NOAA Fisheries is stepping up enforcement to ensure the safety of federal fisheries observers and at-sea monitors in the Northeast. Federal laws prohibit harassment, intimidation, and interference with federal fisheries observers. These laws apply to everyone onboard during an observed fishing trip. Working with federal and state enforcement agencies, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement will be conducting more operations focused on observer safety and preventing harassment and interference.

Whales and sea turtles can get entangled in the buoy lines that run from the surface to lobster traps and crab pots on the sea floor. Entanglements are one of the leading causes of injury and death for endangered North Atlantic right whales. That’s why Northeast Fisheries Science Center researchers and their partners are investigating ways to modify traditional lobster and crab gear. On-demand gear, also known as “buoyless” gear, eliminates vertical buoy lines from areas where the risk of entanglement is high. Check out this video to learn all about this important collaborative work.

Framework 34 to the Scallop Fishery Management Plan would require all vessels in the Northern Gulf of Maine scallop fishery to carry an Industry-Funded Scallop (IFS) observer when selected. NOAA Fisheries is targeting an April 1, 2022, implementation date for Framework 34, if approved. The IFS program, operated by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, requires vessels to notify the program of their intent to fish through a call-in system. To comply with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, vessels must have a current USCG Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examination Decal and comply with USCG and observer program safety and emergency preparedness standards. For more information about the IFS program contact Jessica Blaylock by email or by calling (508) 524-3020.

Each March we celebrate a few of our science center’s women scientists by highlighting them and their work. This year we asked five of our women scientists to share what got them interested in science, why they decided to become scientists, and what advice they have for the next generation of women scientists. First up we have Valerie Ouellet, a diadromous species scientist in our Protected Species Branch, and Michelle Passerotti, a fish biologist with our Apex Predators Program. Tune in each Monday to read the latest Women’s History Month profile as well as the rest of the profiles in our series.

A new global study shows that shellfish and seaweed aquaculture benefits people and ocean ecosystems. Shellfish and seaweed farms provide sustainable seafood and can improve the surrounding environment. Farmed oysters, mussels, and other bivalve shellfish are some of the most environmentally sustainable sources of animal protein. The study shows that shellfish and seaweed aquaculture—when practiced and managed well—is not only a low impact and sustainable form of food production, but can also contribute toward broader goals of ecosystem recovery and resiliency.

Have you ever wondered what fish lurk below the ocean’s surface? With increasing human demand for ocean resources, it’s important to have many ways to track living marine resources in the ocean. This is where environmental DNA, also known as eDNA, comes into play. Fishery scientists can use eDNA to measure the biodiversity, or the amount and species of fish, in a habitat. From scales to waste, eDNA is constantly shed by ocean animals. Scientists can collect eDNA in a non-invasive and efficient way by taking water samples.

When Spencer Baird established the nation’s first fisheries lab in 1871 in Woods Hole, he also established a fisheries aquarium. That first aquarium was just a few small tanks with live fish and other animals. They shared a borrowed shed that served as temporary research facilities for the new U.S. Fish Commission. Fast forward over a century, the Woods Hole Science Aquarium continues its public education legacy–showing some of our local iconic fish and marine species to the public. In case you missed it, check out this video showing the fun and gooey process of preparing food and feeding the animals at the nation’s first public marine aquarium.

When Linda Despres decided on a career, there were definite hurdles to leap if she wanted to be a marine researcher and go to sea on research vessels. She not only fulfilled her dream to become a marine scientist, but also spent 1,560 days at sea and even a few underwater. During her 40 years at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Despres also served on the federal women’s committee for many years and was active in supporting women going to sea. In May 1975, she became the first woman chief scientist on a Northeast Fisheries Science Center bottom trawl survey.

We recently saw six areas off of New York and New Jersey leased for wind energy development for $4.37 billion dollars. Expansion of wind energy is an important step toward addressing climate change, while also protecting biodiversity and promoting ocean co-use. As a tool to understand impacts to fisheries (and to promote ocean co-use), NOAA Fisheries has developed a website that summarizes fishing activity within each offshore wind lease or project area. This is one example of many efforts to advance the necessary science and research on the impacts of this new industry on the Northeast U.S. Shelf ecosystem. We will continue to work with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Northeast Regional Coordinating Council, other partners, and stakeholders to avoid, minimize, and mitigate the impacts of offshore wind energy on marine ecosystems, fisheries, and protected species. Jon Hare, Center Director