West Coast: Southwest Science

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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 season’s first salmon to return from the sea. Parents teach their kids to fish the West Coast’s 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 Fisheries’ 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

Feature Story

New Clues Reveal Genetic Diversity among Alaska's Harbor Porpoises

Alaska
West Coast
Sardine collected on the 2023 Coastal Pelagic Species Survey. Pacific and Japanese sardine look so similar that they can only be distinguished by genetics. Genomic analysis later revealed that the catch contained both species. Photo Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Kelsey James
Feature Story

Surprise! Japanese Sardines Astonish Scientists by Crossing the Pacific to the West Coast

West Coast
A newly acquired Makah trawling vessel in Neah Bay, being made ready to fish in the tribal whiting fishery. Credit: J.L. Ise/NOAA Fisheries
Feature Story

New Science Plan Outlines Research Priorities on Effects of Offshore Wind Development Along the West Coast

West Coast
The California sea lion was estimated at about 2 years old when it was found shot in the back at Bolsa Chica State Beach August 7, 2024.
Feature Story

Reward Offered for Information on Shooting of Sea Lion Found Alive on Bolsa Chica State Beach

West Coast
Pacific bluefin tuna swim underwater. Credit: Adobe Stock
Feature Story

More U.S.-Caught Pacific Bluefin Tuna to Hit U.S. Markets Next Year

West Coast
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Notices & Rules

Fisheries

Incidental Take Authorization: Pile Training Exercises at Naval Base Ventura County, Port Hueneme in California (2025)

West Coast
West Coast
Fisheries

Amendment 34 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan: Groundfish Exclusion Area for Coral Research and Restoration

West Coast
West Coast
Protected Resources

Prey Increase Program for Southern Resident Killer Whales

West Coast
West Coast
Protected Resources

MMPA Section 101(a)(5)(E) Authorization for WA/OR/CA Sablefish Pot Fishery

West Coast
West Coast
Fisheries

Amendment 33 to the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan: 2025-2026 Groundfish Harvest Specifications and Management Measures

West Coast
West Coast
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Upcoming Events

Pacific Hake/Whiting Treaty: JMC & JTC Meeting, November 7, 2024, Virtual

Nov 7, 2024

West Coast
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Open Funding Opportunities

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Northwest Science

We use science to improve people’s 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 people’s lives and livelihoods.

Research Areas

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Surveys

Research Topics

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Science News & Blogs

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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 region’s 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 counterparts—the Northwest, Pacific Islands and Alaska Fisheries Science Centers and the West Coast Regional Office—to provide sound science for domestic and international management decisions. The ultimate goal of these efforts is to ensure that the region’s 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 Areas

Research Topics

Stock Assessments

Resources

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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.

Groundfish

Salmon and Steelhead

Highly Migratory Species

Coastal Pelagic Species

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Fisheries News

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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.

Endangered Species Conservation

Marine Mammal Protection

Maps and GIS Resources

National Topics

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Marine Life News

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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.

Conserving Habitat

Fish Passage

Habitat Consultations and Resources

Habitat Restoration

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Habitat News

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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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California Sea Lion

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Gray Whale

Drawing of a killer whale in profile

Killer Whale

Left-facing illustration of a leatherback turtle with a tear-drop shaped black body covered with white spots.

Leatherback Turtle

Color drawing of a white abalone from above

White Abalone

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Species News

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