NOAA Fisheries FishNews – April 17, 2019

Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s Whale, MRIP Implementation Plan Update, and More

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. April 17, 2019 HIGHLIGHTS Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s Whale Listed as EndangeredNOAA Fisheries announced the listing of Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whales as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act. These whales are at risk of extinction due to their small population size, restricted range, and several major threats. Experts estimate less than 100 individuals are left in the population. MRIP Releases FY 2019 Implementation Plan UpdateNOAA Fisheries’ Marine Recreational Information Program released its 2018–2019 Implementation Plan Update. This latest annual update highlights the goals achieved in 2018 and the priorities set for 2019. Highly Migratory Species Fishery Compliance GuidesUpdated Recreational and Commercial Fishery Compliance Guides are now available for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species fisheries, reflecting the latest regulations. These plain-language guides are designed to help fishermen comply with federal regulations for tunas, swordfish, sharks, and billfishes in the U.S. Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. Alaska Science Blog: Salmon Research at Little Port WalterSince 1934 Little Port Walter Marine Research Station, near the southeastern tip of Baranof Island, has hosted salmon aquaculture research projects. Follow this new blog series from the Alaska Fisheries Science Center to learn about research into the effects of different tagging techniques on salmon survival. How the Hollings Scholarship Helped Shape One Scientist's Career PathIn this personal account, NOAA Fisheries researcher Charlie Waters (and salmon research blogger, above) recalls how his experience as an Ernest F. Hollings Scholar put him on the path toward a career at NOAA Fisheries’ Auke Bay Laboratory in Juneau. Senator Hollings passed away this month at the age of 97. West Coast Rebounding Populations and New Flexibility Boost Catches for Groundfish FisheryA trial effort that gave West Coast trawl fishermen new flexibility in how they fish helped them take advantage of rebounding rockfish numbers—fishermen caught almost 14 million pounds of fish in 2018 while still protecting salmon and other species. The increased catches brought an estimated $5.5 million in additional revenue to West Coast communities. Southeast NOAA Certifies Florida’s Reef Fish Survey DesignIn December, NOAA Fisheries certified the design of Florida’s Gulf Reef Fish Survey. This state-led survey will supplement NOAA’s Marine Recreational Information Program and will provide private boat catch estimates that are more timely and precise for use in fisheries management. South Atlantic Council Advisory Panel ApplicationsThe South Atlantic Fishery Management Council seeks applicants for open advisory panel seats as well as fishing representatives to serve on the System Management Plan Workgroup. Advisory panels provide information and guidance on the development and implementation of federal fishery management plans. Applications are due May 10. Greater Atlantic Helping Shellfish Growers Become Citizen ScientistsStaff from NOAA Fisheries’ Milford Laboratory in Connecticut have created a Citizen Science Guide to help shellfish growers capture high-quality underwater footage of aquaculture gear. The footage will help document the habitat benefits of shellfish aquaculture for wild species. Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network SurveyThe Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network seeks perspectives on ocean acidification from members of commercial fishing, seafood, aquaculture, charter boat, and recreational fishing organizations in the Mid-Atlantic. Provide your input by filling out their stakeholder outreach survey by June 14. NOAA Honors Marine Mammals of Maine FounderNOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Region’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Programs honored Lynda Doughty, founder of Marine Mammals of Maine, with the David St. Aubin Award of Excellence. The award recognized her work with stranded seals during an Unusual Mortality Event that began in July 2018. Events April 18 Last day of the New England Fishery Management Council meeting in Mystic, Connecticut. April 23–24 Caribbean Fishery Management Council meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. April 24–May 21 Four public meetings on the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s 2020–2024 Strategic Plan. April 25 Free Atlantic Shark Identification workshop in Wilmington, North Carolina. April 30 and May 1 Two public hearing webinars on Snapper-Grouper Regulatory Amendment 29, hosted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. May 2 and 15 Two free Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification workshops in North Carolina and Louisiana. May 7 and 9 Two scoping webinars on proposed additions to theDolphin-Wahoo Fishery Management Plan, hosted by the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. May 21–23 Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel meeting in Silver Spring, Maryland. May 23 Free Atlantic Shark Identification workshop in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Announcements April 25 Proposals due for 2019 Fishing for Energy Partnership funding. April 29 Applications due for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee. May 8 Proposals due for recreational fishing projects supporting the mission of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. May 10 Applications due for open advisory panel seats and the System Management Plan Workgroup for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. Federal Register Actions Visit regulations.gov for a list of only those actions open for public comment. Scroll search for National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For a list of all daily actions, check the Federal Register online. Corrections or technical questions should be sent to the FishNews Editor at editor.fishnews@noaa.gov. www.fisheries.noaa.gov

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