Highly migratory species

Highly migratory species

“Highly migratory species” include tuna, some shark species, and billfish—species that range widely through the ocean, often crossing international borders. These pelagic species live in the water of the open ocean, although they may spend part of their life cycle in nearshore waters.

Highly migratory species are harvested by U.S. commercial and recreational fishers and by foreign fishing fleets. Only a small fraction of the total harvest is taken within U.S. waters.

A tuna leaps out of the ocean

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Upcoming Council Meeting

March Council meeting

Mar 4–11, 2025

Vancouver, WA

Hilton Vancouver Washington 301 W Sixth Street - Vancouver, WA 98660 Phone: 360-993-4500

A man stands on a boat deck surrounded by tuna.

Contacts

Kerry Griffin
503-820-2409
kerry.griffin@noaa.gov

Photo courtesy of Oriana Poindexter