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NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is the federal agency, a division of the
Department of Commerce, responsible for the stewardship of the nation's living marine
resources and their habitat. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is responsible
for the management, conservation and protection of living marine resources within
the United States' Exclusive Economic Zone (water three to 200 mile offshore). Using
the tools provided by the Magnuson-Stevens Act, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service
assesses and predicts the status of fish stocks, ensures compliance with fisheries
regulations and works to reduce wasteful fishing practices. Under the Marine Mammal
Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service
recovers protected marine species (i.e. whales, turtles) without unnecessarily impeding
economic and recreational opportunities. With the help of the six regional offices
and eight councils, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service is able to work with
communities on fishery management issues. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service
works to promote sustainable fisheries and to prevent lost economic potential associated
with overfishing, declining species and degraded habitats. NOAA's National Marine
Fisheries Service strives to balance competing public needs.
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