NOAA Fisheries FishNews — June 22

JUNE 22, 2023

Highlights Profiles in Sustainability: A New Look for FishWatch Our recently redesigned FishWatch website can help seafood consumers understand why U.S. seafood is a sustainable source of healthy protein. Now integrated with the NOAA Fisheries website, its searchable species profiles quickly connect users to a wealth of information on U.S. seafood. Watch the video to learn how to navigate the new home of FishWatch! NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Propose Revisions to Regulations Implementing the Endangered Species Act During this 50th anniversary year of the Endangered Species Act, NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are proposing a series of revisions to the joint regulations that guide their implementation of this landmark statute. Green Turtle Conservation Successes and Continuing Challenges A look at the successes and challenges faced by different green turtle populations. Sharpen Your Shark Facts Celebrate 30 years of federal Atlantic shark fisheries management with new fin-tastic shark facts each week this summer!

Alaska New Abundance Estimate for Endangered Cook Inlet Beluga Whales Last week, NOAA Fisheries announced an updated abundance estimate for endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales. New survey estimates and recent trend data suggest the population may be stable and possibly increasing. The “Steller” Success Story of a Sea Lion Population Removed from the Endangered Species List in 2013, the eastern distinct population segment of the Steller sea lion is still recovered a decade later. Alaska’s Threatened and Endangered Species In celebration of the Endangered Species Act’s 50th Anniversary, we are featuring the marine mammal and sea turtle species found in Alaska that are protected under the act.

West Coast Toxic Algal Bloom Suspected in Dolphin and Sea Lion Deaths in Southern California The rapid growth of harmful algae along parts of the Southern California Coast is believed to have killed hundreds of California sea lions and close to 60 dolphins in the first weeks of June. The West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network asks beachgoers to keep a safe distance and report strandings to the West Coast Region Stranding Hotline: (866) 767-6114.

Pacific Islands $1 Million for Sea Turtle and Hawaiian Monk Seal Conservation in the Pacific Islands NOAA Fisheries’ Pacific Islands Regional Office proposes funding for more than a dozen international and Hawaiʻi-based projects that help the recovery of sea turtles and Hawaiian monk seals. Recovering Endangered Indo-Pacific Leatherback Turtles The leatherback sea turtle—one of the planet's largest and most ancient reptiles—is in danger of disappearing forever. Due to fisheries interactions, illegal egg and meat harvesting, and other activities, the species is on the brink of extinction. NOAA’s Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center spearheads international efforts to research and protect leatherback turtles in the Pacific Ocean.

New England/Mid-Atlantic Woods Hole Science Aquarium Wins Popular Award NOAA Fisheries’ Woods Hole Science Aquarium is a winner in the 2023 Cape Cod Life Reader's Choice Awards list. It netted a silver recognition for “best Upper Cape kid's activity.” Science Blog: Whale Tails, Wrymouths, and Other Bottom Longline Survey Surprises Field biologist Emma Fowler shares more sights and scenes, unusual finds, and other fun surprises from the 2023 spring Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey.

Upcoming Deadlines July 3: Comments due for draft Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Essential Fish Habitat 5-Year Review July 6: Comments due for Petition to Establish Vessel Speed Measures to Protect Rice’s Whale July 10: Comments due for Incidental Take Authorization: Park City Wind, LLC Construction of the New England Wind Offshore Wind Project off of Massachusetts July 19: Applications due for USDA's Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grant Program July 24: Pre-proposals due for FY 2024 Saltonstall-Kennedy Grant Notice of Funding Opportunity August 18: Grant applications due for Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program August 21: Comments due for Proposed Rules to Revise Regulations Implementing the Endangered Species Act September 12: Comments due for Proposed Rulemaking to Revise the Guidelines for National Standards 4, 8, and 9 View more news and announcements

Upcoming Events June 20–27: Pacific Fishery Management Council June 2023 Meeting June 27–29: Western Pacific Fishery Management Council June 2023 Meeting June 27–29: New England Fishery Management Council June 2023 Meeting — July 20: Jupiter, Florida, in-person public hearing on Highly Migratory Species Amendment 15: Spatial Fisheries Management and Electronic Monitoring Cost Allocation July 25: Manteo, North Carolina, in-person public hearing on Highly Migratory Species Amendment 16: Shark Management July 25: Houma, Louisiana, in-person public hearing on Highly Migratory Species Amendment 15: Spatial Fisheries Management and Electronic Monitoring Cost Allocation August 7: Public webinar on Highly Migratory Species Amendment 16: Shark Management August 7–10: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council August 2023 Meeting August 14–17: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council August 2023 Meeting August 15–16: Caribbean Fishery Management Council August 2023 Meeting August 17: Public webinar on Highly Migratory Species Amendment 15: Spatial Fisheries Management and Electronic Monitoring Cost Allocation August 22: Manteo, North Carolina, in-person public hearing on Highly Migratory Species Amendment 15: Spatial Fisheries Management and Electronic Monitoring Cost Allocation 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.

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