NOAA Archives - Page 35 of 523

Hawai‘i Coral Reef Assessments Complete for 2024

November 29, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

In 2024, our scientists continued their effort to collect long-term, high-quality data on the coral reef communities of Hawai‘i. They built upon previous surveys dating back to 2005 for the main Hawaiian Islands, and to 2000 for the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. They surveyed coral reefs around the eight inhabited Hawaiian Islands, as well as four atolls within the monument. This mission also marked an effort to build and sustain long-term reciprocal partnerships that nurture Native Hawaiian engagement and the crucial integration of traditional ecological knowledge.

While some surveys were conducted from shore, the bulk of the work was carried out aboard the NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette. They assessed fish populations, oceanographic conditions, and ocean chemistry to monitor potential changes in coral reef health. The survey is part of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program and informs the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program. These important long-term data paint a picture of coral reef health over time and help inform scientists, resource managers, and communities.

These surveys were last conducted in the islands in 2016 and 2019. An exciting new addition to this year’s survey efforts was the opportunity to create a dedicated cultural practitioner position. A Kānaka ʻŌiwi (Native Hawaiian) scientist joined the team and used Indigenous knowledge systems to gather data.

Equally Valuing Native Hawaiian Knowledge Systems and Western Science

Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument holds important cultural significance to Kānaka ʻŌiwi. It is the first mixed natural and cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage site in the United States. As the original stewards of this special place, Kānaka ʻŌiwi perpetuate ancestral knowledge, values, and practices. They maintain living relationships passed down through millennia of lived experiences and expertise of place. We are committed to equally valuing Kānaka ʻŌiwi and Western knowledge systems of learning to better understand Papahānaumokuākea, and the broader Hawaiian Archipelago. We are dedicated to co-creating equitable, reciprocal, and inclusive processes. This is the first step towards conducting collaborative and integrative research and monitoring. This monitoring incorporates multiple perspectives, knowledge systems, and values and supports Hawaiian knowledge and knowledge holders, as is outlined in the Mai Ka Pō Mai.

To make this happen, we partnered with NOAA’s Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument Native Hawaiian program specialist. We developed a cultural practitioner position to join the mission to Papahānaumokuākea. Because this role is a very personal one, the specific objectives of the position were co-developed with the individual to best align with their personal experiences and knowledge. We were lucky to have the cultural practitioner position filled by Nālani Olguin, who is both a Kanaka ʻŌiwi scientist and Ph.D. candidate. The main intention of the position was to begin to integrate Kānaka ʻŌiwi practices and traditional knowledge with the existing, Western science-based mission, in a way that worked for all parties.

The cultural practitioner provided opportunities for:

Understanding place and names—integral parts of Kanaka ʻŌiwi traditional knowledge systems
Learning about oral histories surrounding Papahāhaumokuākea and its cultural significance
Introducing topics, providing resources, and opening discussion about the integrations and connections of traditional knowledge systems and western science
Practicing Kānaka ʻŌiwi observational methodologies known as kilo and engaging in Huli ʻia (a tool developed by Native Hawaiian non-profit organization, Nā Maka Onaona) to document dominant cycles and seasonal changes across entire landscapes

We held several workshops prior to and during the mission for crew and scientists to learn and participate in cultural protocols and traditions. They focused on ʻŌlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language), oli (chant), and more. They aimed to create a safe space for learning and to foster long-term learning to integrate traditional practices and knowledge systems with Western science for monitoring this sacred space.

Tom Oliver, NOAA Fisheries research ecologist, served as the chief scientist for the second leg of the 2024 mission. He reflected on the opportunities this mission provided, “Those of us given the privilege to visit these islands carry a kuleana (responsibility) to enter respectfully and properly, to be observant, to conduct ourselves respectfully, and to carry back what we’ve learned to implement into our daily practices. This year, we were also privileged enough to have an alakaʻi (guide) to help us learn more about this biocultural seascape through Native Hawaiian knowledge systems, values, practices, and worldview.”

Biden-Harris Administration, NOAA Announced $147.5 Million to Transform NOAA Data Collection and Analysis

November 29, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration announced its $147.5 million Inflation Reduction Act investment to strengthen NOAA’s science and management capabilities that support climate-ready fisheries. This funding will enable NOAA to modernize its science enterprise, delivering critical information and tools to support decision-making and adaptation strategies for rapidly changing marine ecosystems.

“This funding, made possible thanks to President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act, will make our nation’s fisheries, protected species, and coastal communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “By strengthening NOAA’s scientific efforts to help us better understand and plan for changing marine conditions, we are making smart investments in the economic and climate resilience of communities across our entire country.”

NOAA Fisheries will use $107.5 million to enhance science and data collection to account for the effects of climate change and improve fish and marine mammal stock assessments. This funding will modernize and transform the agency’s technological capabilities, and broaden the scope of observations that NOAA collects using innovative methods like uncrewed systems, remote sensing and environmental DNA collection.

Another $40 million will fund the Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative to provide resource managers and fishing communities with the information they need to build resilience and adapt to changing marine ecosystems. This initiative will establish an operational decision-support system to track changes in marine ecosystems, and assess risks to valuable resources and the communities who depend on them. It will also identify options for reducing risks and bolstering resilience in the face of changing climate and ocean conditions.

To implement the initiative, NOAA will allocate $20 million to NOAA Fisheries and $4 million to NOAA’s National Ocean Service to enhance regional capacity to forecast future ecosystem conditions, evaluate risks and provide actionable advice for climate-informed resource management and community adaptation. To support these efforts, an additional $16 million will go to NOAA Research to develop the state-of-the-art forecasts and long-term projections of ocean and Great Lakes conditions needed to evaluate risks and identify strategies for adaptation and resilience.

“The climate crisis means warming oceans, rising sea levels, diminishing sea ice and increasing acidification — all profoundly impacting coastal ecosystems and every aspect of NOAA’s mission,” said Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries Janet Coit. “We have an unprecedented opportunity to advance our scientific understanding of our rapidly changing ocean and deliver critical information to communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems.”

This funding is part of the historic $3.3 billion in Inflation Reduction Act investments that NOAA first announced in June 2023, which is focused on ensuring America’s communities and economies are ready for and resilient to climate change. It complements other Inflation Reduction Act priority areas and NOAA Fisheries mission efforts, including the revised Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management Road Map.

Learn more about NOAA Fisheries’ Inflation Reduction Act priority investments in climate-ready fisheries and coasts.

CALIFORNIA: California’s 2023 salmon disaster relief funding to be released by end of year

November 29, 2024 — U.S. Representative Jared Huffman (D-California) said that NOAA Fisheries will finally release financial relief for the 2023 closure of the California’s salmon fishery, but it could still be a while before fishers receive that relief.

California’s fishing community has been devastated by back-to-back closures of the state’s Chinook salmon fisheries. California lawmakers urged the federal government to approve financial relief quickly, citing the severe impact the closures are having on coastal communities that depend on salmon. However, the federal government’s bureaucratic process for fishery disaster relief can take multiple years.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Illegal Wildlife Smuggling Operation Shut Down in Puerto Rico

November 27, 2024 — NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement led a joint investigation resulting in the sentencing of two Dominican nationals. They were sentenced to a combined 4 years in prison for smuggling live American juvenile eels. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and the Environmental and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section successfully prosecuted Simon De la Cruz Paredes and Saul Enrique José De la Cruz. Paredes was sentenced to 24 months in prison and De la Cruz was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Coast Guard identified and intercepted the two smugglers in February. They were transiting in a high speed panga in federal waters north of Puerto Rico. The smugglers refused to heave to and follow USCG orders, ultimately leading USCG to disable their vessel’s engines through force. Upon boarding, USCG officers noticed large bags containing live eels and aerators, in addition to a firearm and ammunition. USCG officers contacted NOAA Enforcement officials to aid in determining the bag’s contents and jurisdiction. Our close collaboration and cross-training with partner agencies aided in identifying the suspects intent to smuggle wildlife and started the joint investigation.

Our enforcement agents and officers train USCG personnel at their regional training centers. They develop close working relationships with local sector Living Marine Resource officers, who specialize in fishery related boardings. USCG personnel are trained to identify and inspect vessels and persons potentially engaging in illegal fishing activities. In this case, USCG officers informed NOAA enforcement of a potential fisheries violation. We consulted with the Puerto Rico Department of Natural and Environmental Resources biologists to determine the species seized. American eels spend part of their lives in freshwater, which falls under the responsibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We worked with USFWS agents in the investigation. DNER rangers assisted with transport of the suspects and evidence upon USCG’s arrival in San Juan, Puerto Rico. “Our joint enforcement partnerships expand our ability to enforce marine resource laws more efficiently,” said Paige Casey, acting Assistant Director of NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement Southeast Division. “In this case, we saw how effective our partnerships are with the successful arrest and prosecution of two individuals who illegally harvested eels. Our collaboration is vital in ensuring that individuals who violate marine resource laws are held fully accountable.”

The harvest of juvenile eels, commonly known as glass eels, are a lucrative business. They typically yield $2,200 per kilogram in a legal market. Black markets supported through operations similar to Parede’s and De la Cruz’s actions can increase retail prices of glass eels and encourage illegal activity. The Coast Guard seized more than 100,000 eels, estimated at $132,000. The two suspects spent months illegally harvesting eels at a freshwater creek in Puerto Rico. After illegally harvesting the eels, they attempted to transport the catch to the Dominican Republic. The eels would then be sold in Asian markets where the product would ultimately be worth more than $1 million.

NOAA Fisheries enforces fisheries and seafood regulations. Illegal wildlife trafficking, such as these eels, falls under the Lacey Act. Identifying and putting a halt to illegal seafood coming into or leaving the United States is integral in protecting our domestic fisheries. This successful prosecution is credited to the close working relationship we have with our partner agencies. It aids in ensuring a level playing field exists for U.S. seafood dealers and distributors.

Read the full article at NOAA Fisheries

NOAA Fisheries introduces new net design for integrated US West Coast survey

November 27, 2024 — NOAA Fisheries says a new, innovative net design will help the agency improve and streamline its fisheries surveys along the West Coast.

Developed together with Ocean Gold Seafoods and Seattle-based net manufacturer Swan Nets, the Multi-Function Trawl net allows NOAA research vessels to harvest fish at different depths. That enables a research vessel to set the net for midwater depths to catch Pacific hake during the day, and then adjust the net for surface level trawling to catch sardines and anchovies at night.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

NOAA Committee Conducting Survey on Methods to Deter Conflicts with Marine Mammals

November 26, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Some marine mammal populations have rebounded in recent decades. But this conservation success story can also lead to conflicts with fisheries, harbors, and property owners. This includes dolphins, whales, seals, and sea lions eating fish from hooks and nets and damaging fishing gear and harbor infrastructure, which leads to economic losses.

To learn more about how deterrent methods are being used, the NOAA Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee has released an anonymous survey on marine mammal deterrents. The goal of this survey is to identify which marine mammal deterrents are considered the most effective by users to protect fishing gear, fishing catches, vessels, docks, aquaculture facilities, and other property. Data and information from the survey will inform recommendations on how NOAA Fisheries (or partners) could best invest future resources to further research marine mammal deterrents.

“The information gathered through this survey will help us understand the nature of marine mammal interactions and use of deterrents in various situations,” said Kristy Long, from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act have fostered species recovery since their passage in the early 1970s. The MMPA prohibits the “take” of marine mammals—including harassment, hunting, capturing, collecting, or killing—in U.S. waters and by U.S. citizens on the high seas. One exception allows specified users to deter marine mammals from damaging fishing gear and catch as well as public and private property. These deterrents cannot result in mortality or serious injury to marine mammals.

The survey is anonymous and voluntary so that respondents provide honest input on all current deterrents used to deter marine mammals.

“This survey is an opportunity for fishermen and harbor and dock owners to have their voices heard” says Kim Raum-Suryan, from NOAA Fisheries Protected Resources Division, Alaska Region. “We hope those affected by marine mammal conflicts will take advantage of this survey to provide information that will work toward reducing these interactions so fishermen can retain their gear and catch and marine mammals will remain safe.”

Biden-Harris Administration, NOAA announce $147.5 million to transform NOAA data collection and analysis

November 26, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Today, the Biden-Harris Administration and NOAA announced a $147.5 million Inflation Reduction Act investment to strengthen NOAA’s science and management capabilities that support climate-ready fisheries. This funding will enable NOAA to modernize its science enterprise, delivering critical information and tools to support decision-making and adaptation strategies for rapidly changing marine ecosystems.

“This funding, made possible thanks to President Biden’s historic Inflation Reduction Act, will make our nation’s fisheries, protected species and coastal communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “By strengthening NOAA’s scientific efforts to help us better understand and plan for changing marine conditions, we are making smart investments in the economic and climate resilience of communities across our entire country.”

Learn more about NOAA Fisheries’ Inflation Reduction Act priority investments in climate-ready fisheries and coasts.

US government awards USD 9 million for Pacific salmon recovery research

November 25, 2024 — NOAA Fisheries has awarded USD 9 million (EUR 8.6 million) for academic research designed to help Pacific salmon populations recover.

Most of the money – USD 7.5 million (EUR 7.2 million) – was awarded to the Cooperative Institute for Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Systems at the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC). University staff will partner with NOAA scientists through the Fisheries Collaborative Program to conduct research in support of salmon recovery.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

On Deck With Observer 0001— Looking Back 30 Years

November 22, 2024 — NOAA Fisheries has been deploying observers onto U.S. fishing vessels for the past three decades as part of the Pacific Islands Region Observer Program. Observers collect data on fishermen’s effort and catch, as well as incidental, or unintentional, interactions with protected species like sea turtles and marine mammals. But the program wouldn’t be where it is today without the pioneering observers from the first class of graduates in 1994. We recently sat down with Tonya Wick, the region’s first official observer, to look back on the program’s early days.

What made you decide to become an observer?

After graduating from the University of California, Davis, I found a job as a wine chemist at a winery in Oregon. (I had taken some viticulture jobs during my undergraduate coursework.) But I was still trying to find my dream job in fisheries. I had applied to the Peace Corps to work in their aquaculture program in Africa. I also found the Hawaiʻi observer job announcement working for NOAA Fisheries. Observing sounded challenging and pretty cool.

What experience or schooling was required to become an observer when you applied?

Oddly enough, I still have the original observer job recruitment notice from 1993! The observer job title was for a biological science technician, GS-5, based in Honolulu. At the time, the requirement was either 1 year of experience in fisheries at a GS-4 level, or 4 years of education above the high school level leading to a bachelor’s degree with major study in biology, chemistry, statistics, physics or mathematics. The announcement also details such things as “live and sleep in cramped quarters,” “no showers,” “does not have separate facilities for women,” “trips are 1 to 8 weeks in duration,” “operate in the open ocean in all weather and sea conditions,” etc. And, I might add, no radio contact and no cell phones back in 1994. I knew what I was getting into and loved the idea. Looking back it was the experience of a lifetime.

How did you become the first official observer?

I attended a 3-week training course with 14 other trainees (there were three other women) in Honolulu at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa in February 1994. At the end of the course, we had to take a 2-hour long final exam. After the exam, the instructors announced, “We hate to report someone got 100 percent!” They were referring to me and followed up, “because you got a 100 on the exam, you’ll be the first to go out: observer #1, trip 1.”

What was your first trip like?

I was part of an all-Vietnamese crew that I believe was fishing for tuna. A day or two before we left, my supervisor, Tom Shearer, and I went down to the docks. We visited the first vessel that was randomly chosen to take an observer (observer 0001) to introduce me to the captain (Captain Andy—nicest guy ever). As we were talking, they broke the news that I (a woman) was in fact the observer… He dramatically pretended to faint—as women were bad luck at sea—but it was actually kind of funny. In the end, the 28-day fishing trip went very well. They caught a lot of fish, so I was then considered good luck! It was a good experience for my first time. They were so welcoming. It was also the first time I saw sperm whales, as we motored by Molokaʻi. That trip set the stage for it being promising for us to get data on sea turtles.

As an observer, what tasks did you do on the vessels?

The funding for the observers came from the Endangered Species Act, so we were there primarily to collect data on bycatch of sea turtles. We collected data on more than just interactions with protected species, though. We collected data on setting and retrieving the longline gear. During haulback, we documented the number of hooks set, catch by species, and life history data on individual species (for example, swordfish, tuna, and all protected species). We also tagged sea turtles and performed marine mammal scans while the gear was soaking or when we were motoring to haulback positions.

What is your favorite memory from your time as an observer?

We motored 10 days north to swordfish fishing grounds on one longline trip. As we were motoring, a pod of hundreds of Pacific white-sided dolphins, mixed with Northern right whale dolphins, surrounded our boat for hours. One fur seal was also there and rode the bow of our fishing vessels. It was like the fur seal thought he was a dolphin! It was amazing how long that huge pod stayed alongside our vessel—quite a sight to see.

What were some of the conditions on the vessels?

I’ve been on vessels with amenities, and others that had no showers or a toilet. I always shared a room with the crew. Sometimes there may have been a little bit of a language barrier but that didn’t bother me at all. I even tried to learn some basic Vietnamese.

Read the full article at NOAA Fisheries

Top U.S. ports for a quarter century

November 21, 2024 — For the 25th consecutive year, Dutch Harbor, AK, and New Bedford, MA, ranked as the top U.S. fishing ports for volume and value in 2022.

Nationwide, commercial landings that year were 8.4 billion pounds valued at $5.9 billion, down by 2.6 percent and 11 percent ($632 million), respectively.

Those are two of the top takeaways from the annual Fisheries of the United States report released this month by NOAA Fisheries. The data show a downward press almost across the board from Covid-driven impacts as the global pandemic waned in 2022.

The easy-to-read, 23-page report provides a national snapshot of U.S. commercial fisheries, aquaculture, seafood processing, imports and exports, market trends, and per capita consumption.

Read the full article at National Fisherman