This month we commemorate the 50th anniversary since the signing of the landmark Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This foundational legislation—the primary law governing marine fisheries management in U.S. federal waters—is the driving mandate behind NOAA Fisheries' mission. Its core purpose is to prevent overfishing, ensure the biological and economic sustainability of our marine resources, and rebuild overfished stocks through rigorous, science-based management.

Over the past 25 years, NOAA Fisheries has been successful in rebuilding eight fish stocks and reducing overfishing for 32 stocks within the Southeast region. 

We work every day towards this vision of sustainable fisheries management, leveraging innovation driven by our scientists and staff, and relying on meaningful partnerships with the region’s fishing communities to achieve our shared goals. On the science side, our staff are driving advancements in our data collection technologies such as environmental DNA, unmanned systems, electronic monitoring, and cloud infrastructure, as well as next-generation modeling platforms. Combined, these modernizations will allow us to keep pace with and better understand the changing environment and provide robust management advice.

Recent key activities include:

• Participation in the prestigious Miami Boat Show
• Engagement with the Marine Resource Education Program
• Publication of the crucial Shrimp Economic Snapshot Report
• Deployment of state-of-the-art science to inform bluefin tuna management at ICCAT

April is also citizen science month—a moment to celebrate and honor the invaluable contributions of all who actively participate in our scientific endeavors. To every individual who has supported our research over the years, we extend our deepest gratitude. From cooperative research initiatives to participation in vital recreational data collection, your input is not merely welcomed—it is fundamental to our success.

The 2026 North Atlantic right whale calving season has come to a close in the southeast United States. We are cautiously optimistic for the species, as we saw the highest number of right whale calves born in nearly two decades.

A 30-year study shows that conservation measures in the western Atlantic have created a vital haven, contributing to the recovery of bluefin tuna.

Credit: Tag A Giant

NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center offers volunteers the opportunity to help collect fisheries and oceanographic data at sea. Learn what to expect as a volunteer and how to apply.

April is Citizen Science Month! To celebrate, we’re highlighting the anglers who make our cooperative tagging research possible—including our 2025 top taggers! Could you be the next top tagger?

Photo courtesy of Chris Jobes.

Larval and reproductive sampling from 1955 through 2021 reveals that bluefin tuna may have a nearly continuous spawning area from the Northwest Caribbean to the Slope Sea.

The U.S. shrimp harvesting industry is experiencing a long-term decline in profits and economic stability, including a $268 million revenue loss since 2021. This report is a first step in addressing barriers to restoring its competitiveness.

Photo courtesy of Kelsi Furman.