NOAA Fisheries FishNews – February 18, 2021

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Show Seafood Some Love and Get Heart Healthy! U.S. seafood is sustainably produced, so it’s good for the planet. But did you know that it’s also good for your heart? If you’re one of the almost 90 percent of Americans who doesn’t eat the recommended servings of seafood, read our suggestions for adding some heart-healthy seafood to your diet. It’s both sustainable and delicious!

Highlights Celebrate Black History Month with NOAA Fisheries Black History Month is observed every February to recognize the history and achievements of African Americans and their central role in our nation’s history. As we celebrate this year, we’d like to highlight the extraordinary research and important contributions of African Americans at NOAA Fisheries. Protecting Ocean Giants: Whale Week 2021 Join us as we celebrate Whale Week, February 16–20, leading up to World Whale Day on February 21. Check out whale features and videos and stay tuned for more new content throughout the week. North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season 2021 The critically endangered North Atlantic right whale population has been declining for the past decade. With fewer than 400 whales left, researchers closely monitor the southeastern United States for new offspring during the calving season. 11 Cool Whale, Dolphin, and Porpoise Facts Did you know that whales, dolphins, and porpoises are members of the cetacean family? Check out these facts to learn more about this group of marine mammals. NOAA Celebrates 10 years of Integrated Ecosystem Assessments NOAA is celebrating 10 years of implementing Integrated Ecosystem Assessments—a science and management effort to integrate all components of an ecosystem, including human needs and activities, into the decision-making process. We have published a special issue of the Coastal Management Journal, titled “Ten Years of NOAA Integrated Ecosystem Assessment.”

West Coast NOAA Fisheries Internships Build Confidence, Relationships, and the Next Generation of Fisheries Professionals Supporting interns helps NOAA Fisheries achieve our mission with a diverse and highly skilled future workforce in a variety of disciplines. The West Coast Region is proud to continue its participation in NOAA’s undergraduate internship programs, despite the challenges of working remotely during the pandemic.

Southeast North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Stranded Dead in Florida A dead North Atlantic right whale calf was reported stranded on February 13 along the Florida coast. The animal is likely the calf of a 19-year-old female named Infinity (#3230). The calf was first sighted on January 17 off Amelia Island.

Greater Atlantic $1 Million Available for Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Projects NOAA is announcing the availability of up to $1 million in funding in 2021 for projects to restore habitat for Atlantic salmon in the Gulf of Maine region. The Gulf of Maine distinct population segment of Atlantic salmon is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. It is also a Species in the Spotlight, one of nine species most at risk of extinction in the near future.

Upcoming Deadlines February 24: NOAA Fisheries has extended its deadline to receive public comments on the Work Plan of the Interagency Working Group on Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing. Written comments on the Work Plan should be submitted by February 24, 2021, to: iuu.fishing@noaa.gov.

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

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