
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Reimagining Fisheries Data for a More Sustainable Future
OVERVIEW
We partnered with the Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation and NOAA to design a future-ready data system for U.S. fisheries—one that empowers sustainable practices, streamlines government processes, and equips fishing communities to thrive.
THE CHALLENGE
Fisheries sustainability hinges on timely, accurate, and actionable data. Yet on the U.S. West Coast, the groundfish fishery’s data ecosystem was fragmented, outdated, and overwhelming in complexity—spread across dozens of datasets, paper forms, and disconnected digital systems. While catch share programs had improved accountability, the underlying data infrastructure was lagging behind, limiting both environmental stewardship and business resilience for fishermen.
THE WORK
Through immersive field research and cross-sector workshops, we mapped the full fisheries data journey—from dockside observations to federal databases—and uncovered critical friction points. Together with NOAA scientists, fishery managers, and fishermen, we designed a future vision centered on sustainability and simplicity. Our team proposed a series of foundational improvements: a digitized observer data pipeline, a “matched database” to consolidate disparate sources, and a “mother database” (Fisheries Management Library) to link fishery-dependent and independent data through spatial integration. We also envisioned new tools and partnerships that would help fishermen make smarter business decisions, connect with consumers, and lead on conservation efforts.
THE IMPACT
This work laid the foundation for systemic reform in fisheries data management, enabling faster reporting, deeper scientific insights, and new behaviors that support sustainability at scale. By improving access to data across the ecosystem—from policymakers to local co-ops—the vision makes it easier for fishing communities to steward ocean resources responsibly and for consumers to trust the fish on their plates.