West Coast
West Coast
From killer whales slicing through waves to salmon jumping rapids on their journey home, marine life fills and defines the waters of the West Coast. Fishing the Pacific lifts spirits, feeds families and supports the economies of California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. We harvest close to a billion pounds of seafood, worth nearly $1 billion, each year.
The ocean also shapes our communities and culture, from the colorful heritage of Cannery Row to tribes celebrating the seasonโs first salmon to return from the sea. Parents teach their kids to fish the West Coastโs 7,000 miles of shore and view wildlife such as elephant seals, sea turtles, and sea lions. Our prolific bays and estuaries nurture Dungeness crabs, oysters, and other delectable shellfish prized around the world.
NOAA Fisheriesโ West Coast Region, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, and Southwest Fisheries Science Center work together to apply the latest science to sustainably manage the rich marine resources of the region for generations to come.
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Featured News
Gray seal, Louis Armstrong, is released at Assateague Island National Seashore following rehabilitation at National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Credit: National Aquarium
NOAA Fisheries Awards $3.8 Million for Marine Mammal Rescue Efforts through Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grants
Sitka, Alaska, is home to commercial fishing vessels. (Image credit: NOAA)
Vessels from the West Coast squid fleet followed market squid north into Oregon as ocean waters warmed, leading Oregon to adopt its first regulations for squid fishing in the state. Photo courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
7 Ways El Niรฑo and Large Marine Heatwave Could Affect West Coast Marine Species
Free Course on Boating Safely Around Whales Expands to West Coast and Hawaiสปi
Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week!
Notices & Rules
Bulletins
Inseason Action #10 - #11 in Ocean Salmon Fisheries, North of Cape Falcon (Commercial)
Inseason Action #8 - #9 in Ocean Salmon Fisheries, North of Cape Falcon (Commercial)
Final Rule: Pacific Halibut Directed Commercial Fishery Annual Management Measures
Inseason Action #6 - #7 in Ocean Salmon Fisheries, North of Cape Falcon (Commercial)
Open Funding Opportunities
Featured Highlights
Tidal wetlands in the Nisqually River Basin, where restored habitat fosters growth of juvenile salmon and steelhead on their way to the ocean.
Northwest Science
We use science to improve peopleโs lives, save species, and protect ecosystems. Our scientists conduct cutting-edge biological, economic, and oceanographic research. We observe and monitor living marine resources and their environments in the Pacific Northwest and California Current ecosystem. We also study the impacts of environmental variability and climate change on marine ecosystems and fishery socioeconomics. Together with decision-makers at NOAA, other federal agencies, states, and others, we apply this scientific knowledge to make our environment healthier and improve peopleโs lives and livelihoods.
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Science News & Blogs
7 Ways El Niรฑo and Large Marine Heatwave Could Affect West Coast Marine Species
Vessels from the West Coast squid fleet followed market squid north into Oregon as ocean waters warmed, leading Oregon to adopt its first regulations for squid fishing in the state. Photo courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Dr. Holmes led a hack2week workshop as part of a NOAA International Fellowship in India in September 2023. Credit: International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography
50 Years of Innovation and Leadership: Celebrating the Magnuson-Stevens Act
U.S. Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Warren Magnuson (D-WA), 1973.
50 Years of Environmental Data Can Predict Health and Strandings of Sea Lions Pups in California
A California sea lion with her pup on the beach at San Miguel Island. Photo taken under NOAA Fisheries Permit #16087. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Southwest Science
Our research encompasses the waters of the California Current and adjacent inland watersheds, bays and estuaries of California. Extending along the U.S. Coast from Canada to Mexico, the California Current is characterized by some of the most dramatic annual, interannual, and decadal environmental variability in the world. These waters support valuable commercial, tribal, and recreational fisheries and are also home to many protected species of marine mammals, turtles, and seabirds.
Our scientists conduct biological, ecological and oceanographic research, observations, and monitoring of the regionโs living marine resources and their environments. We also conduct research on the impacts of environmental variability and climate change on marine ecosystems and on fishery and conservation socio-economics. We work with numerous partners and our NOAA Fisheries counterpartsโthe Northwest, Pacific Islands and Alaska Fisheries Science Centers and the West Coast Regional Officeโto provide sound science for domestic and international management decisions. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to ensure that the regionโs living marine resources remain at healthy and sustainable levels, as functioning parts of their ecosystems, and continue to enhance the quality of life for the public.
We also conduct research throughout the Pacific Ocean and in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica.
Research Topics
- Aquaculture
- California Cooperative Oceanic Fisheries Investigations (CalCOFI)
- California Current Integrated Ecosystem Assessment (CCIEA)
- Socio-economics of Eastern Pacific and West Coast Fisheries
- Cetacean Genome Project
- California Central Valley Chinook Salmon Life Cycle Modeling
- Social-economics of California Salmonid Habitat and Water Resource
- Leatherback Turtle Recovery
Resources
- Ocean Technology Development Test Tank
- ERDDAP data server
- SWFSC Data on the NOAA Big Data Program (BDP)
- SWFSC Metadata Library on Fisheries InPort
- Marine Heatwave Tracker
- Ecosystem-based and Dynamic Ocean Management
- Dynamic West Coast Sea Surface Temperature Interactive
- Pacific Fisheries Information Network
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Science News & Blogs
7 Ways El Niรฑo and Large Marine Heatwave Could Affect West Coast Marine Species
Vessels from the West Coast squid fleet followed market squid north into Oregon as ocean waters warmed, leading Oregon to adopt its first regulations for squid fishing in the state. Photo courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Dr. Holmes led a hack2week workshop as part of a NOAA International Fellowship in India in September 2023. Credit: International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography
50 Years of Innovation and Leadership: Celebrating the Magnuson-Stevens Act
U.S. Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Warren Magnuson (D-WA), 1973.
50 Years of Environmental Data Can Predict Health and Strandings of Sea Lions Pups in California
A California sea lion with her pup on the beach at San Miguel Island. Photo taken under NOAA Fisheries Permit #16087. Credit: NOAA Fisheries
Fisheries Overview
We collaborate extensively with the Pacific Fishery Management Council, Native American Indian tribes, and the four states within the region in our management of highly migratory species (e.g., tunas, sharks), coastal pelagic species (e.g., sardine and anchovy), groundfish, and salmon, as well as the habitats upon which they rely.
We participate in the implementation of numerous international treaties and other agreements to sustainably conserve fisheries for cross-boundary species including highly migratory fish, particularly tuna; whiting; halibut, and salmon; and protect marine mammals of mutual interest to nations of the Pacific.
We also ensure that federal ocean fisheries along the West Coast are managed to uphold Native American Tribal treaty fishing rights.
Salmon and Steelhead
Coastal Pelagic Species
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Fisheries News
Inseason Action #10 - #11 in Ocean Salmon Fisheries, North of Cape Falcon (Commercial)
Inseason Action #8 - #9 in Ocean Salmon Fisheries, North of Cape Falcon (Commercial)
Final Rule: Pacific Halibut Directed Commercial Fishery Annual Management Measures
Inseason Action #6 - #7 in Ocean Salmon Fisheries, North of Cape Falcon (Commercial)
Protected Marine Life
We conserve and restore marine resources on the West Coast. Under the Endangered Species Act, we develop protections, designate critical habitat, implement recovery, and authorize scientific research permits for threatened and endangered species. We also manage and conserve marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and coordinate and support the marine mammal stranding networks. Our work covers a vast geography, including the inland and coastal waters of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and California.
Habitat protection and restoration are critical components of species recovery and conservation. We work with partners to protect and restore habitats necessary for species recovery, using an ecosystem-based approach that considers benefits, interactions, and trade-offs for multiple species.
Marine Mammal Protection
- Our Work Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
- Marine Mammals on the West Coast
- Report Dead, Injured, Stranded, or Entangled Marine Mammals
- Saving the Southern Resident Killer Whales
- Large Whale Entanglement
- Permits & Authorizations
- Share the Shore: Responsible Marine Mammal Viewing
- Southern Resident Killer Whale Updates
Pacific Salmon Recovery
- Saving Pacific Salmon and Steelhead
- Report Card on Recovery: Reviews Assess 28 Salmon and Steelhead Species
- Salmon and Steelhead Research in the Pacific Northwest
- Climate Impacts to Salmon of the Pacific Northwest
- Recovery Through Reintroductions for Californiaโs Central Valley Salmon
- Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund
- Salmon Education Materials for the Classroom
- What You Can Do to Help Recover Salmon
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Marine Life News
NOAA Fisheries Awards $3.8 Million for Marine Mammal Rescue Efforts through Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grants
Gray seal, Louis Armstrong, is released at Assateague Island National Seashore following rehabilitation at National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Credit: National Aquarium
7 Ways El Niรฑo and Large Marine Heatwave Could Affect West Coast Marine Species
Vessels from the West Coast squid fleet followed market squid north into Oregon as ocean waters warmed, leading Oregon to adopt its first regulations for squid fishing in the state. Photo courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Good News Stories for Endangered Species Day 2026
Is It a Dolphin or a Porpoise?
At first glance, dolphins and porpoises look similar. Taking a closer look, there are some general differences that distinguish these animals. See the common bottlenose dolphin (left) and harbor porpoise (right) pictured above.
Habitat Overview
We help other federal agencies conserve habitat for protected species and for essential fish habitat to support commercial, tribal, and recreational fisheries. We review federal proposals for land and water development to make sure these activities do not further degrade habitat or harm protected species. We also provide technical assistance and funding to support restoration activities that improve habitat. With our partners, we are working on hundreds of projects to protect and restore vital habitat for West Coast fish and wildlife populations.
Habitat Consultations and Resources
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Habitat News
7 Ways El Niรฑo and Large Marine Heatwave Could Affect West Coast Marine Species
Vessels from the West Coast squid fleet followed market squid north into Oregon as ocean waters warmed, leading Oregon to adopt its first regulations for squid fishing in the state. Photo courtesy of California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Reconnecting Rivers Boosts Oregon Coast Coho Recovery
Neskowin Creek, a salmon stream in Tillamook County, Oregon, flows out to the Pacific Ocean. Credit: Adobe Stock
Decades of Effort Restore Steelhead and Salmon Passage on California's Alameda Creek
A steelhead leaps up a barrier on its way to spawning grounds. Credit: Adobe Stock
Restoring Cold-Water Pathways for Idahoโs Salmon and Steelhead
The Salmon River, which is part of the Snake River Basin in Idaho. Credit: Adobe Stock
50 Years of Innovation and Leadership: Celebrating the Magnuson-Stevens Act
U.S. Senators Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Warren Magnuson (D-WA), 1973.
Species Overview
On the West Coast and in the watersheds of Washington, Oregon, California, and Idaho, we manage commercial and recreational fisheries for more than 100 species of salmon, groundfish, coastal pelagics such as anchovy and sardine, and highly migratory species such as billfish, sharks, and tunas. We work to recover and conserve threatened and endangered marine and anadromous species, as well as manage and conserve marine mammals. Our Science Centers conduct cutting-edge biological, economic, and oceanographic research, as well as observations and monitoring of living marine resources and their environments. Below are links to learn about a few of our West Coast species. You can also see a list of all species managed on the West Coast.
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Species News
NOAA Fisheries Awards $3.8 Million for Marine Mammal Rescue Efforts through Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grants
Gray seal, Louis Armstrong, is released at Assateague Island National Seashore following rehabilitation at National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Credit: National Aquarium
Free Course on Boating Safely Around Whales Expands to West Coast and Hawaiสปi
Reconnecting Rivers Boosts Oregon Coast Coho Recovery
Neskowin Creek, a salmon stream in Tillamook County, Oregon, flows out to the Pacific Ocean. Credit: Adobe Stock
Decades of Effort Restore Steelhead and Salmon Passage on California's Alameda Creek
A steelhead leaps up a barrier on its way to spawning grounds. Credit: Adobe Stock