We collect samples and data from fishery resources and the environment. These collections create data streams used throughout the Northeast Fisheries Science Center and by external users to assess the status and trends of fishery resources and the dynamics of the ecological processes that control resource productivity.

Cooperative Research Branch

We expand and improve the effectiveness of collaborative research throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England. This collaboration enhances the data used to make fishery management decisions and increases coordination, communication, learning, and trust among scientists, managers, and members of the industry.

We create opportunities to leverage expertise, research infrastructure, and unique field and analytical skills that further constructive collaboration within the Northeast and with diverse regional partners.

Emphasis is placed on working with industry to provide high quality fisheries and environmental data in near real-time to improve:

• The understanding of species distribution and environmental drivers
• The predictive modeling of these factors
• The precision of stock assessments
• The temporal and spatial resolution of multi-species catch and life history data

We are responsible for coordination, scientific and administrative oversight, peer review, and data archiving for NOAA Fisheries activities supported by Northeast and National cooperative research funds, as well as Congressionally funded non-governmental cooperative research programs.

Ecosystems Surveys 

The Ecosystems Surveys Branch collects fishery-independent data during standardized research vessel surveys from Cape Hatteras to the Scotian Shelf. Surveys also provide oceanographic and plankton data for monitoring the health and status of marine resources and their habitat.

During research vessel surveys, we gather data on distribution, abundance, feeding ecology, and size and age composition of stocks of economically and ecologically important species. We archive the data collected in these programs into computer data files which are vital for assessment and management.

Our staff also designs, builds, and tests much of its sampling gear and evaluates hydroacoustic sensing systems. We also conduct vessel and gear standardization studies to ensure comparability of survey indices over time and perform statistical evaluations of sampling adequacy.

• Learn more about Ecosystems Surveys in the Northeast

Population Biology

The Population Biology Branch investigates and documents the biology and ecology of fish in the western North Atlantic Ocean. Our products and services focus on growth, reproduction, feeding, and movements of marine fish.

The branch has programs in Woods Hole, Massachusetts (Fishery Biology Program and Food Web Dynamics Program) and in Narragansett, Rhode Island (Apex Predators Program).

Marine Development and Ecology

The Marine Development and Ecology Branch provides scientific support to ensure that NOAA trust resources—such as fishing communities, protected species, habitats, and ecosystems—are effectively identified, described, and evaluated in marine development decision-making. We advance ways to mitigate the impacts of offshore wind energy development on NOAA scientific surveys. We conduct research on interactions between NOAA trust resources and marine development.