HIGHLIGHTS
 Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s Whale Listed as Endangered
NOAA Fisheries announced the listing of Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whales as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act. These whales are at risk of extinction due to their small population size, restricted range, and several major threats. Experts estimate less than 100 individuals are left in the population.
 MRIP Releases FY 2019 Implementation Plan Update
NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program released its 2018–2019 Implementation Plan Update. This latest annual update highlights the goals achieved in 2018 and the priorities set for 2019.
 Highly Migratory Species Fishery Compliance Guides
Updated Recreational and Commercial Fishery Compliance Guides are now available for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species fisheries, reflecting the latest regulations. These plain-language guides are designed to help fishermen comply with federal regulations for tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfishes in the U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean.
Alaska
 Science Blog: Salmon Research at Little Port Walter
Since 1934 Little Port Walter Marine Research Station, near the southeastern tip of Baranof Island, has hosted salmon aquaculture research projects. Follow this new blog series from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center to learn about research into the effects of different tagging techniques on salmon survival.
 How the Hollings Scholarship Helped Shape One Scientist's Career Path
In this personal account, NOAA Fisheries researcher Charlie Waters (and salmon research blogger, above) recalls how his experience as an Ernest F. Hollings Scholar put him on the path toward a career at NOAA Fisheries’ Auke Bay Laboratory in Juneau. Senator Hollings passed away this month at the age of 97.
West Coast
 Rebounding Populations and New Flexibility Boost Catches for Groundfish Fishery
A trial effort that gave West Coast trawl fishermen new flexibility in how they fish helped them take advantage of rebounding rockfish numbers—fishermen caught almost 14 million pounds of fish in 2018 while still protecting salmon and other species. The increased catches brought an estimated $5.5 million in additional revenue to West Coast communities.
Southeast
 NOAA Certifies Florida’s Reef Fish Survey Design
In December, NOAA Fisheries certified the design of Florida’s Gulf Reef Fish Survey. This state-led survey will supplement NOAA’s Marine Recreational Information Program and will provide private boat catch estimates that are more timely and precise for use in fisheries management.
South Atlantic Council Advisory Panel Applications
The South Atlantic Fishery Management Council seeks applicants for open advisory panel seats as well as fishing representatives to serve on the System Management Plan Workgroup. Advisory panels provide information and guidance on the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans. Applications are due May 10.
Greater Atlantic
 Helping Shellfish Growers Become Citizen Scientists
Staff from NOAA Fisheries’ Milford Laboratory in Connecticut have created a Citizen Science Guide to help shellfish growers capture high-quality underwater footage of aquaculture gear. The footage will help document the habitat benefits of shellfish aquaculture for wild species.
 Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network Survey
The Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network seeks perspectives on ocean acidification from members of commercial fishing, seafood, aquaculture, charter boat, and recreational fishing organizations in the Mid-Atlantic. Provide your input by filling out their stakeholder outreach survey by June 14.
 NOAA Honors Marine Mammals of Maine Founder
NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Programs honored Lynda Doughty, founder of Marine Mammals of Maine, with the David St. Aubin Award of Excellence. The award recognized her work with stranded seals during an Unusual Mortality Event that began in July 2018.
|
