Which agency regulates commercial and recreational ocean fishing and manages marine species?

• A. Food and Drug Administration
• B. United States Department of Agriculture
• C. Nutrition Services Incentive Program
• D. National Marine Fisheries Service

Answer: (D)

The question tests which agency regulates commercial and recreational ocean fishing and manages marine species. The National Marine Fisheries Service handles this role, often referred to as NOAA Fisheries. It develops and enforces fishing regulations, including quotas, permits, seasonal closures, and area restrictions, to keep fish populations healthy. It also conducts stock assessments to gauge the abundance and health of marine species and uses that science to guide management decisions. While working with states and tribes, it implements mechanisms under laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Act to ensure sustainable fisheries for the long term. The other listed agencies focus on food safety, agricultural policy, or nutrition programs, not on regulating ocean fishing or managing marine species.