April 7, 2026 — While the Northeast Fisheries Science Center spent more than 300 days-at-sea monitoring and sampling from ships last year, no one spends more time out on the water than fishermen. Fishermen are in tune with the seasons and fish stocks, and contribute significantly to the economy and food supply. That’s why we have a dedicated research team focused on working closely with the fishing community. Together, we collect and analyze data that helps answer big questions about fisheries and ocean ecosystems.
We bring the fishing community and scientists together to answer shared questions and improve management of Northeast fisheries. Cooperative research can take many forms, from outfitting fishing gear with oceanographic sensors to partnering with fishing vessels to design and execute fisheries surveys.
Cooperative research provides opportunities for fishermen to document what they are seeing on the water with data that is useful to them and the scientific community. Working together allows us to better understand the ocean and the fish stocks that fishermen rely upon for their daily catch. It also builds lasting relationships and trust between the scientific and fishing communities. In many cases, the data fishermen collect are used to make stock assessments more accurate, improving fisheries management practices. NOAA Fisheries promotes science-based fisheries management, ensuring both the industry’s economic viability and the long-term health of marine ecosystems.
You may have heard about our Cooperative Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey. It has been collecting data on species that prefer rocky habitats in partnership with two commercial fishing vessels since 2014. Our Study Fleet has been going strong since 2006. It includes nearly 50 commercial fishing vessels whose captain and crew collect detailed data on fishing effort and catch. Fisheries stock assessments rely on data from both the Bottom Longline Survey and the Study Fleet.
Our science center has many other cooperative projects actively engaging with the fishing community, supporting stock assessments, oceanographic models and forecasts, and enhanced understanding of fisheries species.