NOAA Fisheries FishNews—December 5

DECEMBER 5, 2024 Enhancing Science and Management Capabilities to Support Climate-Ready Fisheries As part of NOAA’s efforts to support a climate-ready nation, a $147.5 Million Inflation Reduction Act investment will help NOAA deliver critical information and tools to support climate-informed decision-making and increase adaptation to rapidly changing marine ecosystems. Supporting Essential Data Acquisition We’re investing $107.5 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding to enhance our science enterprise and accelerate data collection—a vital step in advancing our mission to manage the nation’s marine resources in the face of climate change. Implementing the Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative The Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative is a cross-NOAA effort to provide decision-makers with the early warnings, risk assessments, strategies, and advice they need to increase resilience and adaptation of marine resources and resource-dependent communities to changing oceans. NOAA is investing $40 million in Inflation Reduction Act funds to implement the initiative. Regional Activities: Essential Data Acquisition This Inflation Reduction Act investment will build on a variety of regional efforts by NOAA Fisheries and our partners across the nation to implement and amplify climate-informed management decisions. Region-specific work allows us to take targeted actions in areas vulnerable to climate change and encourages partnering with knowledgeable local organizations and Indigenous communities. Regional Activities: Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative This initiative will provide resource managers, local communities, and other decision-makers across the nation with the information needed to prepare for and adapt to rapidly changing conditions. Highlights Ocean Gliders Listen for Whales off Oregon in Test of New Ways to Count Them Three small autonomous underwater “Seagliders” crisscrossed the ocean off the Oregon Coast as part of trial research to find new ways of tracking and counting whales and other marine mammals. Podcast: How Underwater Drones Are Transforming Fisheries Data Collection in Remote Areas Remote underwater gliders—or underwater drones—present opportunities for all kinds of data collection and oceanographic research. They're incredibly cost effective, requiring less staff and equipment than traditional methods. Hear how gliders are being used to survey Antarctic krill, the foundation of the region's food web. Alaska Update on Continuing Process to Clarify Marine Mammal Harvest Eligibility NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are reviewing requirements for marine mammal harvest eligibility for Alaska Natives. West Coast Secretary of Commerce Determines Fishery Resource Disasters for the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe’s 2020 Salmon Fisheries The Secretary of Commerce determined that a commercial fishery failure occurred in two Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe fisheries. NOAA Committee Conducting Survey on Methods to Deter Conflicts with Marine Mammals The NOAA Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee has released an anonymous survey to identify which marine mammal deterrents are considered the most effective by users to protect fishing gear, fishing catches, vessels, docks, aquaculture facilities, and other property. The deadline to complete this survey has been extended to December 22, 2024. Pacific Islands On Deck With Observer 0001—Looking Back 30 Years This year the Pacific Islands Region Observer Program marks its 30th anniversary. To celebrate, we’re featuring its first observer, Tonya Wick. AI Meets Aquaculture to Study Hawaiian Monk Seal Interactions with Net Pens NOAA Fisheries and Blue Ocean Mariculture are leveraging technology to study Hawaiian monk seals’ interest in aquaculture net pens in Hawaiʻi. Hawai‘i Coral Reef Assessments Complete for 2024 In 2024, our scientists continued their effort to collect long-term, high-quality data on the coral reef communities of Hawai‘i. The Kānaka ʻŌiwi knowledge systems, values, and practices informed a 3-month mission to assess coral reef health and ocean conditions in Hawai‘i as part of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program. U.S. Leads Pacific Tuna Commission Action on Climate Change and Rebuilding Plan for North Pacific Striped Marlin The United States led efforts to address climate change and ensure continued stability for North Pacific striped marlin at this year’s annual Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting. Southeast Illegal Wildlife Smuggling Operation Shut Down in Puerto Rico NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement led a joint investigation resulting in the sentencing of two Dominican nationals who were smuggling live eels from Puerto Rico. GulfCorps: Gulf Coast Restoration Work Gives Young People Jobs, Pathway to Career and Life Success NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation awarded The Nature Conservancy $12 million to fund the GulfCorps program for the next 3 years. The program will employ 150 crew members to restore and enhance 5,000 acres of coastal habitat. GulfCorps Member Eric Lucas: From Fast Food to Full-Time Parks Employee The GulfCorps, a program managed by NOAA and The Nature Conservancy, helps restore Gulf Coast habitat and provides young people with a pathway to environmental careers. Meet GulfCorps alumnus Eric Lucas and learn how the program transformed his life. GulfCorps Member Connor Robison: Leaving the Street to Become Conservation Leader Get to know GulfCorps alumnus Connor Robison and learn how the program managed by NOAA and The Nature Conservancy changed his life. GulfCorps Member Alexis Powell: Working with Chain Saws While Achieving Life Goals Alexis Powell shares how the GulfCorps program helped her transform her life and achieve her goals. Science Blog: It Takes a Village to Share Science Sometimes you need the help of a village to bring your ideas to life, especially as it pertains to community outreach. Intern Bianca Sproul shares her experience planning science seminars in her hometown. Upcoming Deadlines December 13: Pre-proposals due for Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program funding December 23: Nominations due for the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee December 31: Applications due for Marine Fisheries Initiative February 10: Applications due for Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants February 27: Applications due for Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants March 4: Applications due for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund March 31: Applications due for Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants View more news and announcements Upcoming Events December 9–12: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting December 12: Tribal-focused Webinar for Restoring Fish Passage and Restoring Tribal Priority Fish Passage through Barrier Removal funding opportunities December 16–18: Western Pacific Fishery Management Council Meeting January 1: NOAA Fisheries Reduces Fee For Existing Buyback Loans Associated with the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fleet January 1: NOAA Fisheries Reduces Fee For Existing Buyback Loans Associated with the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Non-Pollock Groundfish Fleet January 23: Educator Webinar on Stories from Three Division Environmental Literacy Plans February 6–10: North Pacific Fishery Management Council Meeting February 11–12: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting February 24: Educator Webinar on Integrating Social Studies into Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences 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

Stay Connected with NOAA Fisheries:

http://live.oysterradio.com/