NOAA Fisheries FishNews—April 4th

APRIL 4, 2024

Highlights Podcast: Spring News Roundup Listen to our latest podcast episode for a roundup of recent headlines from around the agency. Hear about new Hawaiian monk seal pups, environmental DNA, new fish species, killer whale diversity, and more. NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Finalize Revisions to Regulations Implementing the Endangered Species Act We worked with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to finalize revisions to joint regulations implementing the Endangered Species Act. These revisions will improve our ability to conserve and recover listed species. Eastern North Pacific Gray Whale Population Increases After Observed Decline The 2023–2024 annual survey of the eastern North Pacific gray whale population found numbers increasing after several years of observed decline. The new estimated abundance is 17,400–21,300 whales. Previous declines aligned with the 2018–2023 Unusual Mortality Event, which has ended. NOAA Fisheries will continue to monitor the population with regular surveys to estimate abundance, calf production, and body condition.

New England/Mid-Atlantic Science Blog: Burgers for Breakfast in the Northwest Atlantic Take a look behind the scenes of the day watch on the spring bottom trawl survey! Kathryn Ford shares her daily routine during the survey, including her unconventional breakfasts. Science Blog: The Birds Are Back in Town Research fishery biologist Katey Marancik participated in the winter 2024 Ecosystem Monitoring Survey and was treated to seabird species she normally doesn’t see during the spring or fall surveys.

Upcoming Deadlines April 5: Deadline for Public Comment on National Aquaculture Development Plan April 10: Pre-proposals due for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Coastal Resilience Fund April 11: Applications due for USDA Value-Added Producer Grants April 12: Applications due for established Regional Ocean Partnerships funding opportunity April 15: Applications due for United States Department of Agriculture Special Research Grants Program Aquaculture Research April 25: Deadline for Public Comment on Proposed Rule for Updating and Clarifying Provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act April 26: Applications due for the Alaska Indigenous Engagement Program Grants April 30: Applications due for the Department of Transportation’s Port Infrastructure Development Program funding opportunity May 2: Applications due for the Young Fishermen’s Career Development Projects competition May 7: Applications due for the Sea Grant FY 2024 American Lobster Research funding opportunity May 14: Applications due for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Local Food Promotion Program funding opportunity May 14: Applications due for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farmers Market Promotion Program funding opportunity May 14: Applications due for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Regional Food System Partnerships funding opportunity May 27: Applications for attendance due for the 2024 Marine Resource Education Program Southeast Workshop May 28: Applications due for two Environmental Protection Agency Clean Ports Program grant competitions June 1: Deadline for nominations for the 2024 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award View more news and announcements

Upcoming Events April 4–16: North Pacific Fishery Management Council April 2024 Meeting April 5–18: Public Listening Sessions for the Seafood Import Monitoring Program April 5–11: Pacific Fishery Management Council April 2024 Meeting April 8–11: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council April 2024 Meeting April 9–11:  Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council April 2024 Meeting April 11: Informational webinar on Maritime Administration's Port Infrastructure Development Program April 16–18: New England Fishery Management Council April 2024 Meeting May 18: Ocean Fun Days 2024 June 25: Educator Workshop: Mid-Atlantic Climate Change Education Conference View more events

Federal Register Actions Visit NOAA Fisheries' Rules & Regulations web page to learn more about recently proposed and finalized regulations in your region.

Questions? Visit our website for national and regional contact information

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