NOAA Fisheries FishNews—March 28th

MARCH 28, 2024 Marsh Madness While players duel it out on the court, we’re keeping score of all the ways marsh habitat plays an important role in the protection and restoration work we do for communities, fish, and wildlife. Highlights NOAA Fisheries Zoologist Describes New Fish Species Dr. Katherine Bemis of the National Systematics Laboratory recently helped describe a new species of fish—the papillated redbait. Where the Leatherbacks Roam Scientists find evidence of critical feeding grounds for endangered leatherback turtles along the U.S. Atlantic coast by studying their movements with satellite tags. West Coast New Research Reveals Full Diversity of Killer Whales as Two Species Come into View on Pacific Coast Scientists have identified two well-known killer whales in the North Pacific Ocean as separate species. The findings resolved one of scientists’ outstanding questions about one of the world’s most recognizable creatures. Lost Skulls and Latin: How Scientists Chose Names for Newly Identified Killer Whale Species A team of NOAA Fisheries and university scientists published new research in Royal Society Open Science showing that West Coast resident and Bigg’s killer whales are different species. To identify names for the new species, the scientists dug into the history of killer whale science on the Pacific Coast. Pioneering Project to Restore Bull Kelp Forests in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in California With a new $4.9 million grant through NOAA’s Office of Habitat Conservation, Greater Farallones Association is restoring imperiled bull kelp forests in Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in California using innovative techniques. Southeast Emergency Response Effort for Endangered Sawfish NOAA Fisheries and partners are initiating a project to rescue and rehabilitate smalltooth sawfish affected by an ongoing mortality event in South Florida. Meet Biological Science Technician, Kristin Hannan Kristin shares her background, what she enjoys most about working for the Southeast Fisheries Science Center, and her advice for anyone interested in a career at NOAA Fisheries. Meet Communications Specialist, Meaghan Emory Meaghan shares her experience growing up that led her to her current job as a communications manager for NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center. New England/Mid-Atlantic From Survey to Stock Assessments—How Data Are Used Fish biologist Jessica Blaylock walks us through what kinds of data she and other survey scientists collect during the Bottom Trawl Survey and how that data is used in stock assessments. Women's History Month: Talking with Angela Silva Angela Silva is a social scientist for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center’s Offshore Wind and Ecology Branch. To celebrate Women’s History Month, she talked about her science journey, what she loves most about her job or career, what advice she has for the next generation of women scientists, and more. Women's History Month: Talking with Megan Amico Megan Amico is the gear researcher and fish biologist for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. She collaborates with commercial fishermen to explore and evaluate on-demand gear that could reduce North Atlantic right whale entanglements. She also evaluates the use of a low-profile gillnet to reduce sea turtle bycatch and supports white shark research through passive acoustics. Women's History Month: Talking with Dvora Hart Dvora is an operations research analyst and lead assessment scientist for the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. We spoke with her about her love for the natural world and mathematics and her work in fisheries and mathematical biology. Upcoming Deadlines March 31: Applications due for the Rural Energy for America Program Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement funding opportunity April 1: Applications due for the Fiscal Year 2024 Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Projects 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 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 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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