NOAA Fisheries FishNews—May 28, 2026

MAY 28, 2026

Highlights Nominate Members for the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council NOAA Fisheries is accepting nominations for the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, a Federal Advisory Committee. This is an exciting opportunity to provide expertise on aquatic conservation endeavors that benefit recreational fishery resources and recreational boating and encourage partnerships among industry, the public, and the government. Nominations must be sent via email by June 4, 2026. World Fish Migration Day May 23 was World Fish Migration Day, a global celebration of the importance of migratory fish. Every year, millions of fish—salmon, steelhead trout, shad, alewives, and sturgeon, among others—migrate to their native habitats to reproduce. Learn how NOAA works to protect and restore the rivers, streams, and coastal habitats these important species rely on to make their journeys. Good News Stories for Endangered Species Day 2026 Endangered species face many threats, but thanks to protections under the Endangered Species Act, some are showing signs of recovery. For Endangered Species Day, we highlighted a few conservation success stories.

Alaska Capelin: A “Sea Canary” for Marine Ecosystem Change in Response to Heatwaves Capelin are a major forage fish species in high-latitude marine ecosystems. Commercially important fish species like salmon and halibut rely on capelin as a food source—as do whales, seals, sea lions, and seabirds. A new study found recent heatwaves in Alaska led to a dramatic decline in capelin abundance. Understanding why these drastic changes occur helps us evaluate current ecosystems and forecast the future.

New England/Mid-Atlantic New England Fishery Management: Backed by Science, Shaped by People New England’s fishing heritage has persevered amidst the region’s unique challenges. The industry behind it isn’t sustained by tradition alone; it endures because of science-based management. At the center of that management are the public-private partnerships between fishermen, scientists, the New England Fishery Management Council, and NOAA Fisheries. Lots of Talk About the Recent Cooperative Research Summit—Here’s What They’re Saying The fourth Northeast Cooperative Research Summit focused on building partnerships between the fishing and science communities to address science and management needs. The annual summit is the only one of its kind. What are participants saying about this year’s summit? Read their reflections and insights in our latest feature. Spring 2026 Bottom Trawl Survey in Photos The Bottom Trawl Survey helps us monitor fishery stock abundance and distribution on the Northwest Atlantic continental shelf. We’ve started a new photo gallery to highlight some of the incredible sights and scenes and the work we do to support healthy, sustainable fish stocks. The first set of photos includes an Atlantic batfish, angel shark, bobtail squid, sea lamprey, tapeworm, and more.

West Coast Decades of Effort Restore Steelhead and Salmon Passage on California's Alameda Creek A NOAA-funded project removed the final barrier on an urban San Francisco Bay Area creek that was once the Bay’s largest producer of steelhead and Chinook salmon. The creek may once again become a stronghold for migratory fish. This project is the culmination of nearly three decades of advocacy, science, and collaboration.

Upcoming Deadlines May 31: Fisherman Feedback period closes for the Gulf Council’s request for information on fishery ecosystem issues June 1: Applications due for the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program Discretionary Grant Opportunity June 1: Nominations due for the 2026 Dr. Nancy Foster Habitat Conservation Award June 1: Comments due on Amendment 62: Modifications to Gulf of America Red Grouper Management Measures June 1: Comments due for updates to the Greater Atlantic Region’s Catch Share Cost Recovery Programs June 1: Comments due for Proposed Framework for Striped Marlin Limits in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean June 2: Deadline to provide feedback to support improvements to vessel speed regulations June 4: Nominations due for the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council June 4: Comments due on the 2026 proposed Marine Mammal Protection Act List of Fisheries June 8: Comments due on proposed quotas for North Atlantic swordfish, South Atlantic swordfish, northern albacore tuna, and bluefin tuna June 15: Comments due on proposed listings and 12-month determinations for tope sharks under the Endangered Species Act June 15: Applications due for USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Special Research Grants for Aquaculture Research  June 20: Applications due for Species Recovery Grants to States June 29: Applications due for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund View more news and announcements

Upcoming Events June 1–3: Gulf Fishery Management Council meeting in Tampa, FL June 1–9: North Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in Vancouver, WA June 8–12: South Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting in St. Augustine, FL June 9–11: Western Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in Utulei, American Samoa June 10–15: Pacific Fishery Management Council meeting in Spokane, WA June 16–18: Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council meeting in Alexandria, VA June 23–25: New England Fishery Management Council meeting in Mystic, CT June 29–30: Peer Review: 2026 June Management Track Assessments, in Woods Hole, MA 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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