If it swims, paddles, or splashes, The National Marine Fisheries Service wants to protect it. The agency, part of the Department of Commerce's NOAA cares for the nation's marine resources and their habitat in water three to 200 miles from the US coast. It enforces compliance with fishing regulations and educates the fishing industry about wasteful and environmentally harmful fishing practices. The National Marine Fisheries Service works through six regional offices and eight fishery management councils to increase sustainable fisheries and prevent overfishing, species decline, and habitat degradation while balancing economic and recreational concerns.