NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the management, conservation, and protection of living marine resources within the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. We also play a support and advisory role in the management of living marine resources in coastal areas under state jurisdiction, provide scientific and policy leadership in the international arena, and implement internationally agreed conservation and management measures. We have defined our mission as follows:

This statement expresses our commitment to taking a rational, scientific approach to the difficult, contentious issues of living marine resource management. NOAA Fisheries’ aim is to maximize benefits to the Nation from living marine resources without compromising the long-term health of coastal and marine ecosystems. As stewards, we manage for the sustainable use of living marine resources, including both consumptive and nonconsumptive uses, such as fishing, aquaculture, photography and observation. We strive to balance competing public needs and interests in the use and enjoyment of our living marine resources, while preserving their biological integrity.