Guest Commentary: Defend NOAA and the Science Behind Healthy Fisheries and Marine Habitat

If you fish, you know that healthy waters mean better fishing—and no agency does more to sustain marine fisheries and habitats than the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s mission is simple: Science. Service. Stewardship. They study the ocean, monitor fish populations, and protect, restore and enhance critical habitats to ensure sustainable fisheries for future generations. But now, reckless budget cuts and policy rollbacks threaten the science-based management that keeps our fisheries thriving.

Why NOAA Matters to Anglers

For over 50 years, NOAA has led the way in conserving and managing marine resources through its National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and National Ocean Service (NOS). Their work supports recreational and commercial fishing, coastal ecosystems, and the broader economy that depends on them.

• Sustainable Fisheries – NOAA monitors fish stocks, sets science-based catch limits, and restores depleted species to ensure fish populations remain strong.
• Healthy Marine Habitat – From restoring wetlands to protecting coral reefs, NOAA safeguards the environments where fish spawn, grow, and migrate.
• Ocean and Weather Data – NOAA tracks everything from water temperature, currents, and fish movement, providing crucial insights for anglers and fishery managers.
• Enforcement of Conservation Laws – NOAA implements laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Act, preventing overfishing and habitat destruction.

What’s at Risk?

Both administrative actions and potential fundings cuts are threatening to gut NOAA’s programs, putting fish populations, coastal habitats, and sustainable fisheries at risk. These cuts could:

• ❌ Slash fishery stock assessments, leading to overfishing and mismanagement.
• ❌ Undermine habitat restoration projects, harming vital estuaries and spawning grounds.
• ❌ Weaken enforcement of conservation laws, opening the door to unsustainable practices.
• ❌ Eliminate crucial climate and ocean research, leaving fishery managers without the data they need to make good decisions.

NOAA’s Broader Role in Marine Science and Conservation

Beyond fisheries, NOAA programs and products directly benefit anglers and coastal communities:

• Weather Forecasting & Warnings – Through the National Weather Service (NWS), NOAA provides critical storm warnings that protect boaters and coastal fisheries.
• Climate Monitoring & Research – NOAA studies climate patterns, ocean acidification, and rising sea temperatures that impact fish behavior and populations.
• Satellite & Data Services – NOAA tracks ocean conditions using environmental satellites, giving real-time updates on changes that affect marine life.
• Navigation & Charting – NOAA provides accurate tide charts, navigational maps, and marine safety data for anglers, boaters, and commercial fishermen.

It isn’t just NOAA Fisheries that anglers and fishery managers need—it’s all of NOAA.

Take Action to Protect NOAA and its Marine Fisheries and Habitat Work

Congress holds the power to reject reckless budget cuts, but they need to hear from anglers. If we don’t speak up, we risk losing the very programs that protect the fisheries and habitats we rely on.

• ✅ Call or email your congressional representatives, especially in the Senate, and demand full funding for NOAA and its marine fisheries and habitat programs.
• ✅ Join with fellow anglers and conservation groups to push back against these dangerous cuts.
• ✅ Spread the word—share this message with your fishing community to ensure NOAA remains strong for future generations.

NOAA is one of the best investments American taxpayers make—for every dollar spent, industries like fishing, tourism, and maritime navigation benefit. Dismantling NOAA is a short-sighted move that puts our fisheries and economy at risk.

Stand up for NOAA. Stand up for our fisheries. Stand up for the future of fishing. Take action today!

Call or Email your Senators and Congressional Representative

Find your representative here:

https://www.house.gov/ - In the upper right corner you will see a box for “Find Your Representative” enter your zip code. If your zip code covers more than one district, it will ask for your address to determine your representative. From there you can click in the envelope icon [ ]  to be taken to your representatives contact form. If you prefer to call, the office main phone number will also be listed.

https://www.senate.gov/states/statesmap.htm - Click on your state to see your current senators. This page will include phone numbers for the main DC office. If you prefer to send an email, click on the link embedded in the senator’s name and you will be taken to their official website where there will be a link to contact the office by email.

Send an Email

Sample email 1 – General support for NOAA

Subject: Defend NOAA – Protect Our Fisheries and Fishing Safety

Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],

As an avid recreational fisherman and constituent, I am deeply concerned about efforts by the current presidential administration to weaken or dismantle NOAA. I urge you to stand up for anglers, coastal communities, and small businesses by opposing any budget cuts that threaten NOAA’s critical work.

NOAA is the backbone of sustainable fisheries. Its stock assessments, habitat restoration projects, and scientific data collection ensure that our fisheries remain healthy and accessible for future generations. Without NOAA’s leadership, we risk returning to a time of overfishing, depleted fish stocks, and mismanagement that could devastate both the recreational and commercial fishing industries.

Additionally, NOAA provides essential weather forecasting and other information that helps anglers, charter captains, and coastal residents make safe decisions. Gutting NOAA’s funding could mean fewer accurate forecasts, putting lives and livelihoods at risk.

I strongly urge you to push back against any attempts to defund or dismantle NOAA. Protecting this agency is not just about fish—it’s about safeguarding the economy, public safety, and a way of life for millions of Americans. Please ensure that NOAA remains fully funded and able to continue its critical work.

Thank you for your time and leadership.

Sincerely,

Sample Email 2 – Your personal story emphasis

Subject: Stop the Attack on NOAA – Protect Our Fisheries

Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the current administration’s threats to dismantle NOAA and drastically cut its funding. As a lifelong angler, I have personally benefited from NOAA’s work, from their science-based fishery management to the accurate weather forecasts that keep me safe on the water. Without NOAA, our fisheries—and our safety—would be at risk.

Last season, I took my family fishing off [Location], and we had an incredible experience catching [species]. That opportunity exists because of NOAA’s stock assessments, habitat restoration, and responsible fisheries management. If NOAA and its budget are gutted, we could see widespread fish population declines, unpredictable fisheries closures, and an overall loss of access for anglers like me.

NOAA isn’t just about fish; it’s about the economy, coastal communities, and safety. We cannot afford to let political decisions undermine decades of progress in fisheries management. I urge you to stand up against these reckless attacks and ensure that NOAA receives the funding it needs to continue its essential work.

Thank you for your time and commitment to our fisheries and communities.

Best regards,

Make a Phone Call

Call Script #1: General NOAA Support with Administration Threats

Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a constituent from [City, State]. I’m calling today to urge [Representative/Senator] [Last Name] to oppose any effort by the administration to dismantle or defund NOAA and to support continued funding from Congress for NOAA.

As a recreational fisherman, I depend on NOAA’s science and services to ensure healthy fish populations, provide accurate weather forecasts, and support sustainable fisheries. Attempts to weaken NOAA put all of that at risk.

If NOAA’s funding is cut, fishery stock assessments will be slashed, habitat restoration projects will stall, and critical weather forecasting services will suffer. This threatens not just anglers like me but also the businesses and coastal communities that rely on healthy fisheries.

I strongly urge [Representative/Senator] [Last Name] to push back against these harmful efforts and support full funding for NOAA. Thank you for your time. Please pass my message along.

Call Script #2: Emphasizing Fishing Economy & Safety with Administration Threats

Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [City, State]. I’m calling to ask [Representative/Senator] [Last Name] to oppose attempts to dismantle NOAA.

Recreational fishing is a $70 billion industry that supports millions of jobs across the U.S. NOAA plays a key role in keeping our fisheries abundant, ensuring safe navigation, and providing critical weather forecasting. Weakening NOAA means fewer fish for anglers, less scientific data to guide management, and greater risks for everyone who depends on the ocean.

NOAA isn’t just another government agency—it’s a vital part of our country’s economy, public safety, and environmental health. Please tell [Representative/Senator] [Last Name] to fight against these attacks on NOAA and ensure full funding for the agency.

Thank you for your time!

Spread the Word

Sharing these stories on your social media platforms can be a powerful way to get the word out.

Accounts to Tag

Your Senators and member of Congress: tagging your members of congress on social media platforms is a great to get their attention on issues. Search for them on your preferred social media platforms, follow them and tag them in your posts.

• Twitter: @NOAA
• Instagram: @NOAA
• LinkedIn: @NOAA

Resources to Amplify

• NOAA Fisheries facing budget cuts, restrictions
• Forbes: What is NOAA? A Primer
• Grist: Trump’s budget cuts could kill your local weather forecast — and put you in danger

Sample Social Media Content

Post #1:

As anglers, we rely on accurate weather forecasts to make decisions about where to fish and how to do so safely. NOAA makes it possible for every American to check the weather and access nautical charts and tide information so we can get out on the water.

NOAA helps keep fishing communities strong. It’s time for us to return the favor. We need anglers to use their voice now more than ever. Join us in speaking out to #SaveNOAA. #ForTomorrowsFish

Post #2:

NOAA was created on a bipartisan basis to help us understand and protect the ocean and the places we fish. Today, the critical tools the agency provides are at risk.

Anglers: We must #SaveNOAA to save tomorrow’s fish! #ForTomorrowsFish

Post #3:

Attempts to undercut NOAA will make it harder for anglers to do what we love—fish. Recent actions to reduce the agency’s capacity could:

• • Harm the health and abundance of fish populations
  • Jeopardize coastal economies
  • Undermine our safety on the water

#SaveNOAA

Post #4:

@NOAA keeps our fisheries healthy and abundant for anglers today and in the future. Without it, our sporting tradition and way of life are on the line. #SaveNOAA

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