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How fish are divided among different groups, fisheries, gear types, or regions.

The raising of fish or shellfish under some controls. Feed and ponds, pens, tanks, or other containers may be used.

The total weight or volume of a species in a given area.

Fish or other marine species that are caught unintentionally while fishing for a different species.

The maximum amount of fish that can be harvested during a season or period.

A program that allocates a specific portion of the annual catch limit of a fish stock to entities such as fishermen, cooperatives, and communities.

Fishing that is directed at a certain species or group of species. This applies to both recreational and commercial fishing.

An approach that takes major ecosystem components and services - both structural and functional - into account in managing fisheries. Its goal is to rebuild and sustain populations, species, biological communities, and marine ecosystems at high levels of productivity and biological diversity so as not to jeopardize a wide range or goods and services from marine ecosystems while providing food, revenues, and recreation for humans.

A broader more comprehensive management approach that takes into account the interaction of ecological, economic, cultural, and regulatory factors impacting the overall health of an ecosystem. Specific factors may include pollution, coastal development, harvest pressure, predator/prey, and other ecological interactions, as well as nearby watershed management.

As part of the National Environmental Policy Act process, an environmental impact statement is an analysis of the expected impacts resulting from the implementation of a fisheries management or development plan (or some proposed action) on the environment. EISs are required for all fishery management plans. The purpose of the EIS is to ensure the fishery management plan gives appropriate consideration to environmental values in order to prevent harm to the environment.

The percentage of fish in a particular fishery that escapes from an inshore habitat and move offshore, where they eventually spawn.

Refers to activities that occur when a commercial fishing boat lands or unloads a catch. For example, the price received by a captain for the catch is an ex-vessel price.

The regional from 3-200 nautical miles seaward of the 48 contiguous states, Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S.-affiliated islands. The U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) regulates fisheries within this area.

Ocean waters that begin 3 nautical miles offshore and extend out to 200 nautical miles.

A common term to define fish as separate from shellfish.

The system of rules, science, and decision-making used to conserve fish populations and allow sustainable fishing.

A measure of how much fishing activity occurs, such as time spent fishing or number of vessels.

The flatfish are an order (Pleuronectiformes) of ray-finned fish. In many species, both eyes lie on one side of the head, one or the other migrating through and around the head during development. Some species face their left side upward, some face their right side upward, and others face either side upward.

Young fish, especially when it is newly hatched.

The equipment used to catch fish, such as nets, hooks, pots, or trawls.

A curtain like net suspended in the water with mesh openings large enough to permit only the heads of the fish to pass through, ensnaring them around the gills when they attempt to escape.

A species or group of fish that lives most of its life on or near the sea bottom.

Fish species that live near the ocean bottom, such as pollock, cod, and rockfish.

Adjustments made during a fishing season based on updated data, such as catch levels or fish movement.

A type of quota (a part of a total allowable catch) allocated to individual fishermen, vessel owners, or processors and which can be transferred (sold or leased) to others.