This verse is the first of the “Zichronos,” the verses of remembrance recited on Rosh Hashana. The Ramban explains that saying G-d “remembered” Noah means that He acted because of Noah’s righteousness. But what did He “remember” about the animals and beasts, who have no merits to act upon? There G-d acted because of His own Word, i.e., that He created the world to be populated by these species, therefore He redeemed them from the ark.