Scientists and Fishermen Team Up for Groundbreaking Fish Survey in the Mariana Islands

A mission to understand how fish age, grow, and reproduce in the Mariana Islands is underway.

NOAA Fisheries and commercial fishermen from the Mariana Islands are combining forces. Their goal: to improve our understanding of the region's valuable fish stocks.

The research expedition will focus on gathering fish life history and population data, along with larval fish research, to guide sustainable fishing and promote strong fish populations.

Mission Kickoff

NOAA Fisheries scientists and partners departed Apra Harbor, Guam, July 7, 2025, aboard the NOAA ship Oscar Elton Sette . The team will survey waters from Anatahan to Uracas (Farallon de Pajaros), focusing on bottomfish species such as snappers, groupers, and jacks. These species are key to commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing in the region.

Researchers will collect data to better understand:

• How fast these fish grow
• How long they live
• When they're able to reproduce

Discover how NOAA Fisheries' life history program gathers clues about fish growth and reproduction >

Scientists will also conduct annual plankton surveys to study early life stages of fish, a critical part of their life cycle. Researchers will use fine-mesh nets, lowered to 100 meters below the ocean's surface, to collect plankton samples that include fish larvae. Examining these young fish specimens helps the team uncover where young fish are located and how abundant they are. This information is key to understanding how fish populations grow, move around, and respond to environmental changes over time.

Learn how NOAA scientists collect baby fish to understand local marine ecosystems >

Data from this mission will give us a clearer picture of the region's fish populations and is essential for producing reliable stock assessments . These efforts help us make science-based decisions about catch limits and long-term sustainability , supporting healthy marine ecosystems and communities.

Fishing Partnerships in Action

NOAA Fisheries is excited to partner with local fishermen to collect fish data that reflects real-life fishing practices. Three area anglers-Audrey Toves, James Roberto, and Lino Tenoria-are joining the 2-week mission.

As vital members of the survey team, the fishermen will deploy from the Sette in smaller NOAA boats alongside a data recorder and boat operator. They will use local fishing methods to target priority species while NOAA scientists collect samples, like fish otoliths and gonads, to understand fish age and reproduction .

"This collaboration combines local fishing knowledge with science, making our research stronger and more relevant," said Eva Schemmel, fish biologist with NOAA Fisheries.

The survey underway will lay the groundwork for deeper insights into fish populations of the Mariana Islands and help guide future efforts to sustain them.