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New Study Sharpens Atlantic Cod Stock Delineation
A new study determined that the Northwest Atlantic Ocean is home to five distinct populations of Atlantic cod. An international group of researchers inventoried, summarized, and analyzed all relevant peer-reviewed information about Atlantic cod stock structure off the coast of New England. During the study, they shared their findings with fishermen and other stakeholders, encouraging continuous feedback. Information from this study and ongoing stock research will contribute to improving the chances for cod recovery.
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Biologist’s Guide to the Galaxy: AI And Marine Mammals
Monitoring marine mammals isn’t easy. However, recent advancements in satellite imagery, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence have great potential to help. It’s still a huge undertaking, one that requires a strong coordinated effort. That’s why the Geospatial Artificial Intelligence for Animals (GAIA) initiative was formed. It brings together an extraordinary group of government agencies, academics, and private sector members to tackle the challenge of designing a process to accurately and reliably detect marine mammals from satellite imagery. The group learned a lot in the process and recently published some of their lessons learned, challenges faced, and vision for how very high resolution satellite imagery can be used.
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Ocean Acidification Study Published
Atlantic sea scallops support one of the most valuable fisheries in the United States, worth $670 million in 2021. A new study published by scientists at our science center and their collaborators at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Rutgers University found that ocean acidification conditions projected between now and 2100 depress juvenile Atlantic sea scallop growth. Ocean warming may further hinder growth.
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Celebrating Women's History Month
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 talk about their science journey, what they love most about their job or career, what advice they have for the next generation of women scientists, and more. Our first three profiles include physical science technician Genevieve Bernatcez in our Aquaculture Sustainability Branch, social scientist Changhua Weng in our Social Sciences Branch, and fish biologist Ann Petersen in our Fisheries Ecology Branch. Tune in each Thursday to read the latest Women’s History Month profile as well as the rest of the profiles in our series.
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Fisheries Observer Blog
When you think of commercial fishing, images of big draggers dumping piles of fish on deck may come to mind. Or maybe shows like Wicked Tuna? How about marine snails? Marine snails—also called conch—are a little-known, yet important fishery in our region. Fishery observer Jessica Tyrrell gives us an insider’s look at this fishery in her blog.
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Atlantic Cod Stakeholder Engagement Meeting
The Atlantic Cod Working Group will hold a virtual stakeholder engagement meeting Friday, March 24, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET. There will be a brief update on the research track progress before opening up for stakeholder input and observations on topics including:
- Changes in commercial and recreational landings and discards over time
- Insights on targeting and avoidance of cod in the fishery over time
- Changes in the distribution and availability of fish to the fishery over time
- Changes in selectivity of the fishery over time
Registration for the meeting is required. For questions, please contact Alex Dunn.
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Cooperative Research Summits Brought Researchers and Industry Together
Our Cooperative Research Branch hosted nearly 250 participants for its inaugural Northeast Cooperative Research Summits held in January and February 2023. Members within the academic, non-profit, and government communities highlighted their collaborative research projects with the fishing industry through 61 oral and poster presentations. Fishermen and scientists led panel discussions about offshore wind, stock assessments, industry-based surveys, and conservation gear engineering. To help guide future cooperative research in our region, participants identified and ranked their top three research priorities. A summary report on the summit proceedings and ranked research priorities is in development.
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Safe Work Environment Workshop Slides Now Available
In January 2023, NOAA Fisheries hosted a series of virtual workshops to help answer common questions about harassment and sexual assault/harassment to further support fishery observers. Slides from the workshops are available under the Key Resources section of the event page.
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Director’s Message
I was at the 2023 Maine Fishermen’s Forum a few weeks ago. This is a meeting for fishermen organized by fishermen, and I always learn a lot. This year’s forum devoted attention to offshore wind development proposed for the Gulf of Maine. There were experts from NOAA Fisheries, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, and the Governor’s Energy Office who participated in a panel discussion. The combination of state and federal representatives talking about wind and its impacts on some of the people affected by its development was excellent. Hearing people’s questions and responses helps me identify important areas where science can contribute.
Mike Pentony, NOAA Fisheries’ Greater Atlantic Regional Administrator, Eric Reid, chair of the New England Fishery Management Council, and myself participated in an open forum federal fisheries leadership panel. We were asked questions about offshore wind, endangered North Atlantic right whales, groundfish, fisheries observers, and a few other topics. Again, I found people’s questions and discussions during the panel insightful.
There was a strong science center presence with people from our fisheries observer program, offshore wind energy team, ecosystem group, cooperative research program, social sciences group, and the on-demand/ropeless team, among others. I think our participation in the forum helps us better understand people’s perspectives on numerous issues directly and indirectly impacting their lives and livelihoods. I look forward to participating next year. I’d like to personally thank the forum organizers for putting together a great event and for inviting us to participate.
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Upcoming Events and Meetings
Mar 21–23: Marine Resource Education Program fisheries management workshop
Mar 22: Atlantic cod TOR1 subgroup meeting
Mar 23: Black sea bass working group meeting
Mar 23: Atlantic sea scallop working group meeting
Mar 24: Atlantic cod stakeholder engagement meeting
Mar 27–30: ICES Fisheries and Plankton Acoustics Symposium
Mar 30: NOAA Science Seminar: Northeast Implementation of the Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative webinar
Mar 31: Applying state space models working group meeting
Apr 5: Atlantic cod TOR1 subgroup meeting
Apr 6: Black sea bass working group meeting
Apr 6: Atlantic cod working group meeting
May 20–21: Ocean Fun Days
May 22: Assessment oversight panel meeting, September management track stocks
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Upcoming Deadlines
Apr 5: Applications to become a member of the 2025 Atlantic herring research track working group
Apr 17: Applications for Chesapeake Bay Fisheries Research Program funding opportunity
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