Ocean conditions

NOAA biologist Brian Burke says mixed ocean conditions may lead to average salmon runs, but climate change is disrupting ecosystems—making continued research critical.

(Runtime 0:59)Around five years ago, scientists surveying the coast off Oregon and Washington found something odd: Pickle-shaped sea creatures.It was a…

At least twice a year, a team of scientists on NOAA's research vessel Bell M. Shimada survey waters along the Washington and Oregon coast.

The place where salmon spend most of their lives also is the place scientists know the least about: the ocean.

Fish swimming out to sea over the past year have lucked into some of the best water temperatures and food abundance along the West Coast in the last 24 years, according to an analysis from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration began monitoring ocean conditions.