NOAA

 U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | National Marine Fisheries Service

2008 Status of U.S. Fisheries

NATIONAL

MARINE

FISHERIES

SERVICE

Science, Service, Stewardship

A Message from James W. Balsiger, Ph.D.

NOAA’s Acting Assistant Administrator for 

Fisheries

Status Determination by Region

Changes in Stock Status for 2008
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE 

2008 REPORT TO CONGRESS 

THE STATUS OF U.S. FISHERIES 

As mandated by the Sustainable Fisheries Act amendment to 

the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1996 

May, 2009 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

Office of Sustainable Fisheries 
 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Results

Overfishing 

• 41 stocks are 

subject to 

overfishing 

• 210 are not

Overfished 

• 46 stocks are 

overfished 

• 153 are not 

• 4 are rebuilt 

A Message from the Acting NOAA 

Assistant Administrator 

for Fisheries 

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service’s 

Report on the status of the U.S. fisheries for 2008 

 Science – Service - Stewardship 

I am pleased to present the 2008 report on the status of U.S. marine fish stocks. The 

report shows that three stocks are no longer subject to overfishing, three stocks have 

increased in biomass and are no longer overfished, and four stocks have fully rebuilt. 

However, four stocks have been found to be subject to overfishing and four stocks 

have been determined to be overfished. In all, 41 stocks are subject to overfishing 

and 46 stocks are overfished. Some of these stocks are managed under international 

agreements and action by the international community is critical to ending overfishing 

for these stocks. 

NMFS recognizes the importance of ensuring that the fishery resources under our 

management are healthy and productive. The commercial seafood industry and 

recreational saltwater fishing provide our Nation with food, jobs, and other benefits 

that we want to continue for future generations when we end overfishing. We 

continue to work hard with the eight regional Fishery Management Councils 

(Councils) to achieve the goals of ending overfishing, rebuilding our fish stocks to 

sustainable levels, and ensuring the benefits of productive stocks for future 

generations. 

Much progress has been made over the past several years in increasing the 

sustainability of our stocks. This progress is indicated by the Fish Stock 

Sustainability Index (FSSI). The FSSI measures the performance of key stocks and 

increases as we conduct additional stock assessments, end overfishing, and rebuild 

stocks to the level that provides maximum sustainable yield. This index increased 

from 357.5 in 2000 to 555.5 in 2008. 

In addition, in January 2009 we published guidance for implementing annual catch 

limits in all fisheries as required under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 

and Management Act. The guidance accounts for scientific uncertainty in estimating 

catch limits for a stock, and calls for strong accountability measures to prevent 

annual catch limits from being exceeded and to address such a situation quickly 

should it occur. We believe these guidelines lay a strong foundation for ending 

overfishing and allowing stocks to rebuild. This report briefly discusses the possible 

implications of the guidance on rebuilding. 

In closing, it is important to note that the majority of our domestic assessed fish 

stocks are either not subject to overfishing (84%) or not overfished (77%). We 

appreciate the support of Congress, stakeholders, and constituencies as we work to 

increase our knowledge of unassessed stocks, rebuild fisheries and maintain healthy 

resources for the benefit of the Nation. 

James W. Balsiger, Ph.D. 
 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

 
 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Executive Summary....................................................................................................... 1

Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3

Using the Best Available Data ................................................................................. 3

Overview of Overfishing Status.............................................................................. 5

Changes in Overfishing Status............................................................................................ 5 

Overview of Overfished Status ............................................................................... 6

Changes in Overfished Status............................................................................................. 6 

Changes in Approaching an Overfished Condition.......................................................... 6 

Biomass Levels ................................................................................................................. 7

Changes in Biomass Levels.................................................................................................. 7 

Biomass and Mortality Trends in Stocks under Rebuilding Plans...... 9

Implementing Annual Catch Limits...................................................................... 9

Status Determinations by Region ....................................................................... 10

Northeast Region................................................................................................................ 10 

Southeast Region................................................................................................................ 11 

Southwest Region ............................................................................................................... 12 

Northwest Region............................................................................................................... 13 

Pacific Islands Region........................................................................................................ 14 

Alaska Region..................................................................................................................... 15 

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species................................................................................... 16 
1 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Executive Summary 

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act requires that 

NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) report annually to Congress 

and the eight Regional Fishery Management Councils (Councils) on the status of 

fisheries (Sec. 304(e)(1)). This report fulfills that requirement. 

The information in this report was generated by the NMFS’ regional offices and 

science centers based on the most recent stock assessments as of December 31, 

2008. Status determinations are generally made during a formal review of a 

scientific stock assessment using the best available scientific information and 

status determination criteria specified in a fishery management plan. 

Stocks discussed in this report are characterized under two broad categories: (1) 

subject to overfishing and (2) overfished. A stock that is subject to overfishing 

has a fishing mortality (harvest) rate above the level that provides for the 

maximum sustainable yield. A stock that is overfished has a biomass level below 

a biological threshold specified in its fishery management plan. 

For 2008, NMFS reviewed 5311

 individual stocks and stock complexes and made 

determinations of both overfishing and overfished status for 191 stocks and 

complexes; an additional 68 have either an overfishing or overfished 

determination. 

Two hundred fifty-one stocks or stock 

complexes have known overfishing 

determinations: 210 (84%) are not 

subject to overfishing and 41 (16%) 

are subject to overfishing. These 

percentages are a slight improvement 

from last year’s report, in which 17% 

were subject to overfishing and 83% 

were not. This slight improvement in the percentages reflects new assessments 

which have added to the number of stocks with known overfishing 

determinations. 

Three stocks are no longer subject to overfishing: finetooth shark – Atlantic, 

Summer flounder - Mid-Atlantic Coast, and Hawaiian Archipelago Bottomfish 

Multi-species Complex. Four stocks have been listed as subject to overfishing in 

2008: thorny skate - Gulf of Maine, pink shrimp – Gulf of Mexico, blacknose 

shark – Atlantic, and shortfin mako –Atlantic. 

 

One hundred ninety-nine stocks have known overfished determinations: 153 

(77%) are not overfished2

 and 46 (23%) are overfished. These percentages 

represent a slight improvement from last year’s report, in which 24% were 

 

1 Compare to 528 in the 2007 report: 5 Alaska scallop stocks were added; Atlantic red drum was removed, and South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico 

mutton snapper stocks were combined into one stock, for a net increase of 3 stocks. 2 Number includes 5 stocks that are approaching an overfished condition. 

Summary of Changes

Subject to overfishing, 2008: 41 (16%) 

Subject to overfishing, 2007: 41 (17%) 

Overfished, 2008: 46 (23%) 

Overfished, 2007: 45 (24%) 
2 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Fish Stock Sustainability Index (FSSI)

357.5 369.5

413.5

431.5

456.0

495.5 506.5

531.0

555.5

300

350

400

450

500

550

600

650

2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Calendar Year

Score

Figure 1. FSSI score, 2000-2008.

overfished and 76% were not. This slight improvement in the percentages 

reflects new assessments which have added to the number of stocks with known 

overfished determinations. 

Three stocks are no longer overfished: monkfish – North, monkfish – South, and 

summer flounder – Mid-Atlantic Coast. Two stocks have become overfished: 

smooth skate – Gulf of Maine and blacknose shark – Atlantic. Two stocks, 

previously listed as unknown, have been determined to be overfished: red 

snapper – South Atlantic, and gray triggerfish – Gulf of Mexico. 

Four stocks have fully rebuilt to 100% of their BMSY levels: monkfish – North, 

monkfish – South, bluefish – Atlantic Coast, and king mackerel – Gulf of Mexico. 

Management of two additional stocks has resulted in biomass levels of at least 

80% of their maximum sustainable levels: Hawaiian Archipelago Bottomfish 

Multi-species Complex and yellowfin tuna – Western Atlantic. 

NMFS measures progress towards the sustainability of our nation’s fisheries 

through the Fish Stock Sustainability Index (FSSI). The FSSI measures the 

performance of key stocks and increases as additional assessments are 

conducted, overfishing is ended and stocks rebuild to the level that provides 

maximum sustainable yield. This index increased from 357.5 in 2000 to 555.5 in 

2008, see Figure 1 below. While change from one year to the next may not be 

dramatic, the 55% increase in the FSSI in 8 years represents significant progress 

in improving our knowledge of stock status and sustainably managing our 

fisheries. More information about the FSSI can be found at: 

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/statusoffisheries/SOSmain.htm. 
3 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Introduction 

his report describes the state of our nation’s marine fisheries and the 

effectiveness of fisheries management under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 

Conservation and Management Act, Public Law 94-294 (MSA), as amended in 

1996 by the Sustainable Fisheries Act (SFA) and again in 2007 by the MagnusonStevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 

(MSRA). The SFA emphasized the need to end overfishing, rebuild overfished 

stocks, and establish management plans designed to ensure biologically and 

economically sustainable fisheries. A stock that is subject to overfishing has a 

fishing mortality (harvest) rate above the level that provides for the maximum 

sustainable yield. A stock that is overfished has a biomass level below its 

prescribed biological threshold. The MSRA requires annual catch limits that end 

overfishing be established by 2010 for all stocks subject to overfishing and by 

2011 for all other stocks. 

This report fulfills the Congressional requirement in Sec. 304(e)(1) of the MSA for 

an annual report on the status of fisheries within each Council’s geographic area 

of authority and to identify fisheries that are overfished or approaching a 

condition of being overfished. 

This report lists the managed marine fish stocks in the U.S. Exclusive Economic 

Zone3

, including stocks that straddle international boundaries and highly 

migratory stocks. In response to the Congressional requirement, the report 

categorizes stocks according to their status. The report answers four questions 

which help determine the effectiveness of management measures in meeting the 

provisions of the MSA: 

1. What stocks are subject to overfishing? 

2. What stocks are overfished? 

3. What stocks are approaching an overfished condition? 

4. How do this year’s determinations compare to previous years? 

Information on fishing mortality and biomass trends for rebuilding stocks, which 

can show if the management measures to end overfishing are working and if the 

biomass of the stock is rebuilding as planned, can be found at the NMFS website: 

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/statusoffisheries/SOSmain.htm. Additional information 

on many rebuilding stocks, as well as other important fish stocks, can be found 

at the NMFS FishWatch website: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/fishwatch/#. 

Using the Best Available Data 

To categorize marine fish stocks for this report, NMFS reviewed each stock 

relative to the status determination criteria (SDC) contained in the relevant 

 

3 The U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone generally extends from 3 to 200 miles offshore and covers more than 2 million square miles.

T
4 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

fishery management plan (FMP)4. Sometimes the SDC do not apply to an 

individual stock, but to a group of similar species harvested together or sharing a 

similar life history. These groups are referred to as stock complexes, units, or 

assemblages. Such groupings may be particularly useful when data are sparse or 

lacking because they provide a level of protection for all related stocks and allow 

data collection on them. In some cases, the status of a stock complex is 

determined using the SDC for one stock in the complex. In other cases, the SDC 

apply to the complex as a whole. Stock complexes are used in the Southeast, the 

Pacific Islands, and the Alaska Regions, as well as by the NMFS Atlantic Highly 

Migratory Species (HMS) division. The reporting level (stock or stock complex) is 

based on the level used in the assessment. 

 

Based on a review of the best scientific information available for each stock or 

stock complex, relative to its SDC, NMFS determined whether an overfishing and 

overfished condition exists, including whether or not the stock is approaching an 

overfished condition. NMFS used many resources to make these determinations, 

including final, peer-reviewed documents such as Stock Assessment Review 

Committee reports and recommendations of each Council’s Scientific and 

Statistical Committee. For species not included in a federal FMP (i.e., species 

managed by international agreement), the stock status determination was made 

in accordance with the relevant FMP or agreement. More information on the stock 

complexes and methodology used to include them in this report can be found in 

Appendix 1, located on the NMFS website, 

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/statusoffisheries/SOSmain.htm. 

NMFS continues to make progress in improving the scientific knowledge of 

marine fisheries and in the ability to use that knowledge to manage for the 

sustained use of these resources. NMFS is also working to increase the number 

of stocks that are assessed. NMFS assessed 2175

 stock and stock complexes in 

2008, 7 for the first time. In 2008, 7 additional stocks now have known 

overfishing determinations and 8 additional stocks now have overfished 

determinations. Of those, 6 are not subject to overfishing and 6 are not 

overfished. 

This year’s report is based on assessments completed as of December 31, 2008. 

Results from fishery stock assessments in progress on that date will be 

summarized in next year’s report. Species or stock names used in this report 

now reflect accepted scientific nomenclature. These are the same stocks listed in 

previous reports, but the linked species and stock area name may be different 

from what was previously reported. The status of all 531 stocks and stock 

complexes is summarized in Table 1. 

 

4 Some stocks in the Southeast Region have status determinations based on criteria that are not contained in the FMP because it is the best scientific 

information available for such data poor stocks. Alaska SDC are generally specified in the annual SAFE Report, rather than in the FMP itself. 5 Number includes the assessment of 19 stocks in the Northeast Multispecies FMP, results of which will not be used to make determinations until the 

FMP is amended to reflect the SDC recommended in the assessment. It also includes Pacific Coast Groundfish stocks for which total fishing mortality 

estimates were used for the first time to determine the overfishing status of the stock. 
5 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Overview of Overfishing Status

• 251 stocks or stock complexes have a known overfishing 

status. Of these: 

o 210 (84%) stocks or stock complexes are not subject to 

overfishing. 

o 41 (16%) stocks or stock complexes have a fishing 

mortality rate that exceeds the overfishing threshold (i.e., 

is subject to overfishing). 

• 280 stocks or stock complexes have overfishing thresholds not 

defined or applicable, or are unknown with respect to their 

overfishing status. 

Changes in Overfishing Status

• In the Northeast Region – 

o Summer flounder - Mid-Atlantic Coast is no longer subject to overfishing. 

o Thorny skate - Gulf of Maine is now subject to overfishing. 

• In the Southeast Region – 

o Pink shrimp – Gulf of Mexico is now subject to overfishing6

. 

o Red Drum – Southern Atlantic Coast was removed from the list of stocks 

subject to overfishing. Management authority for this stock was transferred 

to the ASMFC7

 during 2008 and is no longer under federal management 

jurisdiction. Its status is now reported under stocks contained in nonFederal FMPs and is unchanged as subject to overfishing. 

• In the Northwest Region – 

o Gopher rockfish – Northern California is not subject to overfishing (was 

previously unknown). 

o California scorpionfish – Southern California is not subject to overfishing 

(was previously unknown). 

o Starry flounder – Pacific coast is not subject to overfishing (was previously 

unknown). 

• In the Pacific Islands Region – 

o Hawaiian Archipelago Bottomfish Multi-species Complex is no longer 

subject to overfishing. 

• In the Alaska Region – 

o Red king crab – Norton Sound is not subject to overfishing (was previously 

unknown). 

• In the Highly Migratory Species Division – 

o Finetooth shark – Atlantic is no longer subject to overfishing. 

o Blue shark – Atlantic is not subject to overfishing (was previously 

unknown). 

o Skipjack tuna – Western Atlantic is not subject to overfishing (was 

previously unknown). 

o Blacknose shark – Atlantic is now subject to overfishing. 

o Shortfin mako – Atlantic is subject to overfishing (was previously 

unknown). 

 • There are no changes in the other regions. 

 

6 The Gulf of Mexico pink shrimp was determined to be subject to overfishing because the 2008 stock assessment estimated parent stock levels to be 

less than 100 million shrimp. However, this apparent decline is likely due to a reduction in fishing effort rather than a true decrease in abundance. 

The assessment is currently under review and the overfishing status of pink shrimp may be revised soon. 7 ASMFC – Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission 
6 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Overview of Overfished Status

• 199 stocks or stock complexes have a known overfished 

status. Of these: 

o 153 (77%) stocks or stock complexes are not 

overfished - 5 of these stocks are approaching an 

overfished condition. 

o 46 (23%) stocks or stock complexes are overfished. 

• 332 stocks or stock complexes have overfished thresholds 

not defined or applicable, or are unknown with respect to their 

overfished status. 

Changes in Overfished Status 

• In the Northeast Region – 

o Summer flounder - Mid-Atlantic Coast is no longer overfished. 

o Monkfish – North is no longer overfished and is now rebuilt. 

o Monkfish – South is no longer overfished and is now rebuilt. 

o Smooth skate - Gulf of Maine is now overfished. 

• In the Southeast Region – 

o Vermillion snapper – Southern Atlantic Coast is not overfished (was 

previously unknown). 

o Royal red shrimp (Gulf of Mexico) is not overfished (was previously 

unknown). 

o Red snapper – South Atlantic is overfished (was previously 

unknown). 

o Gray triggerfish – Gulf of Mexico is overfished (was previously 

unknown). 

• In the Alaska Region – 

o Red king crab – Norton Sound is not overfished (was previously 

unknown). 

o Rougheye rockfish – Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands is not overfished 

(was previously unknown). 

o Rex sole – Gulf of Alaska is unknown with respect to its overfished 

status (was previously not overfished). 

• In the Highly Migratory Species Division – 

o Blue shark – Atlantic is not overfished (was previously unknown). 

o Skipjack tuna – Western Atlantic is not overfished (was previously 

unknown). 

o Blacknose shark – Atlantic is now overfished. 

• There are no changes in the other regions. 

Changes in Approaching an Overfished Condition

The basis for determining whether a stock is approaching an overfished condition 

is an examination of the current stock biomass and trends in fishing effort and 

the conclusion that the stock is likely to become overfished within 2 years. The 

definition for the biomass threshold in the FMP, along with trends in fishing 
7 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

effort, is the basis for determining whether a stock is approaching an overfished 

condition. For Pacific salmon stocks, the criteria are based on maximum 

sustainable yield/maximum spawner potential objectives for natural stocks or 

stock complexes. 

• In the Highly Migratory Species Division – 

o Shortfin mako – Atlantic is approaching an overfished condition 

(was previously unknown). 

• There are no changes in the other regions. 

Biomass Levels 

The Fish Stock Sustainability Index (FSSI) is a performance measure for the 

sustainability of 230 U.S. fish stocks selected for their importance to commercial 

and recreational fisheries. The FSSI establishes, as an indicator of sustainability, 

an 80% threshold of the current stock biomass compared to the biomass that 

supports the maximum sustainable yield (B/BMSY). Stocks with biomass above 

that level are considered to be within the range of natural fluctuation around the 

BMSY level, which is defined as a long-term average. The following stocks have 

biomass levels determined, in 2008, to have changed relative to this threshold. 

Changes in Biomass Levels

• In the Northeast Region - 

o Monkfish – North is now rebuilt. 

o Monkfish – South is now rebuilt. 

• In the Southeast Region – 

o Vermillion snapper – Southern Atlantic Coast – B/BMSY is above 80% 

(was previously not estimated). 

o Pink Shrimp – Gulf of Mexico – B/BMSY is now below 80%. 

• In the Pacific Islands Region – 

o Hawaiian Archipelago Bottomfish Multi-species Complex – B/BMSY is 

now above 80%. 

• In the Alaska Region – 

o Rougheye rockfish – Gulf of Alaska – B/BMSY is above 80% (was 

previously not estimated). 

o Red king crab – Norton Sound – B/BMSY is now above 80%. 

o Southern Tanner Crab - Bering Sea – B/BMSY is now below 80%. 

• In the Highly Migratory Species Division – 

o Blue shark – Atlantic – B/BMSY is above 80% (was previously not 

estimated). 

o Shortfin mako – Atlantic – B/BMSY is above 80% (was previously not 

estimated). 

o Yellowfin tuna – Western Atlantic – B/BMSY is now above 80%. 

• There are no changes in the other regions. 
8 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Table 1. Description of FSSI and nonFSSI Stocks by Council, 2008. 

Overfishing Overfished 

Jurisdiction

* 

Stock 

Group 

Number of 

Stocks 

Yes No Not 

Known 

Not 

Defined 

N/A Yes No Not 

Known 

Not 

Defined 

N/A 

Approaching 

Overfished 

Condition 

NEFMC FSSI 34 9 21 2 2 0 16 17 1 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 

Total 35 9 22 2 2 0 17 17 1 0 0 0 

MAFMC FSSI 11 1 10 0 0 0 2 8 1 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Total 11 1 10 0 0 0 2 8 1 0 0 0 

NEFMC/ 

MAFMC FSSI 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Total 3 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 

SAFMC FSSI 21 10 10 1 0 0 5 6 9 0 0 1 

NonFSSI 63 0 10 51 2 0 0 1 55 7 0 0 

Total 84 10 20 52 2 0 5 7 64 7 0 1 

GMFMC FSSI 17 5 8 4 0 0 3 6 0 8 0 0 

NonFSSI 36 0 6 29 1 0 0 1 1 34 0 0 

 Total 53 5 14 33 1 0 3 7 1 42 0 0 

SAFMC/ 

GMFMC FSSI 10 0 10 0 0 0 0 7 2 1 0 0

NonFSSI 3 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0

 Total 13 0 11 1 1 0 0 8 3 2 0 0

CFMC FSSI 8 4 1 3 0 0 4 0 3 0 0 1

NonFSSI 14 1 0 13 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 1

 Total 22 5 1 16 0 0 4 0 16 0 0 2

PFMC FSSI 48 1 33 13 1 0 4 30 11 3 0 0 

NonFSSI 120 0 17 50 0 53 0 16 51 0 53 0 

 Total 168 1 50 63 1 53 4 46 62 3 53 0 

WPFMC FSSI 16 0 7 9 0 0 1 7 8 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 20 0 3 15 2 0 0 1 17 2 0 0 

 Total 36 0 10 24 2 0 1 8 25 2 0 0 

PFMC/ 

WPFMC FSSI 6 1 2 3 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 4 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 

 Total 10 1 2 7 0 0 0 3 7 0 0 0 

NPFMC FSSI 35 0 33 2 0 0 1 29 0 5 0 0 

NonFSSI 36 0 22 8 6 0 0 2 0 34 0 0 

 Total 71 0 55 10 6 0 1 31 0 39 0 0 

PFMC/ 

NPFMC FSSI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

NonFSSI 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 

 Total 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 

HMS FSSI 21 9 10 2 0 0 9 8 2 0 0 2 

NonFSSI 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 

 Total 24 9 11 4 0 0 9 9 4 0 0 2 

TOTAL FSSI 230 40 148 39 3 0 45 124 40 17 0 4 

NonFSSI 301 1 62 173 12 53 1 24 144 78 53 1 

 Total 531 41 210 212 15 53 46 148 184 95 53 5 

* FSSI = Fish Stock Sustainability Index; NEFMC = New England Fishery Management Council; MAFMC = Mid-Atlantic Fishery 

Management Council; SAFMC = South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; GMFMC = Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; CFMC 

= Caribbean Fishery Management Council; PFMC = Pacific Fishery Management Council; WPFMC = Western Pacific Fishery Management 

Council; NPFMC = North Pacific Fishery Management Council; HMS = Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. 
9 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Biomass and Mortality Trends in Stocks under Rebuilding 

Plans

Section 304(e)(7) of the MSA requires that the Secretary review any fishery 

management plan, plan amendment, or regulations required by this subsection 

at routine intervals that may not exceed two years for adequate progress toward 

ending overfishing and rebuilding affected fish stocks. In the 2007 report to 

Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries, NMFS presented an analysis of trends 

in fishing mortality (F) and biomass (B) for stocks under rebuilding plans. That 

analysis used the most current scientific stock assessments for 39 rebuilding 

stocks and presented a series of figures to illustrate the trends. The analysis, and 

its findings, has been updated using the most recent assessments completed 

since that time, where available. The results are updated and presented on the 

NMFS website at: 

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/statusoffisheries/SOSmain.htm.

Implementing Annual Catch Limits 

In early 2009, NMFS put in place guidelines to aid the regional Councils in 

implementing annual catch limits (ACLs) and accountability measures (AMs) 

within the fisheries in their jurisdiction8

. These guidelines will facilitate 

compliance with requirements of the MSA to end and prevent overfishing, rebuild 

overfished stocks, and achieve optimum yield. ACLs and AMs are required for 

stocks that are subject to overfishing by 2010, and for all other stocks by 2011. 

Congress provided two exceptions to the ACL requirements: 

 unless otherwise provided for under an international agreement in which 

the United States participates, and 

 shall not apply to a fishery for species that have a life cycle of 

approximately 1 year unless the Secretary has determined the fishery is 

subject to overfishing of that species 

Of the 41 stocks subject to overfishing, NMFS believes that some stocks might be 

covered by the above exceptions. However, final determinations have not yet 

been made, and other stocks might also be considered under these exceptions. 

 

8 The guidelines can be viewed here: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/msa2007/catchlimits.htm
10 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Status Determinations by Region 

Northeast Region9

Thirteen FMPs containing 49 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS and the 

New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils: Atlantic Sea 

Scallop; Northeast Multispecies; Northeast Skate; Atlantic Herring; Red Crab; 

Monkfish; Spiny Dogfish; Summer flounder, Scup and Black Sea Bass; Atlantic 

Bluefish; Atlantic Surfclam and Ocean Quahog; Atlantic Mackerel, Squid, and 

Butterfish; Tilefish; and Atlantic Salmon. Within these FMPs, 10 stocks are 

subject to overfishing, 21 stocks are overfished, and no stocks are approaching 

an overfished condition. See Table 3. 

Table 3. Northeast Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are 

approaching an overfished condition. 

Council FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching 

Atlantic salmon - Atlantic salmon* - 

Northeast 

Multispecies 

cod - Gulf of Maine

cod - Georges Bank 

- 

- 

yellowtail flounder –

Georges Bank

yellowtail flounder - 

Southern New England 

(SNE)/Mid-Atlantic (MA)

yellowtail flounder - Cape 

Cod/Gulf of Maine

white hake - Georges 

Bank/Gulf of Maine 

-

winter flounder – SNE/MA

winter flounder – Georges 

Bank 

- 

-

cod - Gulf of Maine

cod - Georges Bank

haddock - Gulf of Maine

haddock - Georges Bank

American plaice

yellowtail flounder –

Georges Bank

yellowtail flounder - 

Southern New England 

SNE/MA

yellowtail flounder - Cape 

Cod/Gulf of Maine

white hake - Georges 

Bank/Gulf of Maine

windowpane flounder – 

SNE/MA

winter flounder – SNE/MA

- 

ocean pout

Atlantic halibut

- 

NEFMC 

Northeast Skate 

thorny skate - Gulf of 

Maine 

- 

- 

thorny skate - Gulf of 

Maine 

winter skate – Georges 

Bank/SNE 

smooth skate - Gulf of 

Maine 

- 

Summer flounder, 

Scup and Black 

Sea Bass 

scup - Atlantic coast scup - Atlantic coast - 

MAFMC 

Atlantic Mackerel, 

Squid, and 

Butterfish 

butterfish – Gulf of 

Maine/Cape Hatteras - 

* No fishing is allowed in this fishery, or incidental harvest is limited to levels necessary to meet Endangered Species Act (ESA) 

requirements. A Final Recovery Plan for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon has been developed under the 

ESA.

 

9 Assessment results for 19 stocks in the Northeast Multispecies FMP will not be used to make determinations until the FMP is amended to reflect the 

SDC recommended in the assessment. 
11 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Southeast Region

Seventeen FMPs10 containing 175 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS 

and the South Atlantic, Caribbean, and Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 

Councils: South Atlantic Golden Crab; South Atlantic Shrimp; South Atlantic 

Snapper Grouper; Coral, Coral Reefs, and Live/Hard Bottom Habitats of the 

South Atlantic Region; Pelagic Sargassum Habitat of the South Atlantic Region; 

Dolphin Wahoo; Coastal Migratory Pelagics of the Gulf of Mexico and South 

Atlantic; Gulf of Mexico/South Atlantic Spiny Lobster; Gulf of Mexico Stone Crab; 

Gulf of Mexico Shrimp; Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of Mexico; Gulf of Mexico 

Red Drum; Coral and Coral Reefs of the Gulf of Mexico; Reef Fish Fishery of 

Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; Spiny Lobster Fishery of Puerto Rico and 

the U.S. Virgin Islands; Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico and the U.S. 

Virgin Islands; and Corals and Reef Associated Invertebrates of Puerto Rico and 

the U.S. Virgin Islands. Within these FMPs, 20 stocks are subject to overfishing, 

10 stocks are overfished, and 3 stocks are approaching an overfished condition. 

See Table 4.

Table 4. Southeast Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are approaching an overfished condition. 

Council FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching

South Atlantic Snapper Grouper 

vermilion snapper

red snapper

snowy grouper

red grouper

black sea bass

gag

speckled hind

warsaw grouper

tilefish

black grouper 

- 

- 

red snapper

snowy grouper

-

black sea bass

- 

-

-

- 

-

red porgy 

gag

SAFMC 

South Atlantic Shrimp - pink shrimp 

Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of 

Mexico 

red snapper 

greater amberjack 

gag 

gray triggerfish 

red snapper 

greater amberjack 

- 

GMFMC gray triggerfish 

Shrimp Fishery of the Gulf of Mexico pink shrimp - 

Reef Fish Fishery of Puerto Rico and 

the USVI 

Grouper Unit 1 

- 

Grouper Unit 4 

Snapper Unit 1 

Parrotfishes 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 2 

Grouper Unit 4 

- 

-

- 

- 

- 

Snapper Unit 1 

Parrotfishes

CFMC 

Queen Conch Resources of Puerto Rico and the USVI queen conch queen conch - 

 

10 The Atlantic Coast Red Drum FMP has had management authority transferred to the ASMFC. It is no longer under federal management and its 

overfishing status is now reported under stocks contained in non-Federal FMPs. The stock remains subject to overfishing. 
12 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Southwest Region 

Two FMPs containing 19 stocks or complexes11 are managed by NMFS and the 

Pacific Fishery Management Council: Coastal Pelagic Species and West Coast 

Highly Migratory Species. Within these FMPs, 2 stocks are subject to overfishing, 

no stocks are overfished, and no stocks are approaching an overfished condition. 

See Table 5. 

Table 5. Southwest Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are 

approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching

West Coast Highly Migratory 

Species 

yellowfin tuna - Eastern Tropical Pacific

bigeye tuna - Pacific*

- 

- 

*

 This stock also appears in Table 7 as a stock subject to overfishing in the Pacific Islands Region’ s Pelagic Fisheries of the 

Western Pacific Region FMP. Each of the 10 stocks shared between these two FMPs is listed only once in the support tables as a 

single stock managed under both FMPs. The Southwest and the Pacific Islands Regions, along with the Pacific and Western 

Pacific Fishery Management Councils, are working together to end overfishing in this stock.

 

11 Total includes 10 pelagic species shared with the Pacific Islands Region. 
13 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Northwest Region 

Two FMPs containing 158 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS and the 

Pacific Fishery Management Council: West Coast Salmon and Pacific Coast 

Groundfish. In addition, Pacific halibut is managed jointly with the Alaska Region 

and the International Pacific Halibut Commission. Within these FMPs, no stock is 

subject to overfishing, 4 stocks are overfished, and 1 stock is approaching an 

overfished condition. See Table 6. 

Table 6. Northwest Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are 

approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching

Pacific Coast Groundfish 

- 

- 

- 

- 

bocaccio

darkblotched rockfish

cowcod

yelloweye rockfish
14 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Pacific Islands Region

Five FMPs containing 45 stocks or complexes12 are managed by NMFS and the 

Western Pacific Fishery Management Council: Pelagic Fisheries of the Western 

Pacific Region; Crustaceans Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region; Precious 

Coral Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region; Bottomfish and Seamount 

Groundfish Fisheries of the Western Pacific Region; and Coral Reef Ecosystems of 

the Western Pacific Region. Within these FMPs, 1 stock or stock complex is 

subject to overfishing, 1 stock or stock complex is overfished, and no stock or 

stock complexes are approaching an overfished condition. See Table 7. 

Table 7. Pacific Islands Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or 

are approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching 

Pelagic Fisheries of the Western 

Pacific Region bigeye tuna – Pacific *

 - 

Bottomfish and Seamount 

Groundfish Fisheries of the 

Western Pacific Region 

- Seamount Groundfish complex – 

Hancock Seamount**

* This stock also appears in Table 5 as a stock subject to overfishing in the Southwest Region’s West Coast Highly Migratory 

Species FMP. Each of the 10 stocks shared between these two FMPs is listed only once in the support tables as a single stock 

managed under both FMPs. The Southwest and the Pacific Islands Regions, along with the Pacific and Western Pacific Fishery 

Management Councils, are working together to end overfishing in this stock. 

** This stock complex uses pelagic armorhead as the indicator species of a three-species seamount groundfish complex that 

includes raftfish and alfonsin. 

 

12 Total includes 10 pelagic species shared with the Southwest region. 
15 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Alaska Region 

Five FMPs containing 69 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS and the 

North Pacific Fishery Management Council: GOA Groundfish; BSAI Groundfish; 

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands King and Tanner Crab; Alaska Weathervane 

Scallops; and Alaska High Seas Salmon. In addition, Pacific halibut is managed 

jointly with the Northwest Region and the International Pacific Halibut 

Commission. Within these FMPs, no stocks or stock complexes are subject to 

overfishing, 1 stocks or stock complex is overfished, and no stocks or stock 

complexes are approaching an overfished condition. See Table 8. 

Table 8. Alaska Region stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are 

approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching 

BSAI King and Tanner 

Crab - blue king crab - Pribilof Islands 
16 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species 

One FMP containing 23 stocks or complexes are managed by NMFS: Consolidated 

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species. Within this FMP, 8 stocks or stock complexes 

are subject to overfishing, 8 stocks or stock complexes are overfished, and 1 

stock is approaching an overfished condition. See Table 9. 

Table 9. Atlantic Highly Migratory stocks that are subject to overfishing, are overfished, 

or are approaching an overfished condition. 

FMP Overfishing Overfished Approaching 

Atlantic Highly Migratory 

Species 

blue marlin - Atlantic

white marlin - Atlantic

sailfish - West Atlantic

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna - West Atlantic

- 

dusky shark 

blacknose shark – Atlantic 

shortfin mako - Atlantic 

sandbar shark*

blue marlin - Atlantic

white marlin - Atlantic

sailfish - West Atlantic

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna - West Atlantic

Porbeagle shark 

dusky shark 

blacknose shark – Atlantic 

- 

sandbar shark*

yellowfin tuna – Atlantic 

shortfin mako – Atlantic 

* This stock is part of the Large Coastal Shark complex, but is assessed separately.
17 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Table 10. Comparing stocks or stock complexes with “subject to overfishing” 

determinations in 2007 and 2008. Stocks in GREEN under “2007” were removed from the 

list in 2008. Stocks in RED under “2008” were added to the list in 2008. 

COUNCIL 2007 2008 COUNCIL 2007 2008 

NEFMC 

cod - Gulf of Maine 

cod - Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder – 

Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder - SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

yellowtail flounder - Cape 

Cod/Gulf of Maine 

White hake - Georges 

Bank/Gulf of Maine 

winter flounder - SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

winter flounder – Georges 

Bank 

- 

cod - Gulf of Maine 

cod - Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder – 

Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder - SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

yellowtail flounder - Cape 

Cod/Gulf of Maine 

White hake - Georges 

Bank/Gulf of Maine 

winter flounder - SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

winter flounder – Georges 

Bank 

THORNY SKATE - GULF OF 

MAINE

CFMC 

Queen conch 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 4 

parrotfishes 

Snapper Unit 1 

Queen conch 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 4 

parrotfishes 

Snapper Unit 1 

MAFMC 

scup - Atlantic coast 

SUMMER FLOUNDER - MIDATLANTIC COAST

scup - Atlantic coast 

- PFMC 

yellowfin tuna – Eastern 

Pacific 

yellowfin tuna – Eastern 

Pacific

NEFMC/MAFMC None None WPFMC 

BOTTOMFISH MULTI-SPECIES 

COMPLEX – HAWAIIAN 

ARCHIPELAGO

- 

SAFMC 

vermilion snapper 

red snapper 

snowy grouper 

tilefish 

red grouper 

black sea bass 

gag 

speckled hind 

warsaw grouper 

black grouper 

RED DRUM13

vermilion snapper 

red snapper 

snowy grouper 

tilefish 

red grouper 

black sea bass 

gag 

speckled hind 

warsaw grouper 

black grouper 

- 

PFMC/ 

WPFMC bigeye tuna – Pacific bigeye tuna – Pacific 

GMFMC 

red snapper 

greater amberjack 

gray triggerfish 

gag 

-

red snapper 

greater amberjack 

gray triggerfish 

gag 

PINK SHRIMP

NPFMC None None 

SAFMC/GMFMC None None HMS 

blue marlin - Atlantic 

white marlin - Atlantic 

sailfish - West Atlantic 

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna - West 

Atlantic 

sandbar shark - Atlantic 

FINETOOTH SHARK -

ATLANTIC

dusky shark - Atlantic 

- 

-

blue marlin - Atlantic 

white marlin - Atlantic 

sailfish - West Atlantic 

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna - West 

Atlantic 

sandbar shark – Atlantic 

- 

dusky shark - Atlantic 

BLACKNOSE SHARK –

ATLANTIC

SHORTFIN MAKO - ATLANTIC

NEFMC = New England Fishery Management Council; MAFMC = Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; SAFMC = South Atlantic Fishery

Management Council; GMFMC = Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; CFMC = Caribbean Fishery Management Council; PFMC = Pacific 

Fishery Management Council; WPFMC = Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; NPFMC = North Pacific Fishery Management Council; HMS = 

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species.

 

13 This stock has had management authority transferred to the ASMFC. It is no longer under federal management and its overfishing status is now 

reported under stocks contained in non-Federal FMPs. The stock remains subject to overfishing. 
18 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

Table 11. Stocks or stock complexes with “overfished” determinations in 2007 and 2008. 

Stocks in GREEN under “2007” were removed from the list in 2008. Stocks in RED under 

“2008” were added to the list in 2008.

Council 2007 2008 Council 2007 2008 

NEFMC 

cod - Gulf of Maine 

cod - Georges Bank 

haddock - Gulf of Maine 

haddock - Georges Bank 

American plaice 

yellowtail flounder – 

Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder – 

SNE/ Mid-Atlantic 

yellowtail flounder - 

Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine 

White hake - Georges 

Bank/Gulf of Maine 

windowpane Flounder – 

SNE/ Mid-Atlantic 

winter Flounder – SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

ocean pout 

Atlantic halibut 

Thorny skate - Gulf of 

Maine 

winter skate 

- 

Atlantic salmon 

cod - Gulf of Maine 

cod - Georges Bank 

haddock - Gulf of Maine 

haddock - Georges Bank 

American plaice 

yellowtail flounder – 

Georges Bank 

yellowtail flounder – 

SNE/ Mid-Atlantic 

yellowtail flounder - 

Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine 

White hake - Georges 

Bank/Gulf of Maine 

windowpane Flounder – 

SNE/ Mid-Atlantic 

winter Flounder – SNE/ 

Mid-Atlantic 

ocean pout 

Atlantic halibut 

Thorny skate - Gulf of 

Maine 

winter skate 

SMOOTH SKATE - GULF OF 

MAINE

Atlantic salmon 

CFMC 

queen conch 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 2 

Grouper Unit 4 

queen conch 

Grouper Unit 1 

Grouper Unit 2 

Grouper Unit 4 

MAFMC 

butterfish 

scup - Atlantic coast 

SUMMER FLOUNDER - MIDATLANTIC COAST

butterfish 

scup - Atlantic coast 

- PFMC 

bocaccio 

darkblotched rockfish 

cowcod 

yelloweye rockfish 

bocaccio 

darkblotched rockfish 

cowcod 

yelloweye rockfish

NEFMC/ MAFMC MONKFISH – NORTH

MONKFISH - SOUTH

- 

- WPFMC 

Seamount Groundfish 

complex - Hancock 

Seamounts 

Seamount Groundfish 

complex - Hancock 

Seamounts 

SAFMC 

snowy grouper 

black sea bass 

red porgy 

- 

pink shrimp* 

snowy grouper 

black sea bass 

red porgy 

RED SNAPPER

pink shrimp* 

PFMC/ WPFMC None None 

GMFMC 

red snapper 

greater amberjack 

- 

red snapper 

greater amberjack 

GRAY TRIGGERFISH

NPFMC blue king crab - Pribilof 

Islands 

blue king crab - Pribilof 

Islands 

SAFMC/ 

GMFMC None None HMS 

blue marlin - Atlantic 

white marlin - Atlantic 

sailfish - West Atlantic 

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna – West 

Atlantic 

sandbar shark 

Porbeagle shark 

Dusky shark 

- 

blue marlin - Atlantic 

white marlin - Atlantic 

sailfish - West Atlantic 

albacore - North Atlantic

bluefin tuna – West 

Atlantic 

sandbar shark 

Porbeagle shark 

Dusky shark 

BLACKNOSE SHARK -

ATLANTIC

NEFMC = New England Fishery Management Council; MAFMC = Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council; SAFMC = South Atlantic Fishery

Management Council; GMFMC = Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council; CFMC = Caribbean Fishery Management Council; PFMC = Pacific 

Fishery Management Council; WPFMC = Western Pacific Fishery Management Council; NPFMC = North Pacific Fishery Management Council; HMS = 

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species 

* Pink shrimp are an annual crop. An advisory panel concluded the apparent decline in pink shrimp abundance appears to be due to environmental 

factors, rather than overfishing. 
19 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

New England:1. Cod – Gulf of Maine 2. Cod – Georges Bank 3. Yellowtail flounder – Georges Bank 4. Yellowtail flounder – Southern New England/Middle Atlantic 5. Yellowtail flounder – Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine 6. White Hake 7. Winter Flounder – Georges Bank 8. Winter Flounder – Southern New England/Middle Atlantic 9. Thorny Skate 

Stocks “Subject to Overfishing” (41) – 2008

Mid-Atlantic:

1. Scup 

South 

Atlantic:

1. Vermilion Snapper 2. Red Snapper 3. Snowy Grouper 4. Tilefish 5. Red Grouper 6. Black Sea Bass 7. Gag 8. Black Grouper 9. Speckled Hind 10. Warsaw Grouper 

Gulf of Mexico:1. Red Snapper 2. Greater Amberjack 3. Gag 4. Gray Triggerfish 5. Pink Shrimp – Gulf of Mexico 

Caribbean:1. Snapper Unit 1 2. Grouper Unit 1 3. Grouper Unit 4 4. Queen Conch 5. *Parrotfishes 

Pacific:1. **Yellowfin Tuna – Eastern Pacific 

Highly Migratory 

Species:

1. **Blue Marlin – Atlantic 2. **White Marlin – Atlantic 3. **Sailfish – West Atlantic 4. **Albacore – North Atlantic 5. **Bluefin Tuna – West Atlantic 6. Sandbar Shark7. Dusky Shark 8. Blacknose Shark 9. Shortfin Mako - Atlantic 

*Indicates non-FSSI stock **Stock is fished by U.S. and International fleets. Blue = Also Overfished NOTE: This map does not include the results of GARM III. Northeast multispecies stock status is based on GARM II (assessed in 2005). 

Pacific and Western Pacific1. **Bigeye Tuna – Pacific 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

Office of Sustainable Fisheries 

North Pacific:None 
20 National Marine Fisheries Service 2008 Status of US Fisheries 

New England:1. Cod – Gulf of Maine 2. Cod – Georges Bank 3. Haddock – Gulf of Maine 4. Haddock – Georges Bank 5. American Plaice 6. Yellowtail flounder – Georges Bank 7. Yellowtail flounder – Southern New England/Middle Atlantic 8. Yellowtail flounder – Cape Cod/Gulf of Maine 9. White Hake 10. Windowpane Flounder – Southern New England/Middle Atlantic 11. Winter Flounder – Southern New England/Middle Atlantic 12. Ocean Pout 13. Atlantic Halibut 14. Winter skate 15. Thorny Skate 16. Smooth Skate 17. *Atlantic Salmon 

Overfished Stocks (46) – 2008

Mid-Atlantic:1. Scup 2. Butterfish (Atlantic) 

South Atlantic:1. Pink shrimp 2. Snowy grouper 3. Black Sea Bass 4. Red Porgy 5. Red Snapper Gulf of Mexico:

1. Red Snapper 2. Greater Amberjack 3. Gray Triggerfish Caribbean:

1. Grouper Unit 1 2. Grouper Unit 2 3. Grouper Unit 4 4. Queen Conch 

Pacific:1. Bocaccio 2. Darkblotched Rockfish 3. Cowcod 4. Yelloweye Rockfish Western Pacific1. Seamount Groundfish Complex – Hancock Seamount 

North Pacific:1. Blue King Crab – Pribilof Islands 

Highly Migratory Species:1. **Blue Marlin – Atlantic 2. **White Marlin – Atlantic 3. **Sailfish – West Atlantic 4. **Albacore – North Atlantic 5. **Bluefin Tuna – West 

Atlantic 

6. Sandbar Shark 7. Porbeagle Shark 8. Dusky Shark 9. Blacknose Shark 

*Indicates non-FSSI stock **Stock is fished by U.S. and International fleets.. NOTE: This map does not include the results of GARM III. Northeast multispecies stock status is based on GARM II (assessed in 2005). 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

National Marine Fisheries Service 

Office of Sustainable Fisheries 

An online version of this report is available at 

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/statusoffisheries/SOSmain.htm

This publication may be cited as: 

NMFS, 2009, Annual Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries-2008, U.S. Department 

of Commerce, NOAA, Natl., Mar. Fish. Serv., Silver Spring, MD, 23 pp. 

Cover photo: NOAA photo library 
U.S. Secretary of Commerce

Gary Locke

Administrator of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

and Undersecretary of Commerce

Dr. Jane Lubchenco

Acting Assistant Administrator for Fisheries

National Marine Fisheries Service

James W. Balsiger, Ph.D.

www.nmfs.noaa.gov

National Marine Fisheries Service

1315 East-West Highway

SSMC 3, F/SF, Room 9535

Silver Spring, MD 20910

U.S. Government - 2009