NOAA Fisheries FishNews—March 6th

MARCH 6, 2025

Highlights Three North Atlantic Right Whales Now Swim Gear Free Learn more about three right whales who were seen entangled in late 2024 but have since broken free of that gear and now swim free. While this is good news for these whales, we still don't know the full extent to which these entanglements affected their health. We will continue to monitor and document them. Meet the Integral Jellyfish: National Systematics Laboratory Zoologist Helps Describe New Species Japanese student Ryoya Sugimoto, Dr. Takato Izumi of Fukuyama University, and Dr. Allen Collins of NOAA Fisheries’ National Systematics Laboratory have described a new species off the coast of Japan.

Alaska Scientists Use Uncrewed Surface Vehicle to Estimate Krill Abundance in Alaska A commonly used machine-learning algorithm was key to generating krill abundance estimates comparable to data collected by research vessels over many years. Genetics Enable Earlier Detection of Lethal Disease for Commercially Important Tanner and Snow Crabs Scientists will have increased capacity to forecast future outbreaks to support sustainable fisheries management.

West Coast Podcast: Could the LA Wildfires Harm Marine Life in California? NOAA scientists aboard a research vessel studied Los Angeles wildfire ash in coastal waters. Hear how their rapid response may reveal long-term ecosystem impacts. Endangered California Coho Salmon Experience Record-Breaking Spawning Season on Mendocino Coast Last winter, Central California Coast coho salmon returned to Mendocino Coast rivers in the highest numbers since monitoring began. The overall numbers remain low compared to the species’ past abundance, but NOAA scientists are excited by the results. Fisheries Society Recognizes Pioneering NOAA Salmon Scientist for Lifetime of Achievements Dr. Laurie Weitkamp has gone far and wide to study and better understand the salmon and steelhead that are the lifeblood of Northwest rivers and cultures. Last month, the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society recognized Weitkamp’s hard work by presenting her with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Southeast Oyster Restoration Investments Net Positive Returns for Economy and Environment Discover how oyster reef restoration in North Carolina delivers strong economic returns. A new report reveals a $1.70 return for every $1 invested.

New England/Mid-Atlantic Science Blog: Accordion’s New Calf is Music to our Ears Marine mammal observer Alison Ogilvie shares the pure joy and excitement when she and the aerial survey team spotted a female North Atlantic right whale named Accordion and her first-ever calf off the coast of New York. Science Blog: Gettin’ Jiggy Developing a New Fisheries Survey NOAA Fisheries biologist Lindsey Nelson shares what goes into developing a new cooperative research fisheries survey with the help of the recreational fishing industry. Science Blog: Environmental DNA Survey Continues in the Southern New England Wind Energy Area Join eDNA Program Lead Yuan Liu on a survey in the Southern New England Wind Energy Area. She uses eDNA side by side with passive acoustic monitoring technologies to track marine life.

Upcoming Deadlines March 31: Applications due for Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants April 16: Proposals due for Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants April 18: Applications due for the NOAA Delaware Bay Watershed Education and Training Program May 12: Proposals due for Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants for Tribes and Underserved Communities View more news and announcements

Upcoming Events March 18–19: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting March 25–27: Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council Meeting March 27: Educator Webinar on High-Quality Environmental Education Programming April 3–7: North Pacific Fishery Management Council Meeting (Virtual Only) April 7–10: Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council Meeting April 8–10: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting April 10–15: Pacific Fishery Management Council Meeting April 10: Educator Webinar on NOAA Data Online Courses 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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