Introduction, Methods, and Caveats

This document includes summary tables for the most recent Ecosystem Status Report (ESR) or other ecosystem information document for each U.S. Fishery Management Council region. Code to produce the summary datasets summtab.csv and compesrdat.csv that are used to produce these tables is contained in the document ESRsumms.Rmd.

Draft ESR document summaries and R code to organize document section and indicator names into datasets were initially generated by Claude Sonnet 4.5 from each pdf file, then thoroughly reviewed and hand corrected where they inaccurately represented ESR content. Summaries were repeated using identical prompts on the same document for two ESRs from different regions to determine whether summaries were consistent. Differences between the replicate summaries were limited to formatting; section headings and indicators identified were consistent across replicates.

However, note that while indicator counts given here should provide insight for comparisons across regional documents, they are approximate counts. There is interpretation required to count indicators: for example, are abundance and biomass from the same data source two indicators or one? Are time series for different species from the same source presented in one figure one single or multiple indicators? Are monthly vs. annual, local vs. regional sea surface temperature (SST) from the same source different indicators? When reviewing indicator summaries for each report, clearly different indicators were separated to the similar levels reported across all reports.

The code used below to compare indicators was human generated :-)

Indicator Comparison

This table gives an overview of which Councils receive which reports, the reporting region, the most recent year of the report, report length, number of sections, approximate number of indicators (see note above), and the first and last section headers in each report. This give some insight into structural differences between the reports.

Council

Region

Year

Total pages

Number of Sections

Number of Indicators

First Section

Last Section

CFMC

Caribbean

2025

66

8

30

Food production

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

GFMC

Gulf

2017

56

7

29

Climate Drivers

Human Dimensions

MAFMC

Mid-Atlantic

2025

52

11

82

Seafood Production

2024 Highlights

NEFMC

New England

2025

64

11

82

Seafood Production

2024 Highlights

NPFMC

Aleutian Islands

2024

123

12

48

Biophysical

Sustainability

NPFMC

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

268

18

101

Physical Environment

Sustainability

NPFMC

Gulf of Alaska

2024

266

19

63

Physical Environment - Climate

Citizen Science

PFMC

California Current

2025

178

11

34

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Fishing Activities

SAFMC

South Atlantic

2021

144

7

46

Climate Drivers

Human Dimensions

WPFMC

Hawaii

2022

91

6

26

Human Connections

Vulnerability of Coral Reefs to Climate Change

The following tables summarize each regional report in more detail. Press a tab to see the table for that region.

This first set of tables shows the major report sections for each report and the approximate number of indicators in each section. Note that this leaves out introductory and summary sections for each report and focuses on the main indicator sections in each.

Summary Tables by ESR

Aleutian Islands

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

1

21

Aleutian Islands

2024

Habitat

2

4

Aleutian Islands

2024

Jellyfish

3

1

Aleutian Islands

2024

Salmon

4

1

Aleutian Islands

2024

Groundfish

5

2

Aleutian Islands

2024

Benthic Nontarget

6

4

Aleutian Islands

2024

Seabirds

7

5

Aleutian Islands

2024

Marine Mammals

8

2

Aleutian Islands

2024

Ecosystem or Community

9

3

Aleutian Islands

2024

Disease Ecology

10

1

Aleutian Islands

2024

Fishing Human Dimensions

11

3

Aleutian Islands

2024

Sustainability

12

1

California Current

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

1

11

California Current

2025

Copepods and Krill

2

2

California Current

2025

CPS and Regional Forage

3

3

California Current

2025

Salmon Indicators

4

3

California Current

2025

Groundfish

5

2

California Current

2025

Highly Migratory Species

6

2

California Current

2025

Seabird Indicators

7

3

California Current

2025

Marine Mammals

8

2

California Current

2025

Harmful Algal Blooms

9

1

California Current

2025

Human Wellbeing

10

3

California Current

2025

Fishing Activities

11

2

Caribbean

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

Caribbean

2025

Food production

1

4

Caribbean

2025

Socioeconomic health

2

4

Caribbean

2025

Equality

3

1

Caribbean

2025

Engagement and participation

4

2

Caribbean

2025

Bycatch reduction

5

1

Caribbean

2025

Governance

6

4

Caribbean

2025

Protection of ecosystems

7

1

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

8

13

Eastern Bering Sea

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

1

12

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Habitat

2

3

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Primary Production

3

4

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Zooplankton

4

6

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Jellyfish

5

2

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ichthyoplankton

6

6

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

7

10

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Salmon

8

7

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

9

16

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Recruitment Predictions

10

2

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Benthic Communities

11

8

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Seabirds

12

8

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Marine Mammals

13

1

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ecosystem Indicators

14

4

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Foraging Guilds

15

4

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Emerging Stressors

16

5

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Discards & Bycatch

17

2

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Sustainability

18

1

Gulf

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

Gulf

2017

Climate Drivers

1

3

Gulf

2017

Physical and Chemical Pressures

2

3

Gulf

2017

Habitat State

3

3

Gulf

2017

Lower Trophic States

4

3

Gulf

2017

Upper Trophic States

5

3

Gulf

2017

Ecosystem Services

6

2

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

7

12

Gulf of Alaska

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Climate

1

4

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Temperature

2

4

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Transport

3

4

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Habitat

4

2

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Primary Production

5

3

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Zooplankton

6

5

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Forage Fish

7

6

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Salmon

8

3

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Groundfish

9

6

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Benthic Communities

10

2

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Seabirds

11

4

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Marine Mammals

12

3

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Prince William Sound

13

4

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Fishing Indicators

14

3

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Habitat Quality

15

1

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Sustainability

16

2

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Disease & Toxins

17

2

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Ecosystem Community Indicators

18

4

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Citizen Science

19

1

Hawaii

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

Hawaii

2022

Human Connections

1

4

Hawaii

2022

Small Boat Commercial Fishers

2

5

Hawaii

2022

Coral Reefs and Reef Fish

3

6

Hawaii

2022

Climate and Ocean

4

6

Hawaii

2022

Human Impacts

5

2

Hawaii

2022

Vulnerability of Coral Reefs to Climate Change

6

3

Mid-Atlantic

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

1

9

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Commercial Profits

2

5

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Recreational Opportunities

3

2

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Stability

4

8

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

5

6

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Protected Species

6

6

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

7

9

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

8

5

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

9

15

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

10

7

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

11

10

New England

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

New England

2025

Seafood Production

1

9

New England

2025

Commercial Profits

2

5

New England

2025

Recreational Opportunities

3

2

New England

2025

Stability

4

8

New England

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

5

6

New England

2025

Protected Species

6

6

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

7

8

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

8

6

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

9

15

New England

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

10

7

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

11

10

South Atlantic

Region

Year

Section

Order

Number of Indicators

South Atlantic

2021

Climate Drivers

1

5

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

2

13

South Atlantic

2021

Habitat States

3

5

South Atlantic

2021

Lower Trophic Level States

4

4

South Atlantic

2021

Upper Trophic Level States

5

6

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

6

9

South Atlantic

2021

Human Dimensions

7

4

This second set of tables shows a detailed list of indicators for each report section. The tables can be long!

Detailed Indicator Tables by ESR

Aleutian Islands

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Sea Surface Temperature SST

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Sea Level Pressure SLP

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

wind patterns

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

NINO3.4

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

PDO

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

North Pacific Index

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

NPGO

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Arctic Oscillation

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Aleutian Low Index

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

NMME forecast models (1-5 month projections)

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Extended Reconstructed SST 1900-2024

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Daily SST

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

MHW frequency

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

MHW intensity

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

MHW spatial extent

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Survey surface water temperatures

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Survey bottom water temperatures

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Eddy kinetic energy from satellite altimetry

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

Mesozooplankton biomass

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

diatom abundance

Aleutian Islands

2024

Biophysical

copepod community size

Aleutian Islands

2024

Habitat

Biomass of sponges

Aleutian Islands

2024

Habitat

Biomass of corals

Aleutian Islands

2024

Habitat

Biomass of anemones

Aleutian Islands

2024

Habitat

Biomass of sea pens

Aleutian Islands

2024

Jellyfish

Jellyfish biomass from bottom trawl surveys

Aleutian Islands

2024

Salmon

Pink salmon abundance and biomass (biennial)

Aleutian Islands

2024

Groundfish

Length-weight residuals (body condition index)

Aleutian Islands

2024

Groundfish

Mean weighted distribution by depth, temperature, geographic position

Aleutian Islands

2024

Benthic Nontarget

Biomass of eelpouts

Aleutian Islands

2024

Benthic Nontarget

Biomass of poachers

Aleutian Islands

2024

Benthic Nontarget

Biomass of shrimps

Aleutian Islands

2024

Benthic Nontarget

Biomass of sea stars

Aleutian Islands

2024

Seabirds

Hatch dates

Aleutian Islands

2024

Seabirds

Reproductive success

Aleutian Islands

2024

Seabirds

Diet composition

Aleutian Islands

2024

Seabirds

Beached birds

Aleutian Islands

2024

Seabirds

Seabird bycatch mortality by species and gear type

Aleutian Islands

2024

Marine Mammals

Non-pup and pup counts at rookeries

Aleutian Islands

2024

Marine Mammals

Number and species of stranded marine mammals

Aleutian Islands

2024

Ecosystem or Community

Inverse CV of total groundfish biomass

Aleutian Islands

2024

Ecosystem or Community

Biomass-weighted mean length

Aleutian Islands

2024

Ecosystem or Community

Biomass-weighted mean lifespan

Aleutian Islands

2024

Disease Ecology

PST levels in mussels; toxic algal species presence

Aleutian Islands

2024

Fishing Human Dimensions

Bycatch of jellyfish

Aleutian Islands

2024

Fishing Human Dimensions

Bycatch of epifauna

Aleutian Islands

2024

Fishing Human Dimensions

Bycatch of invertebrates

Aleutian Islands

2024

Sustainability

Overfishing/overfished status full BSAI; biomass relative to BMSY

California Current

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Oceanic Niño Index (ONI)

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO)

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

North Pacific Gyre Oscillation (NPGO)

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Sea Surface Temperature

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Coastal Upwelling Transport Index (CUTI)

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Biologically Effective Upwelling Transport Index (BEUTI)

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Habitat Compression Index (HCI)

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Dissolved Oxygen (Hypoxia)

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Ocean Acidification (Aragonite Saturation)

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Snow-Water Equivalent (SWE)

California Current

2025

Climate and Ocean Drivers

Streamflow and Stream Temperature

California Current

2025

Copepods and Krill

Northern Copepod Biomass Anomaly

California Current

2025

Copepods and Krill

Krill (Euphausia pacifica) Length and Biomass

California Current

2025

CPS and Regional Forage

Coastwide CPS Abundance

California Current

2025

CPS and Regional Forage

Northern CCE Forage (JSOES)

California Current

2025

CPS and Regional Forage

Central CCE Forage (RREAS)

California Current

2025

Salmon Indicators

Juvenile Salmon Abundance (CPUE)

California Current

2025

Salmon Indicators

Columbia Basin Chinook Stoplight Table

California Current

2025

Salmon Indicators

California Chinook Stoplight Table

California Current

2025

Groundfish

Juvenile Groundfish Abundance

California Current

2025

Groundfish

Groundfish Distribution (Center of Gravity)

California Current

2025

Highly Migratory Species

HMS Spawning Stock Biomass

California Current

2025

Highly Migratory Species

HMS Diet Composition

California Current

2025

Seabird Indicators

Seabird Fledgling Production

California Current

2025

Seabird Indicators

Seabird Diet Composition

California Current

2025

Seabird Indicators

Seabird Mortality Events

California Current

2025

Marine Mammals

California Sea Lion Pup Counts

California Current

2025

Marine Mammals

Whale Entanglements

California Current

2025

Harmful Algal Blooms

Domoic Acid Concentrations

California Current

2025

Human Wellbeing

Community Social Vulnerability Index (CSVI)

California Current

2025

Human Wellbeing

Fishery Revenue Diversification (ESI)

California Current

2025

Human Wellbeing

Fisheries Participation Networks

California Current

2025

Fishing Activities

Commercial Landings by Fishery

California Current

2025

Fishing Activities

Recreational Landings

Caribbean

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

Caribbean

2025

Food production

Abundance of economically important species

Caribbean

2025

Food production

Pelagic:demersal ratio of landings

Caribbean

2025

Food production

Maximum length in the landings

Caribbean

2025

Food production

Commercial landings

Caribbean

2025

Socioeconomic health

Commercial revenues

Caribbean

2025

Socioeconomic health

Commercial fishing trips

Caribbean

2025

Socioeconomic health

Economic activity

Caribbean

2025

Socioeconomic health

Ocean economy

Caribbean

2025

Equality

Commercial revenue distribution

Caribbean

2025

Engagement and participation

Recreational landings

Caribbean

2025

Engagement and participation

Commercial fishing engagement and reliance

Caribbean

2025

Bycatch reduction

Changes in gear type

Caribbean

2025

Governance

Regulatory trends

Caribbean

2025

Governance

Species with informative catch limits

Caribbean

2025

Governance

Education and outreach events

Caribbean

2025

Governance

Enforcement actions

Caribbean

2025

Protection of ecosystems

Coral cover and coral species diversity

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Sea surface temperature

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Coral bleaching stress

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Ocean acidification

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Hurricane activity

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Earthquake activity

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Point source pollution

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Turbidity

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Water quality

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Coastal development

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Primary productivity

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Sargassum inundation

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Market disturbances

Caribbean

2025

Risks to meeting fishery management objectives

Human activity

Eastern Bering Sea

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

North Pacific Index (NPI)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Aleutian Low Pressure System Strength

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Aleutian Low Pressure System Location

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Sea Ice Extent

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Sea Ice Thickness

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Sea Surface Temperature (SST)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Bottom Temperature

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Cold Pool Extent (<2°C)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Cold Pool Extent (<0°C)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Surface Wind Speed and Direction

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Along-shelf Wind Component

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Physical Environment

Cross-shelf Wind Component

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Habitat

Sponge Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Habitat

Sea Anemone Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Habitat

Sea Pen Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Primary Production

St. Paul Island Chlorophyll-a

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Primary Production

Mooring M2 Chlorophyll-a

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Primary Production

Proportion of Open Water Blooms

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Primary Production

Spring Bloom Timing

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Zooplankton

Large Copepod Abundance (Calanus spp.)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Zooplankton

Small Copepod Abundance

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Zooplankton

Large Copepod Lipid Content

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Zooplankton

Euphausiid Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Zooplankton

Euphausiid Lipid Content

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Zooplankton

Continuous Plankton Recorder Indices

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Jellyfish

Jellyfish Surface Trawl CPUE

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Jellyfish

Jellyfish Bottom Trawl Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ichthyoplankton

Walleye Pollock Larval Abundance

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ichthyoplankton

Pacific Cod Larval Abundance

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ichthyoplankton

Northern Rock Sole Larval Abundance

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ichthyoplankton

Southern Rock Sole Larval Abundance

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ichthyoplankton

Rockfish Larval Abundance

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ichthyoplankton

Walleye Pollock Larval Condition

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Age-0 Pollock Surface Trawl CPUE

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Age-0 Pollock Vertical Distribution

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Age-0 Pollock Weight

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Age-0 Pollock Energy Density

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Age-0 Pollock Lipid Content

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Pacific Herring Surface Trawl CPUE

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Togiak Herring Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Capelin Surface Trawl CPUE

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Pelagic Forage Fish Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Forage Fish

Forage Fish DSEM Linkages

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Salmon

Juvenile Sockeye Salmon Abundance

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Salmon

Juvenile Chinook Salmon Abundance (NBS)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Salmon

Juvenile Chum Salmon Abundance (NBS)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Salmon

Juvenile Salmon Energy Density (SEBS)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Salmon

Juvenile Salmon Energy Density (NBS)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Salmon

Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Run Size

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Salmon

Commercial Salmon Catch (Bering Sea)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Walleye Pollock Condition (length-weight)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Pacific Cod Condition (length-weight)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Arrowtooth Flounder Condition

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Yellowfin Sole Condition

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Flathead Sole Condition

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Northern Rock Sole Condition

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Alaska Plaice Condition

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Walleye Pollock Diet Composition

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Pacific Cod Diet Composition

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Pacific Cod Snow Crab Consumption

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Groundfish Thermal Experience

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Groundfish Diet Energy Density

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Groundfish Consumption Rate

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Groundfish Scope for Growth

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Age-1 Natural Mortality (CEATTLE)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Groundfish

Predation Mortality

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Recruitment Predictions

Temperature Change Index

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Recruitment Predictions

Surface Silicic Acid

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Benthic Communities

Eelpout Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Benthic Communities

Poacher Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Benthic Communities

Sea Star Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Benthic Communities

Bristol Bay Red King Crab Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Benthic Communities

Pribilof Island Blue King Crab Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Benthic Communities

St. Matthew Blue King Crab Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Benthic Communities

Snow Crab Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Benthic Communities

Tanner Crab Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Seabirds

Common Murre Reproductive Success

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Seabirds

Thick-billed Murre Reproductive Success

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Seabirds

Black-legged Kittiwake Reproductive Success

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Seabirds

Red-legged Kittiwake Reproductive Success

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Seabirds

Least Auklet Reproductive Success

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Seabirds

Red-faced Cormorant Reproductive Success

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Seabirds

Multivariate Seabird Breeding Index

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Seabirds

Beached Bird Abundance

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Marine Mammals

Marine Mammal Stranding Events

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ecosystem Indicators

Mean Lifespan of Fish Community

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ecosystem Indicators

Mean Length of Fish Community

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ecosystem Indicators

Stability of Fish Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Ecosystem Indicators

Borealization Index

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Foraging Guilds

Motile Epifauna Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Foraging Guilds

Benthic Forager Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Foraging Guilds

Pelagic Forager Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Foraging Guilds

Apex Predator Biomass

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Emerging Stressors

Bottom Water pH

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Emerging Stressors

Aragonite Saturation State

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Emerging Stressors

Alexandrium Cell Concentration

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Emerging Stressors

Paralytic Shellfish Toxin (Saxitoxin)

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Emerging Stressors

Domoic Acid Concentration

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Discards & Bycatch

Non-target Invertebrate Catch

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Discards & Bycatch

Seabird Bycatch Estimates

Eastern Bering Sea

2024

Sustainability

Fish Stock Sustainability Index (FSSI)

Gulf

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

Gulf

2017

Climate Drivers

Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO)

Gulf

2017

Climate Drivers

Sea Surface Temperature (SST)

Gulf

2017

Climate Drivers

Sea Level Rise

Gulf

2017

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Eutrophication (Nutrient Loading)

Gulf

2017

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Hypoxia (Bottom Dissolved Oxygen)

Gulf

2017

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Ocean Acidification (pH)

Gulf

2017

Habitat State

Areal Extent of Estuarine Habitats (Seagrass)

Gulf

2017

Habitat State

Artificial Structures (Reefs and Platforms)

Gulf

2017

Habitat State

Wetland Land Use and Land Cover

Gulf

2017

Lower Trophic States

Net Primary Productivity (NPP)

Gulf

2017

Lower Trophic States

Zooplankton Biomass

Gulf

2017

Lower Trophic States

Forage Fish Abundance (Menhaden)

Gulf

2017

Upper Trophic States

Upper Trophic Level Biodiversity (Species Richness)

Gulf

2017

Upper Trophic States

Mean Trophic Level

Gulf

2017

Upper Trophic States

Overfishing Status

Gulf

2017

Ecosystem Services

Abundance of Economically Important Species

Gulf

2017

Ecosystem Services

Bird Abundance (5 waterbird species)

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Human Population

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Population Density

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Coastal Urban Land Use

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Total Ocean Economy (Employment)

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Total Ocean Economy (GDP)

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Commercial Landings

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Commercial Revenues

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Social Connectedness

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Commercial Fishing Engagement

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Commercial Fishing Reliance

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Recreational Fishing Engagement

Gulf

2017

Human Dimensions

Recreational Fishing Effort

Gulf of Alaska

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Climate

State of the North Pacific Ocean

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Climate

Wintertime Aleutian Low Index

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Climate

Seasonal Projections (NMME)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Climate

Predicted Ocean Temperatures (Sitka Air Temperature)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Temperature

Long-term SST trends (1900-2024)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Temperature

Satellite-derived SST

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Temperature

Survey-based temperatures (surface and depth)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Temperature

Marine Heatwave Status

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Transport

Eddy Kinetic Energy

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Transport

Papa Trajectory Index

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Transport

Northern GOA Oscillation/Downwelling Index

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Physical Environment - Ocean Transport

Coastal Wind Patterns (April-May)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Habitat

Ocean Acidification (pH levels)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Habitat

Dissolved Oxygen

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Primary Production

Satellite Chlorophyll-a

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Primary Production

Seward Line Phytoplankton Size Index

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Primary Production

GAK1 Mooring Oceanography

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Zooplankton

Continuous Plankton Recorder

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Zooplankton

Copepod Biomass and Community Size

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Zooplankton

Euphausiid Biomass (Seward Line)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Zooplankton

Zooplankton Density (Icy Strait)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Zooplankton

Zooplankton Lipid Content

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Forage Fish

Larval Fish Abundance

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Forage Fish

Age-0 Pollock Body Condition

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Forage Fish

Seabird Diet Composition

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Forage Fish

Capelin Abundance Indices

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Forage Fish

Herring Biomass (SE Alaska)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Forage Fish

Eulachon Returns

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Salmon

Commercial Salmon Catch

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Salmon

Juvenile Salmon Abundance/Condition (Icy Strait)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Salmon

Auke Creek Salmon Survival

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Groundfish

Groundfish Body Condition

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Groundfish

ADF&G Trawl Survey

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Groundfish

Predation Mortality (CEATTLE model)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Groundfish

Survey Biomass Trends

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Groundfish

Environmental Conditions Experienced by Groundfish

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Groundfish

Groundfish Diets

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Benthic Communities

Motile Epifauna Biomass

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Benthic Communities

Structural Epifauna

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Seabirds

Seabird Breeding Timing

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Seabirds

Seabird Reproductive Success

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Seabirds

Seabird Mortality Events

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Seabirds

Seabird At-sea Distribution (Seward Line)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Marine Mammals

Humpback Whale Calving (Glacier Bay/Icy Strait)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Marine Mammals

Marine Mammal Strandings

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Marine Mammals

Steller Sea Lion Population Trends

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Prince William Sound

Intertidal Temperature

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Prince William Sound

Intertidal Communities (mussels, rockweed, sea stars)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Prince William Sound

Prince William Sound Herring Biomass

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Prince William Sound

Humpback Whale Fall Surveys (PWS)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Fishing Indicators

Groundfish Discards

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Fishing Indicators

Non-target Species Catch

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Fishing Indicators

Seabird Bycatch

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Habitat Quality

Fishing Effects on Essential Fish Habitat

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Sustainability

Fish Stock Sustainability Index (FSSI)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Sustainability

Surplus Production/Exploitation Rate

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Disease & Toxins

Harmful Algal Blooms (PSP toxins)

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Disease & Toxins

Mushy Halibut Syndrome Occurrence

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Ecosystem Community Indicators

Foraging Guild Biomass

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Ecosystem Community Indicators

Community Stability

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Ecosystem Community Indicators

Mean Length/Lifespan of Fish Community

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Ecosystem Community Indicators

Species Richness/Diversity

Gulf of Alaska

2024

Citizen Science

Skipper Science Observations

Hawaii

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

Hawaii

2022

Human Connections

Population density and growth

Hawaii

2022

Human Connections

Resource use participation rates

Hawaii

2022

Human Connections

Awareness of threats

Hawaii

2022

Human Connections

Perceptions of ecosystem status and trends

Hawaii

2022

Small Boat Commercial Fishers

Fishing Engagement Index (FEI)

Hawaii

2022

Small Boat Commercial Fishers

Regional Quotient for revenue

Hawaii

2022

Small Boat Commercial Fishers

Total catch by fishery

Hawaii

2022

Small Boat Commercial Fishers

Catch per trip

Hawaii

2022

Small Boat Commercial Fishers

Spatial distribution of catch

Hawaii

2022

Coral Reefs and Reef Fish

Hard coral cover (%)

Hawaii

2022

Coral Reefs and Reef Fish

Calcifiers cover (%)

Hawaii

2022

Coral Reefs and Reef Fish

Reef-builder ratio

Hawaii

2022

Coral Reefs and Reef Fish

Total fish biomass (kg/ha)

Hawaii

2022

Coral Reefs and Reef Fish

Herbivore biomass (kg/ha)

Hawaii

2022

Coral Reefs and Reef Fish

Resource fish biomass (kg/ha)

Hawaii

2022

Climate and Ocean

El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index

Hawaii

2022

Climate and Ocean

Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) index

Hawaii

2022

Climate and Ocean

Annual rainfall and peak events (mm)

Hawaii

2022

Climate and Ocean

Brown water advisories (count/year)

Hawaii

2022

Climate and Ocean

Sea level rise (m)

Hawaii

2022

Climate and Ocean

Sea surface temperature (°C)

Hawaii

2022

Human Impacts

Cumulative impact scores

Hawaii

2022

Human Impacts

Individual stressor intensities

Hawaii

2022

Vulnerability of Coral Reefs to Climate Change

Projected timing of annual severe bleaching (year)

Hawaii

2022

Vulnerability of Coral Reefs to Climate Change

Climate vulnerability scores

Hawaii

2022

Vulnerability of Coral Reefs to Climate Change

Reef resilience assessments

Mid-Atlantic

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

Total commercial landings

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

Total U.S. seafood landings

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

MAFMC managed U.S. seafood landings

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

Landings by feeding guild

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

Total Community Climate Vulnerability of landings

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

Recreational harvest

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

Recreational shark landings

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

Stock status (F/Fmsy, B/Bmsy)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Seafood Production

Survey biomass by feeding guild

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Commercial Profits

Total revenue

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Commercial Profits

MAFMC managed species revenue

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Commercial Profits

Bennet Indicator (price vs volume)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Commercial Profits

Revenue by feeding guild

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Commercial Profits

Total Community Climate Vulnerability of revenue

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Recreational Opportunities

Angler trips (recreational effort)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Recreational Opportunities

Recreational fleet diversity

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Stability

Commercial fleet count

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Stability

Commercial fleet revenue diversity

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Stability

Commercial species revenue diversity

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Stability

Recreational species catch diversity

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Stability

Total annual primary production

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Stability

Zooplankton diversity (Shannon Index)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Stability

Adult fish diversity (expected number of species)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Stability

Fish community functional traits

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Commercial fishing engagement

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Commercial fishing per capita engagement

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Social vulnerability indices

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Recreational fishing engagement

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Recreational per capita engagement

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Community total climate vulnerability of revenue

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Protected Species

Harbor porpoise bycatch

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Protected Species

Gray seal bycatch

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Protected Species

North Atlantic Right Whale abundance

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Protected Species

North Atlantic Right Whale calf counts

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Protected Species

Gray seal pup births

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Protected Species

Unusual Mortality Events

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Fish distribution shifts (center of gravity)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Marine mammal distribution shifts

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Forage fish distribution shifts

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Small copepod distribution

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Large copepod distribution

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Macrobenthos distribution

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Sea surface temperature

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Gulf Stream position

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Cold Pool temperature and extent

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

Spawning timing shifts (haddock, yellowtail flounder)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

HMS and whale migration timing changes

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

Ocean summer length

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

Cold Pool persistence

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

Phytoplankton bloom timing

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Fish productivity (small per large fish)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Fish productivity (recruitment per SSB)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Fish condition

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Forage fish energy density

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Forage fish biomass index

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Macrobenthos biomass

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Megabenthos biomass

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Primary production

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Zooplankton biomass (large copepods)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Zooplankton biomass (small copepods)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Zooplankton biomass (Euphausiids)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Temperature extremes

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Marine heatwaves

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Ocean acidification (aragonite saturation)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Predator populations (sharks, seals)

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Development timeline and lease areas

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

MAFMC fishery revenue from lease areas

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

MAFMC fishery landings from lease areas

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Port-level revenue from lease areas

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Community social vulnerability in wind areas

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Right whale habitat overlap

Mid-Atlantic

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Survey area overlap

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Labrador Slope Water influx

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Gulf Stream position anomaly

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Species migration delays

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Species redistribution

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Chesapeake Bay conditions

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Upwelling events New Jersey coast

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Coccolithophore bloom south of Long Island

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Whale aggregations Hudson Canyon

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Ocean acidification extremes Mid-Atlantic

Mid-Atlantic

2025

2024 Highlights

Scallop recruitment variability

New England

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

New England

2025

Seafood Production

Total commercial landings

New England

2025

Seafood Production

Total U.S. seafood landings

New England

2025

Seafood Production

NEFMC managed seafood landings

New England

2025

Seafood Production

Landings by feeding guild

New England

2025

Seafood Production

Total Community Climate Vulnerability of landings

New England

2025

Seafood Production

Recreational harvest

New England

2025

Seafood Production

Recreational shark landings

New England

2025

Seafood Production

Stock status (F/Fmsy, B/Bmsy)

New England

2025

Seafood Production

Survey biomass by feeding guild

New England

2025

Commercial Profits

Total revenue

New England

2025

Commercial Profits

NEFMC managed species revenue

New England

2025

Commercial Profits

Bennet Indicator (price vs volume)

New England

2025

Commercial Profits

Revenue by feeding guild

New England

2025

Commercial Profits

Total Community Climate Vulnerability of revenue

New England

2025

Recreational Opportunities

Angler trips (recreational effort)

New England

2025

Recreational Opportunities

Recreational fleet diversity

New England

2025

Stability

Commercial fleet count

New England

2025

Stability

Commercial species revenue diversity

New England

2025

Stability

Recreational species catch diversity

New England

2025

Stability

Total annual primary production

New England

2025

Stability

Zooplankton diversity (Shannon Index)

New England

2025

Stability

Adult fish diversity (expected number of species)

New England

2025

Stability

Fish community functional traits - fecundity

New England

2025

Stability

Fish community functional traits - pace of life

New England

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Commercial fishing engagement

New England

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Commercial fishing per capita engagement

New England

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Social vulnerability indices

New England

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Recreational fishing engagement

New England

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Recreational per capita engagement

New England

2025

Community Social and Climate Vulnerability

Community total climate vulnerability of revenue

New England

2025

Protected Species

Harbor porpoise bycatch

New England

2025

Protected Species

Gray seal bycatch

New England

2025

Protected Species

North Atlantic Right Whale abundance

New England

2025

Protected Species

North Atlantic Right Whale calf counts

New England

2025

Protected Species

Gray seal pup births

New England

2025

Protected Species

Unusual Mortality Events

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Fish distribution shifts (center of gravity)

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Marine mammal distribution shifts

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Forage fish distribution shifts

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Small copepod distribution

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Calanus finmarchicus distribution

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Macrobenthos distribution

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Sea surface temperature

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Spatially

Gulf Stream position

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

Spawning timing shifts

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

HMS and whale migration timing changes

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

Ocean summer length

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

Cold Pool persistence

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

Phytoplankton bloom timing

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Managing Seasonally

Spawning-environment relationships

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Fish productivity (small per large fish)

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Fish productivity (recruitment per SSB)

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Common tern productivity

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Atlantic salmon return rates

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Fish condition

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Forage fish energy density

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Forage fish biomass

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Macrobenthos biomass

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Megabenthos biomass

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Zooplankton biomass and composition

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Calanus finmarchicus abundance

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Temperature extremes and marine heatwaves

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Ocean acidification

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Hypoxia

New England

2025

Climate Risks - Setting Catch Limits

Predator populations (gray seals, HMS)

New England

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Development timeline and lease areas

New England

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

NEFMC fishery revenue from lease areas

New England

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

NEFMC fishery landings from lease areas

New England

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Port-level revenue from lease areas

New England

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Community social vulnerability in wind areas

New England

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Right whale habitat overlap

New England

2025

Offshore Wind Risks

Survey area overlap

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Labrador Slope Water influx

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Gulf Stream position anomaly

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Arctic Calanus presence

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Species migration delays

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Species redistribution

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Chesapeake Bay conditions

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Upwelling events and unusual blooms

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Whale aggregations

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Ocean acidification extremes

New England

2025

2024 Highlights

Scallop recruitment variability

South Atlantic

Region

Year

Section

Indicator

South Atlantic

2021

Climate Drivers

Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO)

South Atlantic

2021

Climate Drivers

North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)

South Atlantic

2021

Climate Drivers

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)

South Atlantic

2021

Climate Drivers

North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature Tripole

South Atlantic

2021

Climate Drivers

Atlantic Warm Pool (AWP)

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Sea surface temperature

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Bottom temperature

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Decadal temperature

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Florida Current transport

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Gulf Stream position

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Upwelling

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Coastal salinity

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Stream flow

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Nutrient loading

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Precipitation and drought

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Sea level rise

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Storms and hurricanes

South Atlantic

2021

Physical and Chemical Pressures

Ocean acidification

South Atlantic

2021

Habitat States

Wetlands and forests

South Atlantic

2021

Habitat States

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV)

South Atlantic

2021

Habitat States

Oyster reefs

South Atlantic

2021

Habitat States

Coral demographics

South Atlantic

2021

Habitat States

Coral bleaching

South Atlantic

2021

Lower Trophic Level States

Primary productivity

South Atlantic

2021

Lower Trophic Level States

Zooplankton

South Atlantic

2021

Lower Trophic Level States

Ichthyoplankton diversity and abundance

South Atlantic

2021

Lower Trophic Level States

Forage fish abundance

South Atlantic

2021

Upper Trophic Level States

Nearshore demersal fish diversity and abundance

South Atlantic

2021

Upper Trophic Level States

Offshore hard bottom fish diversity and abundance

South Atlantic

2021

Upper Trophic Level States

Coastal shark diversity and abundance

South Atlantic

2021

Upper Trophic Level States

Coral reef fish diversity and abundance

South Atlantic

2021

Upper Trophic Level States

Mean trophic level

South Atlantic

2021

Upper Trophic Level States

Life history parameters

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

Biomass of economically important species

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

Recruitment of economically important species

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

Commercial landings and revenue

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

Recreational landings and effort

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

Estuarine shrimp, crab, and oyster landings

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

Status of federally managed stocks

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

Marine bird abundance

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

Marine mammal strandings

South Atlantic

2021

Ecosystem Services

Sea turtle nest counts

South Atlantic

2021

Human Dimensions

Human population

South Atlantic

2021

Human Dimensions

Coastal and urban land use

South Atlantic

2021

Human Dimensions

Total ocean economy

South Atlantic

2021

Human Dimensions

Social connectedness

Here I include the ESR text summaries generated by Claude 4.5 and checked for accuracy.

ESR Summaries

Aleutian Islands

Summary
The 2024 Aleutian Islands Ecosystem Status Report reveals a gradient
of ecosystem conditions from poor productivity in the west to high
productivity in the east. Despite overall relaxation of multi-year warm
conditions and a low abundance year in the biennial Kamchatka pink
salmon cycle, groundfish condition remained poor across the
ecosystem—unusual for a cooler year with fewer pink salmon. Winter sea
surface temperatures were among the ten warmest on record, though strong
winds and storminess during 2023-2024 contributed to cooler conditions
during late spring and summer, with a deeper mixed layer that may have
impacted prey availability.
Regional Conditions:
In the Western Aleutians, sustained high winter
temperatures resulted in moderate marine heatwaves, with over 75% of the
region experiencing heatwave status in late summer. Planktivorous
auklets at Buldir Island experienced particularly poor reproductive
success, with three species showing extremely late hatch dates and
below-average breeding success, suggesting limited zooplankton
availability. Steller sea lion numbers continue declining (-5.7% for
non-pups, 2008-2023) with no signs of recovery. Pelagic forager biomass
increased slightly (6%), driven by northern rockfish and pollock, while
apex predator biomass declined 16%, driven by Pacific cod and arrowtooth
flounder decreases.
The Central Aleutians experienced shorter marine
heatwaves with near-average spring temperatures and no summer heatwave.
Pelagic forager biomass decreased 13%, driven by Atka mackerel declines,
while apex predator biomass increased 7%. Steller sea lion non-pup
counts were statistically stable overall, though the two westernmost
rookery areas declined while eastern areas remained stable. School
enrollment continued declining, with Adak’s school closing in 2023 after
the fish processing plant closed in 2020.
In the Eastern Aleutians, marine heatwaves were
brief with no summer occurrence. Seabird reproductive success was
average to above-average across all monitored species, indicating
uniformly high prey availability. Tufted puffin chicks were fed
primarily capelin (50%) and pollock (34%), suggesting potentially good
pollock recruitment. Apex predator biomass decreased 24%, driven by
arrowtooth flounder declines. In contrast to other regions, Steller sea
lion non-pup and pup counts continue increasing significantly (2.1% and
1.5% from 2008-2023), offsetting declines elsewhere.
Key Concerns:
Fish condition deteriorated across most species despite cooler
temperatures, particularly for Pacific cod, northern rockfish, and
Pacific ocean perch, which have been below long-term means since 2012.
The decline may indicate poor prey quality, low prey availability,
competition, and increased metabolic rates. Eastern Kamchatka pink
salmon abundance in 2024 was similar to 2022 (around 60,000 mt), close
to the current total biomass estimate for Aleutian Islands Pacific cod
stock. Paralytic shellfish toxins decreased significantly from 2023 but
remained 7x above FDA regulatory limits, posing continued seasonal
concerns for human health and food webs.

California Current

Summary
The 2024-2025 California Current Ecosystem Status Report synthesizes
environmental, biological, economic, and social indicators to assess
ecosystem health and inform fishery management. The California Current
experienced a strong El Niño during winter/spring 2023-2024 that caused
widespread warmer ocean temperatures and delayed spring upwelling by
approximately two weeks in the central region. However, the system
rapidly transitioned to favorable upwelling conditions, though large
marine heatwaves again impacted the system during summer and fall.
Despite initial El Niño effects, ecological indicators reflected
mixed to good marine conditions throughout most of 2024. Strong spring
upwelling brought cool, productive waters supporting a diverse and
productive forage community. Anchovy and juvenile groundfishes remained
abundant in the Central and Southern California Current, serving as
important prey for top predators. Juvenile groundfishes were also
abundant in the Northern California Current. Krill abundance was near
average despite El Niño conditions (typically associated with low
krill), and the forage community showed high diversity.
Ocean conditions for Chinook salmon returning to the Columbia Basin
indicate improving returns in 2025, while California salmon stocks
showed improvements toward average conditions for adults returning in
2025 and 2026. However, multiple harmful algal blooms significantly
impacted marine life, shellfish fisheries, and human health throughout
2024. An unusual toxic dinoflagellate bloom caused paralytic shellfish
poisoning in 44 people in Oregon, and persistent Pseudo-nitzschia blooms
led to extensive fishery closures and marine mammal strandings.
Seabird indicators showed mixed results. Fledgling production
decreased at northern colonies but remained near average in central
California, except for Brandt’s cormorant which experienced
well-below-average productivity. Cassin’s auklet mortality events
occurred in early 2024, and brown pelicans experienced die-offs likely
due to limited local prey availability or increased competition.
California sea lion pup counts declined in 2024, potentially due to El
Niño conditions and domoic acid exposure from harmful algal blooms.
Whale entanglements remained elevated, with habitat compression and
nearshore anchovy concentrations drawing whales closer to fishing
gear.
Human wellbeing indicators revealed concerning
trends. Washington and Oregon experienced shifts in key commercial
fishing communities, generally reflecting reductions in fishing
diversity and participation. Social vulnerability increased for most
Oregon and Washington commercial and recreational fishing communities in
2022, potentially reducing resilience to ecological impacts. Coastwide
revenue diversification decreased by 5% in 2023 to the lowest level
since 1981, though revenue concentrations increased in specific
fisheries including Salmon, Coastal Pelagic Species, and Groundfish.
Fisheries participation networks showed that most
port groups experienced reductions in the number of fisheries vessels
participate in, with some ports also showing less connectivity between
fisheries. This potentially reduces fisher resilience to environmental
and market pressures. Total coastwide commercial landings declined 12%
in 2024, largely due to a 31% decrease in Pacific whiting landings,
though revenues increased slightly by 3%.
The report concludes that while the system showed resilience to El
Niño and marine heatwaves through productive upwelling, multiple
stressors including harmful algal blooms, social vulnerability, and
reduced fleet diversity pose significant challenges for West Coast
fishing communities and ecosystem health.

Caribbean

Summary
The Caribbean Ecosystem Status Report (April 2025) synthesizes
diverse information sources to support ecosystem-based fisheries
management in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The report tracks
progress toward fishery management objectives while identifying risks
that could impact these goals.
The report organizes indicators into two main categories: tracking
performance toward management objectives and potential risks to meeting
those objectives. Management objectives include food production,
socioeconomic health, equity, engagement and participation, bycatch
reduction, governance, and ecosystem protection.
Key findings reveal mixed trends across the region. For food
production, fishery-independent surveys show that most economically
important fish species maintain at or above average densities, though
stoplight parrotfish have declined in St. Croix. Commercial landings
have decreased significantly since 2010, particularly for finfish,
coinciding with implementation of annual catch limits. Lobster landings
have increased in Puerto Rico but decreased in St. Croix.
Socioeconomically, the region shows varying patterns. Puerto Rico’s
economy has expanded while the USVI experienced GDP decline from
2007-2014 before recovering. Commercial fishing effort has declined
across all islands, though the proportion of diving trips has increased
in Puerto Rico and St. Croix. Revenue distribution shows high
consolidation, with the Gini index suggesting inequality in fishing
income distribution.
Major environmental risks have intensified. Sea surface temperatures
have increased by 0.25°C per decade, with 2024 experiencing an
unprecedented coral bleaching event. Ocean acidification continues to
decline, approaching levels that stress coral calcification. Hurricane
activity peaked dramatically in 2017 with Hurricanes Irma and Maria,
causing severe ecosystem and economic disruption. Coral cover has
declined significantly over 25 years, with major drops during bleaching
events in 2005 and 2019.
Water quality concerns are rising, with enterococcus bacteria counts
increasing substantially since 2020. Sargassum inundation, largely
absent before 2011, has become increasingly prevalent with major events
in 2018 and 2021. Coastal development continues to expand impervious
surfaces, particularly around San Juan.
The report identifies critical data gaps, including limited
recreational catch monitoring, uncertainties in commercial landings due
to reporting changes and suspected underreporting, and lack of
standardized monitoring for marine debris and certain pollution impacts.
Changes in reporting methods, particularly the 2020 introduction of
electronic reporting in Puerto Rico, complicate trend
interpretation.
Multivariate analysis reveals that indicators underwent rapid changes
during 2017-2021, driven by major stressors including hurricanes and the
COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting destabilizing impacts on the Caribbean
fishery ecosystem. The report emphasizes the need for improved
monitoring, particularly for human dimensions, recreational fisheries,
and local ecological knowledge. It recommends continued development of
fishery-independent surveys and better integration of social indicators
to capture cultural significance and community resilience beyond
monetary metrics.

Eastern Bering Sea

Summary
The 2024 Eastern Bering Sea (EBS) Ecosystem Status Report documents
the transition from a prolonged warm period (2014-2021) to more average
thermal conditions since 2021. The report synthesizes physical,
biological, and socioeconomic indicators to inform fisheries management
decisions by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Physical oceanographic conditions in 2024 were generally near
historical averages. Sea ice extent reached near-normal levels despite
delayed formation in fall 2023, and the cold pool extent was slightly
below average at 156,800 km². Sea surface temperatures remained cooler
through summer due to persistent storms that deepened the mixed layer.
The Aleutian Low Pressure System’s strength and location were near
climatological averages during winter 2023-2024.
Biological responses to these conditions were mixed. Chlorophyll-a
concentrations at St. Paul Island in summer 2024 were among the highest
on record, and an early fall bloom occurred in September. However, large
copepod abundance remained below the time series mean, and euphausiid
density declined to the second-lowest value recorded. Age-0 pollock
abundance was low in the middle domain, though spring larval pollock
abundance was the highest in years sampled.
Groundfish condition showed varied trends. Large walleye pollock
(>250 mm) condition increased from 2023 but remained negative, while
small pollock (100-250 mm) condition declined. Yellowfin sole and
arrowtooth flounder showed improved condition, while northern rock sole
declined. The biomass of motile epifauna (including crabs and
echinoderms) remained above the long-term mean, driven by increases in
tanner and snow crab, though king crabs remained below average.
Seabird reproductive success at the Pribilof Islands was mixed, with
generally better outcomes on St. George Island than St. Paul Island. The
multivariate seabird breeding index was slightly below average in 2024.
No major seabird die-off events occurred.
The Northern Bering Sea showed signs of recovery from the warm
period, with above-average sea ice extent and increased ice thickness
since 2021. Large copepod abundance returned to near the time series
mean, and their lipid content was significantly higher than in 2023.
Juvenile chum salmon abundance reached a record high, though condition
decreased from positive to average.
Looking forward, the National Multi-Model Ensemble projects
near-normal sea surface temperature anomalies (within 0.25°C of normal)
through spring 2025 as the system transitions to La Niña conditions. The
report emphasizes that while thermal conditions have cooled to average,
they have not returned to the cold conditions that historically favored
large, lipid-rich copepods and euphausiids, partially explaining the lag
in biological responses.

Gulf

Summary
This 2017 Gulf of Mexico Ecosystem Status Report provides a
comprehensive assessment of the ecosystem to support ecosystem-based
management. The report examines trends across physical, biological, and
socioeconomic components using refined indicators from the original 2013
report.
Key Findings:
Climate Drivers: The Atlantic Multidecadal
Oscillation (AMO), which increased consistently from the 1980s to 2010,
has begun slightly declining in recent years but remains in its positive
phase. This climate mode influences temperature, precipitation, Loop
Current strength, and hypoxia development, and has been identified as a
major driver of ecosystem-wide reorganization in the mid-1990s.
Increasing Pressures: Sea surface temperature and
sea level rise are increasing at accelerating rates in some areas. Ocean
acidification continues to increase with rising atmospheric CO₂. Hypoxia
has become more severe off Texas but less severe off Louisiana. Total
nutrient inputs from major rivers have generally declined, though
patterns vary by location.
Habitat Changes: Natural habitat coverage
(seagrasses, wetlands) is generally declining, with approximately 1,000
square miles of wetlands lost between 1996-2010, primarily in coastal
Louisiana. Conversely, artificial structures (artificial reefs, oil
platforms) have increased dramatically, with artificial reefs now
exceeding oil platforms six-fold.
Biological States: Primary productivity and
zooplankton biovolume are highly variable but generally stable over
time, with slight recent increases in productivity. Menhaden biomass has
increased substantially due to reduced fishing pressure from market
forces. Species diversity indices show slight declining trends, with
marked changes in Louisiana waters after 2005 related to declining
shrimping effort.
Fisheries and Stocks: Mean trophic level of
commercial catch has remained stable in recent years. Nearly all
assessed species are at or above mean biomass levels over the last three
decades. The proportion of stocks undergoing overfishing is at an
all-time low (less than 5%), though about one-fifth of stocks remain in
overfished status despite reduced fishing pressure.
Ecosystem Services: Commercial landings and
revenues, which had been declining, have increased in recent years
(since 2010). Ocean economy employment and GDP have also increased and
stabilized. Recreational fishing effort has substantially increased
after decreasing from 1980-2010. Bird populations (brown pelican, white
ibis, wood stork, roseate spoonbill, magnificent frigatebird) show
general increases since the 1990s-2000s.
Human Dimensions: Coastal population reached 24.4
million in 2010, with continued growth concentrated in urban centers
like Houston and Tampa. Urban land cover increased over 15% between
1996-2010, with much higher rates in specific areas (80%+ in Harris
County, TX). Social connectedness shows slight decline over time,
varying considerably by county.
Synthesis: The mid-1990s ecosystem reorganization
coinciding with the AMO phase shift is evident across multiple
indicators. Recent trends (2011-2016) show accelerating rates of change
for several physical drivers (temperature, sea level rise) while
biological states remain relatively stable. Both commercial and
recreational fishery indicators show recent positive trends, suggesting
recovery from earlier declines. The report emphasizes that indicators at
Gulf-wide scales may mask important regional variation requiring
finer-scale analysis.
The report identifies critical data gaps for protected species
(corals, sea turtles, marine mammals), zooplankton species composition,
estuarine habitat monitoring, and integration between ecological and
human dimensions indicators.

Gulf of Alaska

Summary
The 2024 Gulf of Alaska (GOA) Ecosystem Status Report provides a
comprehensive assessment of marine ecosystem conditions to inform
fishery management decisions. The GOA experienced moderate El Niño
conditions during winter/spring 2023-2024, which brought warmer surface
waters but had more moderate impacts than initially predicted due to its
short duration, a weaker Aleutian Low, and eastward winds that tempered
increased circulation.
The ecosystem showed signs of improved productivity compared to 2023.
Spring conditions supported high energy transfer through the food web,
with diatom-dominated phytoplankton communities and above-average spring
zooplankton biomass (particularly euphausiids). This provided good prey
resources for zooplankton-eating groundfish and resulted in
above-average reproductive success for planktivorous seabirds across the
GOA.
Forage fish populations varied but were generally average to above
average. Notably, capelin populations continued rebounding from their
2014-2016 marine heatwave decline for the second consecutive year,
benefiting seabirds, marine mammals, and piscivorous groundfish. Herring
maintained relatively high populations due to strong 2016 and 2020 year
classes. However, eulachon, sand lance, and juvenile salmon showed lower
abundance.
A significant concern was the unexpectedly low pink salmon returns in
2024, particularly in Prince William Sound, representing some of the
lowest commercial landings since 1985. Potential causes include reduced
early marine survival in 2023 due to low zooplankton biomass and poor
offshore survival conditions.
Marine heatwave conditions were less severe than recent years, with
the eastern GOA experiencing prolonged winter/spring marine heatwaves
while the western GOA remained mostly below the heatwave threshold.
Long-term trends show continued warming of GOA surface temperatures
since 1900, primarily driven by summer warming.
Community dynamics reflect both short-term responses to the 2023-2024
conditions and longer-term shifts. Pacific ocean perch has replaced
arrowtooth flounder as the dominant groundfish by biomass since 2017.
Some populations severely impacted by the 2014-2016 marine heatwave
continue recovering (capelin rebounding, humpback whale crude birth
rates returning to pre-2014 levels for the first time), while others
remain depressed (Pacific cod, sand lance).
Seabird indicators suggested adequate to good prey availability, with
reproductive success for fish-eating and plankton-eating seabirds
generally above average across the GOA. No large-scale seabird mortality
events were recorded. Marine mammal observations included 24 humpback
whale calves in Glacier Bay/Icy Strait (the highest since monitoring
began in 1985) and a crude birth rate exceeding pre-heatwave averages
for the first time.
Looking ahead to 2025, La Niña conditions are predicted to develop,
bringing cooler sea surface temperatures. Despite this prediction,
integrated water column temperatures at GAK1 are forecast to remain
slightly warmer than average, reflecting delayed La Niña onset and
long-term warming trends.

Hawaii

Summary
The 2022 Hawai’i Ecosystem Status Report report assesses the health
and trends of marine ecosystems across the main Hawaiian Islands (MHI)
from 2010-2019, emphasizing the circular relationship between human
communities and ocean environments. The population of approximately 1.5
million (20% increase since 2000) lives predominantly near the coast,
with 83% within 5 km of the ocean. Tourism adds significant pressure,
with 10.3 million visitors in 2019—6.7 times the resident
population.
Small boat commercial fisheries show concerning declines. Total catch
decreased 53-68% across pelagic, Deep 7 bottomfish, and nearshore
fisheries from 1990-2019, while revenues dropped 35-58% from 2000-2019.
Active fishers declined 16-31% between periods, though catch-per-trip
remained stable or increased, suggesting fewer but more experienced
fishers remain active.
Coral reef health presents a mixed picture. In 2019, 50% of surveyed
sectors had relatively low coral cover, with only 32% showing high
cover. Between 2010-2019, 30% of sectors experienced declining coral
cover, while only one sector (north Lānaʻi) showed improvement. Fish
biomass followed similar patterns, with 50% of sectors showing low
biomass and minimal significant changes over time.
Climate indicators reveal accelerating changes. Sea surface
temperatures increased 0.15-0.25°C per decade from 1991-2020, with
projections showing annual severe coral bleaching by 2048 under current
emissions scenarios. Sea level has risen 0.30 meters over 120 years.
Brown water advisories—indicators of pollution runoff—occur most
frequently on O’ahu (approximately 60 annually). Peak rainfall events
have increased at most locations except Hilo.
Human impacts vary dramatically across islands. South O’ahu between
Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor shows the highest cumulative impact
scores, where nearly all stressors co-occur at maximum intensity. West
Hawai’i also shows high impacts despite fewer stressors, due to the
prevalence of highly vulnerable coral reef habitat. Key stressors
include fishing pressure, wastewater pollution, and sediment input.
Climate vulnerability assessments reveal significant spatial
variation. Lānaʻi, Moloka’i, and Kaho’olawe have the greatest
percentages (>30%) of low-vulnerability sites, while Hawai’i Island,
O’ahu, and Kaua’i have the highest percentages of high-vulnerability
sites (20-25%). The projected onset of annual severe bleaching ranges
from 2030 to 2066 across different reefs, highlighting that some
locations have decades more time to adapt than others.
The report emphasizes that strong collaborations among government,
academic, non-governmental organizations, and communities are essential
for effective management. Research priorities include understanding
fishery declines, mitigating climate impacts, reducing cumulative
stressors, and expanding vulnerability assessments to support
conservation planning in this changing environment.

Mid-Atlantic

Summary
This 2025 State of the Ecosystem Report for the Mid-Atlantic provides
a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem conditions to support the
Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC). The report evaluates
performance against fishery management objectives and identifies risks
from climate change and offshore wind development.
Key Findings:
Management Objective Performance: Commercial
landings reached historic lows in 2023, driven by menhaden fishery
consolidation and declining MAFMC-managed species (particularly
surfclams and ocean quahogs). Total revenue hit all-time lows in
2022-2023 due to both declining prices and volumes. Recreational harvest
is declining despite increasing effort, with a shift toward shore-based
fishing reducing fleet diversity. Stock status is generally good, with
only three stocks not meeting objectives, though six have unknown
status.
Protected Species: Harbor porpoise and gray seal
bycatch remain below thresholds, but North Atlantic Right Whales
continue declining (fewer than 70 adult females remain) due to vessel
strikes and entanglements. Unusual mortality events continue for three
large whale species.
Community Vulnerability: Four Mid-Atlantic
communities rank among the most engaged in commercial and recreational
fishing. Many highly engaged communities show medium-high or above
social vulnerability, presenting adaptation challenges. A majority have
high to very high revenue climate vulnerability.
Ecosystem Stability: Multiple indicators suggest
instability. While fish species richness is stable, zooplankton
diversity is increasing, and biological trait changes are observed in
fish communities. Commercial fleet count has declined though species
revenue diversity remains stable. Recreational species catch diversity
is maintained by different species over time.
Climate Risks: The region faces three major
climate-related management risks: 1. Spatial Management
Risks: Species distributions continue shifting northeast and
into deeper water, potentially causing spatial misallocation of quotas
and reduced effectiveness of bycatch measures. 2. Seasonal
Management Risks: Spawning and migration timing has changed for
multiple species, reducing effectiveness of seasonal closures. 3.
Catch Limit Risks: Fish productivity has declined since
early 2000s, with mixed fish condition. Changes in environmental
conditions affect stock reference points and projections.
2024 Highlights: Despite 2024 being globally the
warmest year on record, the Northeast U.S. experienced cooler than
average temperatures. An influx of colder, fresher northern water led to
delayed migration of many species and redistribution of others. Atlantic
mackerel appeared in unusual areas in higher abundance. Summer 2024
recorded the highest ocean acidification risk in the Mid-Atlantic since
sampling began in 2007.
Offshore Wind: Four projects were under construction
in 2024, with 30 proposed through the next decade covering 2.3+ million
acres. Up to 15% of maximum annual fisheries revenue for major
Mid-Atlantic species occurs in lease areas. Development overlaps North
Atlantic Right Whale habitat, potentially altering oceanography and prey
availability while increasing vessel strike risk.
Drivers: Long-term ocean warming continues (though
2024 was cooler), Gulf Stream instability is increasing, the
Mid-Atlantic Cold Pool is shrinking and warming, and forage fish quality
and abundance are changing. These environmental shifts interact with
fishing pressure and market dynamics to affect managed species
productivity and distribution.
The report emphasizes that climate-driven ecosystem changes create
significant uncertainty for management, requiring adaptive approaches
that account for shifting distributions, changing productivity, and
altered seasonal patterns.

New England

Summary
The 2025 State of the Ecosystem Report for New England evaluates
performance against fishery management objectives for Georges Bank and
the Gulf of Maine. Both regions face significant challenges despite some
positive indicators.
Seafood production shows long-term declines in New
England managed species landings, currently below long-term averages in
both regions. Total commercial landings are also below average, driven
primarily by management actions addressing mandated rebuilding of
depleted stocks. Recreational harvest remains well below long-term
averages despite slight recovery from 2020 lows. Thirteen stocks are
currently estimated below biomass targets, with thirteen additional
stocks having unknown status, indicating stock status and associated
management constraints are contributing to decreased landings.
Commercial profits tell different regional stories.
Georges Bank revenue remains below 1982 baseline levels throughout the
time series, primarily driven by volumes before 2010 and prices
thereafter. The Gulf of Maine exceeded 1982 levels in all but four
years, largely due to high lobster prices and landings. However, revenue
from New England managed species hit an all-time low in both regions in
2023. Both regions show moderate total climate vulnerability with no
long-term trend.
Stability indicators reveal concerning ecosystem
changes. Commercial fleet count is declining with 2023 below long-term
average, and species revenue diversity reflects reliance on relatively
few species. Recreational species diversity is increasing due to
southerly species increases and lower catch limits on traditional
species. Fish species richness is stable on Georges Bank but increasing
in Gulf of Maine, while zooplankton diversity is increasing on Georges
Bank. Functional trait analysis shows long-term changes including
declining fecundity in both regions, suggesting ecosystem
instability.
Protected species objectives are being met for
harbor porpoise and gray seal bycatch, both remaining below Potential
Biological Removal thresholds. However, North Atlantic Right Whales
continue declining with fewer than 70 adult females remaining. The
population experiences annual mortalities above recovery thresholds
primarily from entanglements and vessel strikes. Unusual Mortality
Events continue for three large whale species.
Social and climate vulnerability varies by
community. Three New England communities rank among top engaged for both
commercial and recreational fishing. New Bedford and Boston, MA show
medium-high vulnerability across multiple socio-demographic indicators,
suggesting challenges adapting to change. Community climate risk on
revenue is shifting from moderate to high/very high, indicating
increased dependence on climate-vulnerable species.
Climate and ecosystem risks are substantial. Species
distributions continue shifting northeast and deeper. Fish productivity
has declined since the early 2000s in the Gulf of Maine. Fish condition
in 2024 was poor for most species in both regions. Ocean summer length
is increasing, and spawning timing is shifting earlier for multiple
stocks including haddock and yellowtail flounder.
Offshore wind development poses significant risks.
Up to 20% and 19% of annual commercial revenue and landings respectively
for NEFMC managed species occurred within existing lease areas between
2008-2023 and may be displaced. Five new lease areas for floating
offshore wind were leased in Gulf of Maine in 2024. Development overlaps
North Atlantic Right Whale critical habitat and may alter oceanography
affecting prey availability.
2024 Highlights documented unusual conditions
including increased Labrador Slope Water influx creating cooler, fresher
conditions; delayed species migrations; species redistribution; and
record high summer ocean acidification in the Mid-Atlantic—the highest
since monitoring began in 2007.

South Atlantic

Summary
This NOAA Ecosystem Status Report for the U.S. South Atlantic Region
(2021) provides a comprehensive assessment of ecosystem health from
North Carolina through the Florida Keys. The report synthesizes 154
indicators across seven categories to support ecosystem-based fisheries
management.
Key findings include:
Climate and Physical Changes: The Atlantic
Multidecadal Oscillation shifted to a warm phase in the mid-1990s and
remains positive. Multiple temperature indicators show warming trends,
particularly since the 2010s, in seasonal, annual, and decadal
measurements. Coastal upwelling has declined since the early 2010s while
primary productivity was low from 2010-2015. These changes suggest
significant shifts in ocean dynamics.
Increasing Pressures: Several chronic stressors show
long-term increases including sea level rise, nutrient loading from
rivers, ocean acidification (pCO₂), and precipitation. The Southeast is
becoming wetter with decreased drought probability. However, thermal
stress on coral reefs has increased substantially since the
mid-1980s.
Habitat Concerns: Limited data exists for
regional-scale habitat assessments. Total wetland loss appears
relatively small (1.5% from 1996-2010), but forested wetlands declined
17%. Seagrass and oyster reef data are incomplete, though both habitats
have likely experienced significant historical losses.
Fish Community Changes: Offshore hard-bottom reef
fish diversity and abundance have generally declined since the
1980s-1990s, while nearshore demersal fish in soft-sediment habitats
have increased. Mean trophic level of commercial and recreational
landings has declined since the 1980s but stabilized recently. Many
snapper-grouper species show declining recruitment since the early
2010s.
Fisheries Trends: Recreational fishing increasingly
dominates harvest, accounting for >80% of federally-managed species
landings in recent years. Recreational landings and effort have
increased since the 1980s while commercial landings and revenue have
declined. Commercial landings of estuarine Blue Crab and Penaeid Shrimp
have generally declined since the mid-1990s.
Stock Status: The proportion of stocks experiencing
overfishing has declined since the early 2000s and remains relatively
stable. However, the number of overfished stocks (low biomass) has
changed little since 2005, suggesting recovery challenges despite
reduced fishing mortality.
Protected Species: Marine bird abundances have been
stable or increasing since the 1990s. Loggerhead Sea Turtle nest counts
have increased since the mid-2000s. Marine mammal strandings have been
sporadic with no long-term trend, though a major 2013 Bottlenose Dolphin
mortality event occurred.
Human Dimensions: The four South Atlantic states
rank among the nation’s fastest growing in population. Urban land cover
increased 18-23% from 1996-2010. Ocean economy employment and GDP are at
record highs. Social connectedness has declined overall, with greatest
losses in North and South Carolina.
The synthesis reveals an ecosystem experiencing gradual but
accelerating change, with significant shifts evident around 2005/2006,
2013/2014, and most recently. The report identifies critical data gaps
for habitats, lower trophic levels, and human dimensions, recommending
expanded monitoring and integrated ecosystem management approaches.