NOAA Fisheries FishNews—December 19

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Highlights $20 Million Available to Advance Habitat Restoration Priorities of Tribes and Underserved Communities NOAA announced the availability of $20 million in funding for projects that will advance the coastal habitat restoration and climate resilience priorities of tribes and underserved communities. White House National Science and Technology Council Finalizes New Aquaculture Plan, First in 40 Years For the first time since 1983, the United States is releasing an updated National Aquaculture Development Plan. It will strengthen U.S. commitment to food security, climate resilience, and the protection of threatened and endangered marine and freshwater species. NOAA Fisheries Seafood Inspection Program Revises Regulations to Modernize and Improve Inspection Procedures In a move to modernize and adapt to changes in the industry, NOAA Fisheries’ Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce has unveiled revisions to the implementing regulations of the Seafood Inspection Program. Podcast: 2024 Winter News Roundup Our latest podcast provides a roundup of recent NOAA Fisheries news. Tune in and hear about an eel-smuggling operation in Puerto Rico, scientists using AI to better understand monk seals, and funding announcements tied to climate resiliency and helping coastal communities. Final Rule: Updating and Clarifying Provisions of the Magnuson-Stevens Act NOAA Fisheries has issued a final rule that incorporates Congressional amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Act’s confidentiality requirements. The final rule aims to streamline data access for the fishing industry, regional fishery management councils, states, commissions, and other entities that need such information for fishery conservation and management purposes.

Alaska Some Fish and Crab May Shift Further North in Alaskan Waters Than Previously Predicted New regional models are being developed for the Bering Sea to better anticipate and incorporate climate change into resource management.

West Coast Wild Oregon Coast Coho Salmon Sustain Popular Sportfishing Seasons Low salmon returns have closed salmon fishing in California and limited it elsewhere on the West Coast. But Oregon anglers have enjoyed robust sportfishing on a strong wild salmon species. The rebound of the wild Oregon Coast coho salmon population has boosted productivity enough for anglers to harvest their catch. NOAA Marine Forensic Lab Completes Rigorous Independent Assessment The marine forensic lab plays a crucial role in protecting marine resources and enforcing national and international laws related to fish, seafood, and protected species.

Southeast How the 2024 Hurricane Season Impacted Recreational Fishing in the Gulf of Mexico The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season had a profound impact on recreational fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, presenting new challenges to coastal communities. Learn how businesses, marine ecosystems, and recreational fishing seasons were affected. Cold-Stunned Sea Turtles Shake it Off, Recover in Mississippi Nearly 80 cold-stunned sea turtles—named after Taylor Swift songs—were transported from New England to rehabilitation facilities on the Gulf Coast. They will be brought back to health before being released. Science Blog: An Incredible Rice’s Whale Encounter The crew of the 2024 Vessel Survey for Abundance and Distribution of Marine Mammals and Seabirds collects valuable information from endangered sperm and Rice’s whales, blackfish, dolphins, and seabirds in the final days of their journey.

New England/Mid-Atlantic Science Blog: The Fall Bottom Longline Survey—Enjoying the Ride Despite the Weather Hear how Northeast Fisheries Observer Program alumna Maura Flynn tackles the challenges of working at sea by heeding her own advice during the fall Gulf of Maine Bottom Longline Survey.

Upcoming Deadlines 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 April 16: Proposals due for transformational habitat restoration and coastal resilience projects May 12: Proposals due for Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities View more news and announcements

Upcoming Events 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 February 26: Educator Webinar on 2025 Environmental Literacy Forum Virtual Recap 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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