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Greetings everyone!
I’m pleased to kick off our first issue of 2024 with some great news. The Rice’s whale—a local inhabitant of the Gulf of Mexico and one of the rarest animals on the planet—has been selected as the newest ‘Species in the Spotlight’! We look forward to the attention and resources this designation can bring, and are excited to continue our ground-breaking research on these most endangered of whales.
I am also happy to report that NOAA Fisheries recently rolled out its new National Recreational Fisheries Initiative as well as the Recreational Fishing Data Collection Regional Implementation Plan for the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Information Network. Together, these plans will address many of the challenges faced by the recreational fishing community, including improving timeliness and precision of recreational catch statistics, reducing discards, and implementing flexible management approaches. These issues are of particular importance here in the Southeast where we have more recreational anglers than the rest of the nation combined.
Looking outward to what’s expected in 2024—we anticipate momentous progress due to Inflation Reduction Act funding. With these resources, we are investigating how climate change impacts our fisheries, learning more about protected species, and investing in new technology and infrastructure to bolster our scientific capabilities.
Finally, I am proud to let all of you know that our offshore wind teams at the Southeast Center, Southeast Regional Office and National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science received a Gold Medal Award for the rapid development of Gulf of Mexico marine spatial planning that advanced the President’s offshore wind energy priority and notably reduced the potential for siting conflicts. As one of the highest honor awards that can be granted by the Secretary of Commerce, this esteemed award recognizes those who demonstrate an outstanding level of accomplishment in furthering the agency's mission. Thank you all for your dedication, hard work, and overall contributions to our mission.
Stay tuned for updates on all this and more on how we are working towards our mission of providing the scientific advice and data needed to effectively manage the living marine resources of the Southeast Region and Atlantic high seas.
Keep reading!
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Thanks for your continued support and interest,
Clay Porch, Ph.D
Southeast Fisheries Science Center Director
clay.porch@noaa.gov
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Rice’s Whales Heard in the Western Gulf of Mexico
NOAA Fisheries records evidence of endangered Rice’s whales in the western Gulf of Mexico. These findings demonstrate their regular occurrence in waters offshore of Texas and the first evidence of Rice’s whales offshore of Mexico.
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New Plan to Improve Recreational Fisheries Data Collection on Gulf Coast
This collaborative plan highlights six priorities, including improved timeliness of recreational catch and effort estimates, improved discard data, and streamlining for-hire data collection.
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Preparing for Development of the Blue Economy in the United States Caribbean
International Collaboration Improves Understanding of Tuna Populations
Oceanic Whitetip Sharks: A Plan for Recovery
Oceanic whitetip sharks, once abundant across the globe, are now listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. On this episode of the Dive In with NOAA Fisheries podcast, listen to research fish biologist, Dr. John Carlson discuss the forthcoming recovery plan for oceanic whitetips.
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Seeking Shrimpers to Help Modernize Data Collection
We’re looking for volunteers in the Gulf shrimp industry to adopt a new effort monitoring system that will benefit both shrimpers and scientists. Choose your device—it’s free! The new system will greatly increase the quality and efficiency of data collected to describe the Gulf shrimp commercial fleet.
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Return ‘Em Right Best Release Practices Manual Available for Recreational Anglers
Return 'Em Right collaborated with for-hire captains, private recreational anglers, scientists, and fisheries managers to develop the Return ‘Em Right Best Release Practices Manual and fact sheets. The manual is a resource for anglers to guide their decisions on the water and improve survival of reef fish.
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Right Whale “Horton” Keeps Fighting to Save Her Species
The second right whale calf of the 2023–24 season made an appearance with mom “Horton” off St. Catherine’s Island, Georgia! Scientists estimate at least 50 calves per season for many years are needed to stop the decline of the species and allow for recovery.
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Assessing Vulnerability of Fish and Invertebrates to Climate Change in the Southeast
NOAA Fisheries published two new assessments of climate vulnerability for fish and invertebrates in the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic Large Marine Ecosystems. While all of the species assessed are projected to face significant exposure to climate-driven changes, some are expected to be much more susceptible than others.
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Climate Vulnerability Assessment Tool
This tool displays measurements for how vulnerable different species are to the effects of a changing climate. When searching the tool select the South Atlantic or Gulf of Mexico datasets.
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Rice’s Whale added to Species in the Spotlight Initiative
This report summarizes efforts to recover all domestic species under NOAA Fisheries’ jurisdiction. It highlights progress made towards recovery of endangered species identified in the Species in the Spotlight initiative. We are adding the endangered Rice’s whale to the Species in the Spotlight initiative.
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Whales on the Brink: Making Strides in Marine Mammal Research
NOAA Fisheries and partners convened an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, the discovery of the Rice’s whale, and recent advancements in marine mammal research and conservation.
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Frequently Asked Questions—Rice’s Whales
Saving Fish for Tomorrow: Tagging Provides a New Lens on Charter Fishing
A charter fishing couple shares their experience tagging tunas and billfish, along with their hope for the future of the fishery.
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Meet Joseph Pfaller, Sea Turtle Branch Chief
A biologist since he could walk, Joe loves traveling to the far corners of the world in search of wild animals and wild spaces. As branch chief, he conducts science that leads to improved knowledge and meaningful conservation of sea turtles and their habitats. Meet Joe.
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Meet Hannah Shahmoradi, Communications Intern
Growing up in a land-locked state fueled her curiosity and respect for the ocean. Now, she’s using her creativity and artistic abilities to bolster communications efforts for the science center—and getting out in the field. Meet Hannah.
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Mark Your Calendar
- Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Scientific and Statistical Committee Meeting, February 27 - March 1, 2024.
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South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meetings, March 4-8, 2024 in Jekyll Island, Georgia and June 10-14, 2024 in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida.
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North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Risk Reduction Technology Workshop, March 5-6, 2024 in Arlington, Virginia.
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The mission of NOAA's Southeast Fisheries Science Center is to provide the scientific advice and data needed to effectively manage the living marine resources of the Southeast region and Atlantic high seas.
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