Vibrant fish populations are vital for healthy ocean ecosystems. We strive to preserve the natural diversity of the oceans to ensure abundant fish, bountiful seafood, and recreational opportunities for generations to come.
Our work emphasizes:
- Habitat protections for dwindling fish species so they have safe havens to live and spawn. Protected areas allow fish to grow bigger and reproduce more, which in turn produces the healthy fish populations that provide more seafood and fishing opportunities.
- A holistic approach to managing marine resources. We work with fishery managers to move beyond regulating one species at a time to considering the impacts of fish and fishing on entire ecosystems. Ecosystem-based fisheries management will provide a healthier environment where marine life can thrive.
- Recovery of depleted fish populations and preventing overfishing. Although plans to help dwindling fish populations are having success, we need a better system to ensure fishing quotas are followed for those species and others. Abundant fish populations produce more bountiful harvests for the future.
- Improving data about fish and fishing. More information will help inform future decisions about fishing rules.
Meet Our Team
- Lee Crockett, Director, U.S. Oceans
- Holly Binns, Director, U.S. Oceans, Southeast
- Thomas Wheatley, Manager, U.S. Oceans, Southeast
- Chad Hanson, Officer, U.S. Oceans, Southeast