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The Corps Network awarded NOAA's collaborative GulfCorps initiative as a 2019 Project of the Year, and GulfCorps participant, Jasmine Poole, as a Corpsmember of the Year. GulfCorps trains young people to restore coastal habitats and gain job skills. The Project of the Year award is focused on innovative efforts that work with partners to give Corps participants positive experiences while providing communities with meaningful improvements. Just in its second year, GulfCorps has almost 100 members. More than 300 acres of habitat was restored during the first year. Contact: Laurel Jennings. Learn More >
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Oysters provide a range of ecosystem benefits--they provide habitat for a number of species and, as filter feeders, help clean the water. Scientists at the NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office recently noticed a potential correlation between locations where large-scale oyster restoration is under way on Maryland’s Eastern Shore and places where satellites have noted clear water. While no cause-and-effect relationship can be attributed to the oyster restoration efforts at this point, scientists are interested in learning more. Contact: Kim Couranz. Learn More >
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The Winter Lake restoration project in the Coquille River Valley in Oregon helps ensure local cattle farmers continue to thrive and provides almost 8 miles of tidal channels and 1,700 acres of habitat for the threatened Oregon Coast coho salmon, and other fish and wildlife. This partnership between natural resource entities and agricultural landowners demonstrates that the two can benefit from a strategically planned project. NOAA works with many partners on this effort including The Nature Conservancy who just released this video. Contact: Lauren Senkyr. Watch Video >
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In December, NOAA received its second FEMA Recovery Support Mission Assignment to enable the “U.S. Virgin Islands Coral Reef Emergency Response and Restoration for Sustainable Ocean Economies, Food Security, and Storm Surge Mitigation.” To speed the recovery of the coral resource, this latest mission assignment will focus on propagating corals in nurseries and then transplanting them to impacted reef sites. While recovery efforts in Puerto Rico, which started over a year ago, focused on assessment and triage. Contact: Tom Moore. Learn More >
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NOAA scientists have analyzed how land use has affected the aquatic ecosystem of the Tred Avon River, an important tributary of Maryland’s Choptank River within the Chesapeake Bay, and also a NOAA Habitat Focus Area. The assessment of the system from 2015 to 2017 shows that, overall, the Tred Avon River is in relatively good condition compared to other areas of the Choptank River and the Chesapeake Bay. However, there are signs of degradation—such as excess nutrients, and seasonal low oxygen in bottom waters—especially in areas with rapid, human population growth and urban development. Contact: Kim Couranz. Learn More >
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NOAA recently announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with the National Marine Manufacturers Association, the American Sportfishing Association, the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation to cooperate on communications, messaging, and education with regard to sustainable fishing and boating in federal waters, including national marine sanctuaries. The agreement will help advance NOAA Fisheries’ goals of supporting and promoting sustainable saltwater recreational fisheries for the benefit of the nation. Contact: Emily Farr. Learn More >
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In February, the Deepwater Horizon Open Ocean Restoration Area Trustees held a workshop to seek input on the identification and prioritization of information needed to facilitate restoration of resources injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill during the 2019 Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference. The workshop included an overview of the restoration goals, current restoration priorities, and development of a strategy for monitoring and adaptive management. Contact: Melissa Carle. Learn More >
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Learn why coral reefs need our help and how coral restoration may give them a helping hand through Coral Heroes is a comic magazine created by partner, SECORE International, with two new stories and additional facts about corals. In the first story, readers join the coral kids, as well as the unique Doc Kraken through a journey into coral reef ecology. In the second story, readers join our heroes on a mystic night dive during which corals release their future offspring. Contact: Meghan Balling. Learn More >
The Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) recognizes excellence in and service to the fields of coastal and estuarine science, management, and education through several scientific and service awards. 2019 nominations are now open and due by April 5. Consider nominating a colleague today. Learn More >
NOAA Fisheries is seeking volunteers for a 20-minute call at your convenience to learn how we can make the NOAA Fisheries website better for you. This website is the main platform for the NOAA Office of Habitat Conservation to share information. Your direct feedback will help us with new features and future updates. Sign Up Now >
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