries management.” When you’re out on the water, that kind of information isn’t just useful—it’s lifesaving.
Beyond science and safety, NOAA is deeply woven into the economies of coastal communities. Fishermen, seafood processors, and local businesses all rely on NOAA to keep fisheries running smoothly. “NOAA’s contribution to our sport and commercial fishermen is unparalleled,” says Bob Rees, Executive Director of the Northwest Guides and Anglers Association. “Stock assessments enable access to abundant fish, while protecting declining populations. NOAA’s weather forecasts enable access to our fishery resources when seas are safe.” Without NOAA, the entire system that supports American seafood, from the ocean to the dinner table, would be at risk.
Of course, the fishing industry faces plenty of challenges beyond government cuts. Climate change, habitat destruction, and market fluctuations are making it harder for fishermen to earn a living. NOAA helps the industry adapt by providing economic and environmental data that allow policymakers to make smart decisions. A recent NOAA report found that Alaska’s seafood industry suffered a $1.8 billion loss from 2022–2023, with profitability plunging by 50%. That’s not just bad news for Alaska, it had ripple effects across the country, leading to 38,000 lost jobs and a $4.3 billion hit to the national economy. Without NOAA’s ability to track and respond to these trends, the seafood industry will be left to navigate a shifting landscape blindfolded.
Another huge part of NOAA’s mission is conservation. By protecting marine habitats, regulating bycatch, and managing marine protected areas, NOAA helps ensure that fish populations remain healthy for generations to come. Michelle Stratton, Executive Director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, puts it bluntly: “It is undeniable that without NOAA’s efforts, we would face far more significant challenges in maintaining the health of our fisheries. Through stock assessments and well-established management systems, NOAA is a part of the delicately balanced framework necessary for sustainable fishing.”
NOAA’s work touches every part of the seafood industry, from fishery law enforcement to disaster response. That’s why the recent layoffs and potential future cuts are so alarming. As Molly Masterton of the Natural Resources Defense Council warns, “Moves to slash and dismantle NOAA will harm our fishing communities, put ocean ecosystems at further risk, and undermine our readiness as a nation in the face of natural disasters.” The consequences won’t just affect fishermen, they will ripple through local economies, seafood markets, and even the plates of everyday consumers.
At SEVENSEAS, we’re doing everything we can to support science, conservation, fishing communities, and the current, former, and future employees of NOAA. This agency plays an irreplaceable role in the effort to create a more sustainable fishing industry and protect our oceans’ health. While we cannot control these changes, we can support the people and the movement by continuing our work. We, as a community, need to remain united in our shared goal of biodiversity conservation and protecting ecosystems- especially when institutions we relied on are no longer able to.
Standing strong for science,
Giacomo Abrusci, Founder & Executive Director
To learn some more about how NOAA helps fisheries check out this Ocean Conservancy Fact Sheet. Special thanks to the Marine Fish Conservation Network.
PHOTO CAPTIONS: Photo at Top: NOAA Ship DELAWARE II in the sunset of its career. This ship was decommissioned in September 2012.