Survey scientists get to see all kinds of interesting things while working at sea like parkouring basking sharks. This year, Science Center scientists and their colleagues have been taking photos of their work, day-to-day life, and amazing moments during the Ecosystem Monitoring Survey to share what it’s like to work aboard a floating laboratory. This spring was filled with LOTS of plankton, whales, sea turtles, basking sharks, dolphins, and more!

Areas developed for offshore wind farms will be difficult or impossible to survey using towed gear such as trawls. To address this challenge, the Pilot Hook-and-Line Survey gathers information on how this type of gear can be safely deployed in close proximity to offshore wind turbines and other habitats where towing is difficult. After a successful first season, NOAA Fisheries and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission are set to kick off the second season of the survey. This fall, scientists will be collaborating with fishing industry partners to sample wind turbines, wrecks, rocky habitat, and artificial reefs from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

Upcoming survey dates, ports, and collaborating vessels:

• Sep 9–19: Point Judith, Rhode Island (F/V Frances)
• Sep 23–Oct 3: Barnegat, New Jersey (F/V TNT)
• Oct 7–17: Cape May, New Jersey (F/V Salted)
• Oct 21–31: Ocean City, Maryland (F/V Fish Bound)
• Nov 4–14: Virginia Beach, Virginia (F/V Rudee Mariner)

Our Cooperative Research Branch will host the 2025 Northeast Cooperative Research Summit on January 28, 2025, in Portland, Maine. Gear up for a full day of shared knowledge, innovation, and partnership. This annual event, held last year in Cape May, New Jersey, convenes our region's fishermen, scientists, managers, and fishing community representatives. The summit will communicate new and ongoing cooperative studies and inspire collaboration to address emerging research priorities. Network with like-minded peers, explore fresh research avenues, and be part of shaping the future of cooperative research in the Northeast! Registration required. Deadline to register is November 8, 2024.

Our science center joined the other Woods Hole-based science institutions, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local environment and education-focused nonprofits at the Woods Hole Science Stroll on August 10. This annual family-friendly annual event features hands-on activities and opportunities for all ages to learn about ocean science. This year we had nearly 2000 exhibit visitors and about 900 visitors at the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. We look forward to seeing you next year at the Science Stroll!

Save the date! The 18th annual Flatfish Biology Conference will be held on November 13–14, at the Water's Edge Resort and Spa in Westbrook, Connecticut. This conference gives scientists, researchers, and students the opportunity to present their flatfish research findings, share knowledge, and more. Important deadlines:

• September 20: Abstracts due
• October 12: Last day for special hotel rate

Field scientist Emma Fowler set sail aboard the F/V Mary Elizabeth for all four trips of the spring Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey. The survey uses baited hooks on the seafloor to sample rocky bottom areas where trawling is difficult. This data complements data collected from the Bottom Trawl Survey. In a new blog, Emma shares her top 7 moments of the spring Bottom Longline Survey, including waking up to see the northern lights, spotting dazzling whales, a lucky two-for-one fish catch, and an itty-bitty sea slug that made quite an impression. Take a journey to the Gulf of Maine and experience the colossal and the minute in her blog.

Fish biologist Yuan Liu boarded the R/V Connecticut on an expedition to the highly protected waters of the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument this summer. She is studying the monument’s biodiversity without catching any fish! She collected water samples for environmental DNA—eDNA analysis. With the help of the chief scientist, she used sonar to find and sample the deep scattering layer, a possible fish hotspot. She also tested a new eDNA sampler in the open ocean for the first time and mentored graduate student Abby Lucas. Though the expedition was cut short because of weather and mechanical issues, she hopes her data will contribute to understanding this unique ecosystem. Read more in her blog.

How did Southern Connecticut State University graduate student Abby Lucas find herself collecting environmental DNA samples in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument? It all started with a little networking. Networking helped her connect with Science Center fish biologist Yuan Liu. She met with Yuan to learn more about her career path and work leading our eDNA—program. During that meeting, Yuan mentioned that she needed help with eDNA sampling on an upcoming research cruise. Yuan asked if Abby would be interested. The answer for Abby was a no-brainer—a resounding “YES!” Abby sailed aboard the R/V Connecticut to the only Marine National Monument in the Atlantic, where she collected water samples for eDNA analysis while gaining her sea legs. Read all about it in her blog.

The Annual Northeast Fisheries Science Center Collaboration Award acknowledged the Pilot Hook and Line Survey. A team of scientists and members of the fishing industry have been working together since June 2023 to develop a new collaborative hook and line survey in the Northeast. The purpose is to fill the data gaps created by preclusion of long-term mobile gear surveys from offshore wind energy areas. A key element of this survey is collaboration with the fishing industry and external scientists, from survey design and gear selection to survey operations and protocols. In spring 2024, we conducted the first season of this survey over the course of 13 sea days in collaboration with three commercial and recreational fishing vessels. A plan for this survey was also reviewed as part of the Peer Review of Northeast Fisheries Science Center Fisheries Survey Mitigation Plans. The effort represents collaboration, hard-work, and commitment to collecting data on fisheries resources in a changing ecosystem.