One of the best things about being a scientist blogger at sea is you get to share the incredible things you see and experience, in real-time, with the rest of the world. Last year 15 of our scientists took time away from their research to tell their stories, a total of 43 unique science blogs. We are proud to share our top 10: 

1. You Can Learn a Lot by Towing Two Nets at Once
2. Fall Survey off the Northeast Coast Includes Some Research Firsts
3. NEFSC Science Update: At Work, Looking Toward Spring
4. Strawberry Squid and More from the Ocean Twilight Zone
5. The Dogfish Didn’t Make It, but Sharks Need to Eat Too
6. Sei Whale Soup, and a Few Right Whales
7. Northern Neighbors: Exploring Deepwater Communities
8. Fall Bottom-Trawl Survey Goes on, Rain or Shine
9. 2019 Summer Northeast Ecosystem Monitoring Cruise in Full Swing
10. Wingspread Study Hits Silver Dollar Jackpot

From charismatic megafauna, survey and assessment summaries, and ocean acidification, to cooperative research and staff highlights, these web stories were some of our most popular in 2019. 

1. Together Again: White Sharks and Gray Seals Off Cape Cod
2. Cape Cod Seals and Sharks: Shared Traits and Top 10 Facts
3. How Will Changing Ocean Chemistry Affect the Shellfish We Eat?
4. Northeast Summer Flounder and Atlantic Striped Bass Assessments Completed
5. New Cooperative Research Chief Ready to Rock
6. Meet Zach Fyke, Observer Compliance Liaison
7. 2019 Northeast Sea Scallop Survey Finishes
8. Learning More About a Big Fish: Atlantic Halibut Team Goes “Under the Hood”
9. Lone Bowhead Whale Sighted in Gulf of Maine

In 2019 we joined a broad coalition of organizations all over the world to celebrate the  International Year of the Salmon (2019). Here in the Northeast region throughout the year we featured the endangered Atlantic salmon, from its cultural value to the important role it plays in the marine and freshwater environments. We hope this short salmon video inspires you to join us and our conservation partners in taking LEAPS for Atlantic salmon.

A resilient New England coral is teaching us about the future of coral reefs. Our Milford Lab scientists have teamed up with Southern Connecticut State University to study the effects of ocean acidification on the hardy northern star coral, Astrangia poculata. This temperate hard coral is uniquely able to live in a variety of environments and climates, including New England. The secrets of its adaptability may help tropical coral reefs.

This spring we will conduct 6 fish and invertebrate management track assessments to provide updated stock status and catch information to fisheries managers. These assessments will begin with an oversight panel meeting in February, and will be reviewed by a panel of experts in June. We will also conduct a more intensive research assessment focused on the stock structure of red hake. A working group will carry out the red hake research assessment and present its results to an independent panel of experts in March.

Just before the holidays last year we completed our 2019 fall bottom trawl survey aboard the NOAA Ship Henry B. Bigelow. The fall survey occurs in four legs, ranging from 10 to 18 days, beginning in the south and finishing in the north. This multi-species survey is crucial for monitoring the region's fishery resources.

The Woods Hole Partnership Education Program is seeking applicants for its 10-week summer program in 2020. The program is supported by six science institutions in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and recruits talent from all backgrounds but especially from minority groups that are underrepresented in marine and environmental sciences. Deadline for applications is February 15.

It’s the people that make science happen at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. Meet one of our team members, Marija Grange, an Administrative Assistant at our Maine Field Station. With a diverse background and experience, Marija does a bit of everything—she runs the office, takes care of inventory, manages time keeping and travel, and also serves as the face of the lab when you first walk in through the door.