Saving Seafood

First baby right whale of season dies from injuries caused by ship collision

March 5, 2024 —  The first confirmed baby right whale of the year has been found dead from a collision with a ship, a devastating blow for the vanishing species.

North Atlantic right whales number less than 360 and they are vulnerable to ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Federal authorities were notified of a dead right whale stranded off Georgia on Sunday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

Federal and state officials identified the whale as the injured calf of a right whale known as Juno by marine scientists. The calf had first been seen on Jan. 3 with injuries to its head from a vessel strike, NOAA said in a statement.

Right whales, which are in decline, are slow to reproduce and every baby is vitally important to the future of the species, marine scientists have said. Twenty newborns would be considered a relatively productive season, but the giant whales have been having babies at an even slower rate than normal in recent years, and they have not reached that figure since 2021, NOAA data state.

NOAA said it was able to identify the dead calf based on its injuries and markings that were documented when it was alive.

Read the full article at News Center Maine

Biden-Harris Administration announces new NOAA-NASA agreement to advance North Atlantic right whale conservation technologies as part of Investing in America agenda

March 4, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Today, NOAA Fisheries announced a new $500,000 agreement with NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI) to assist NOAA in identifying, advancing the development of and selecting technologies to support endangered North Atlantic right whale recovery efforts. Today’s investment is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and funded by the Inflation Reduction Act — the largest climate investment in history.

North Atlantic right whales are approaching extinction, with approximately 360 individuals remaining, including fewer than 70 reproductively active females. Primary threats to the species are entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes. Climate change is also affecting every aspect of their survival.

“The Inflation Reduction Act provides a historic investment to reduce threats to this imperiled species and increase monitoring through the application of new technologies that would otherwise not be possible without this funding,” said Janet Coit, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. “Our team at NOAA Fisheries looks forward to working with NASA given its strong track record of bringing new technologies and approaches to pressing societal problems.”

Under this agreement, and in partnership with the private sector, NOAA Fisheries will seek to identify, advance and develop new technologies for satellite tags and improve whale detection to reduce the risk of vessel strikes ― one of the primary threats to the survival of North Atlantic right whales. By developing new technologies, NOAA Fisheries can improve the understanding of where whales are located to allow ocean users to respond when right whales are detected. 

“NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation works across NASA and other federal agencies to educate and facilitate the use of open innovation and crowdsourcing,” said Steve Rader, program manager for CoECI at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “Open innovation provides a unique tool to further technology development and scientific discovery for the benefit of all, and we look forward to working with NOAA Fisheries on this important ecological endeavor.”

NOAA Fisheries and its partners are dedicated to recovering and conserving North Atlantic right whales. The new agreement will help NOAA Fisheries meet the objectives of the recently released North Atlantic Right Whale and Offshore Wind Strategy, and it directly supports the North Atlantic Right Whale Road to Recovery — NOAA Fisheries’ comprehensive plan to address threats to the species and monitor recovery progress. NOAA Fisheries has previously worked with NASA to organize a global technology search for innovative solutions to detect on-demand (or “ropeless”) fishing gear. This new effort will further strengthen the agencies’ partnership. 

This agreement is part of NOAA Fisheries’ plans for North Atlantic right whale recovery, supported with $82 million in funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and first announced in September 2023. These investments are part of the historic $3.3 billion in Inflation Reduction Act investments focused on ensuring America’s communities and economies are ready for and resilient to climate change.

Visit NOAA’s Inflation Reduction Act website to learn about current and future funding opportunities.

Seafood Expo North America

March 4, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, but at NOAA Fisheries it’s also a season of seafood! Seafood Expo North America, held every March in Boston for the past 40 years, is the largest trade show in North America.

A bustling, diverse set of seafood companies and interests provide a look into the landscape of today’s global seafood trade. Visitors can satisfy their craving for seafood knowledge and learn more about everything from farmed fish and shellfish to an array of wild-capture seafood and “value-added” products like fish sticks.

NOAA Fisheries is hosting a booth showcasing experts from across federal programs engaged with the seafood supply chain. If you plan to attend, we hope you can join one of our panel discussions (below) or drop by our booth #181.

View the conference program

Sunday, March 10, 2024

1:00 PM-2:00 PM (Room 153A)—Country of Origin Labeling in the Ever-growing Transparent Landscape

Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) is a labeling law that requires retailers, such as full-line grocery stores, supermarkets and club warehouse stores, to notify their customers with information regarding the source of certain foods. The Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946 was amended to define the commodities required to display origin information when sold by retailers. These “covered commodities” are fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables; wild & farm-raised fish and shellfish; muscle cut and ground chicken, lamb, and goat meat; raw peanuts, pecans, and macadamia nuts; and ginseng. COOL continues to play a vital role in providing consumers information about the source of their foods to assist them in their purchasing decisions. Transparency regarding the origin of seafood ranks high in importance for buyers. This session will cover the importance and evolution of COOL since implementation, and successes from collaboration across the federal government.

3:30 PM-5:00 PM (Room 152)—NOAA Leadership Update: Increasing Seafood Sector Resilience through Science, Management, and Collaboration

U.S. fisheries are among the world’s largest and most sustainable because of our science-based, collaborative management system. In the face of ongoing challenges—including climate change, market disruptions, and new ocean uses—NOAA Fisheries is committed to supporting a thriving U.S. seafood economy and enhancing the resilience of the seafood sector. Last August, the agency released its National Seafood Strategy, based on abundant feedback from stakeholders across the country. The Strategy reinforces NOAA Fisheries’ critical science and management support to the industry and is nested within a suite of policies and guidance that directs NOAA Fisheries’ activities. NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit and other members of NOAA leadership will provide updates on agency priorities, discuss regional impacts of climate change, and share some of the tools and resources NOAA is employing to support increased production and resilience across the industry.

Monday, March 11, 2024

9:00 AM-10:30 AM (Room 204A)—NOAA Fisheries Roundtable on the Seafood Inspection Monitoring Program

In November 2023, NOAA Fisheries announced its decision to conduct a broad review of the Seafood Import Monitoring Program (SIMP). As part of the program review, NOAA Fisheries is committed to engaging with and seeking broad input on SIMP from stakeholders, including industry and non-governmental organizations.

This roundtable is intended to be a dialogue between NOAA leadership and industry representatives. Join NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Janet Coit, Deputy Assistant Administrator for Operations Emily Menashes, and Director of the Office of International Affairs, Trade, and Commerce Alexa Cole to discuss ways to enhance SIMP’s overall impact and effectiveness.

The Importance of Conducting Groundfish Surveys

March 4, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

About the Survey

Every year, NOAA Fisheries, in collaboration with the Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program, conducts surveys of groundfish (bottom-dwelling fish and invertebrate species) in the Northern Gulf of Mexico. These research expeditions take place twice a year, during the summer and fall, covering waters from Dry Tortugas, Florida to Brownsville, Texas. Some of the most common species seen on this survey include red snapper, northern brown shrimp, Atlantic croaker, pinfish, and many others!

We have been conducting the summer survey since 1982 and the fall survey since 1986. We sample nearshore and continental shelf areas ranging from 5-60 fathoms (9-110 meters) in depth. Species abundance and distribution data from groundfish surveys are used in stock assessments of approximately 20 species, including three shrimp species (brown shrimp, white shrimp, pink shrimp), red snapper, and gray triggerfish, among others. Biological and oceanographic data are also used to monitor the health of the ecosystem in the Gulf of Mexico (e.g., coastal hypoxia).

Some of the data collected on this survey are:

  • Biological: Catch composition, abundance, weight, sex and maturity
  • Environmental: Air temperature, barometric pressure, surface water temperature, wind speed, and wind direction
  • Water column profile: Temperature, conductivity (salinity), depth, transmissivity, dissolved oxygen concentrations, fluorometry

So why should we all care about this survey and the valuable information that it provides? Species abundance and distribution data from the groundfish (and other) surveys provide valuable inputs into the stock assessments of many managed species. These assessments are then used to inform management and policy decisions. Environmental data collected from the water column helps researchers assess the long-term health of the Gulf ecosystem, including the impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances.

NOAA proposes national marine sanctuary in Papahānaumokuākea

March 2, 2024 — Today, following input from state and federal agencies, local communities and the public, NOAA released for public comment its draft proposal to designate marine portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as a national marine sanctuary. The proposed Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary would supplement and complement existing authorities, including the area’s designation as a marine national monument.

Sanctuary designation would provide clarity and comprehensive protections for Papahānaumokuākea’s ecosystems, wildlife and cultural and maritime heritage resources. NOAA and the State of Hawaii would co-manage the proposed sanctuary, complementing the existing management structure for the monument. The monument is currently jointly administered by four Co-Trustees — the Department of Commerce, the Department of the Interior, the State of Hawaii and the Office of Hawaiian Affairs.

“This proposed designation furthers the Biden-Harris Administration’s steadfast commitment to conserving and protecting vital marine ecosystems,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “NOAA looks forward to continuing our work with partners and co-managers to strengthen the conservation of Papahānaumokuākea’s natural, cultural and historic treasures.”

Read the full article at NOAA Fisheries 

NOAA Fisheries Gathers Experts to Combat Forced Labor in the Seafood Sector

March 2, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

On February 28, NOAA Fisheries brought together more than 100 officials representing government agencies, labor and environmental advocacy organizations, and the seafood industry. They reflected on progress and identified next steps in their efforts to address labor issues within the seafood supply chain. The Seafood Labor Summit was the final step in a 15-month initiative known as the Collaborative Accelerator for Lawful Maritime Conditions in Seafood, or CALM-CS.

NOAA developed the initiative to promote legal and safe working conditions throughout the fishing and seafood industry by combating forced labor and advocating for lawful and secure working conditions within the seafood sector. Its goals included identifying best practices to ensure that seafood entering the United States is not harvested using illegal or unsafe labor practices.

NOAA leadership emphasized the importance of addressing forced labor throughout the summit. “The Biden Administration is committed to making good on the shared vision of fair, decent and legal working conditions for all, across the seafood supply chain,” said NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad. “From developing a collective vision for how due diligence elements can be applied across the seafood industry, to exploring practical and effective tools to implement ethical recruitment practices, the CALM-CS initiative has delivered tangible progress.”

Celebrating 25 Years of the Northeast Aquaculture Conference and Expo

March 2, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries: 

The joint 25th Northeast Aquaculture Conference and Expo and 43rd Milford Aquaculture Seminar was held in Providence, Rhode Island, January 10-12, 2024. This year’s conference had its largest ever showing with 634 attendees and 236 presenters during 42 sessions over 3 days. In addition, 59 students received support to attend and present their work.

NOAA Engaging the Aquaculture Community

Keynote speaker Danielle Blacklock, the Director of the NOAA Office of Aquaculture, shared her personal experiences with seafood and stories of aquaculture businesses. She also talked about the importance of domestic aquaculture to the American economy and national food security. This was followed by industry updates from states from Maine to Virginia, as well as the Canadian Maritime provinces.

The Office of Aquaculture also held an interactive public listening session. Aquaculture growers, seafood industry workers, researchers, coastal community members, and the public shared their views on the future of aquaculture at NOAA Fisheries. This included which aspects of NOAA’s science and services are of most value to the public.

“Engaging with the public, fostering open and collaborative conversation, is critical as we chart the course for the future of aquaculture at NOAA Fisheries,” said Danielle Blacklock, director Office of Aquaculture. “The energy and ideas brought to this conference will help inspire and shape our vision moving forward.”

Information about upcoming listening sessions can be found on the Office of Aquaculture website.

Aquaculturists Unite

While the aquaculture community is growing, many have attended this meeting for years. “Information about what we do can be hard to come by, and this is the place to find it. Everyone is here—shellfish growers, NOAA Fisheries, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and many more,” shared Thomas Henninger, owner of Madeleine Point Oyster Farms in Yarmouth, Maine, and former commercial fisherman. “It’s a chance to see people you don’t see very often—like my version of a school reunion, and it’s a blast. Everyone who I asked questions to when I was first starting to grow shellfish is here. How can you miss that?”

The conference is jointly organized by NOAA Fisheries Milford Laboratory, which conducts science to inform management for the sustainable expansion of aquaculture, and the Maine Aquaculture Innovation Center, an organization dedicated to developing socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable aquaculture opportunities in Maine. It was sponsored by 17 additional organizations, including:

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The conference brings together:

  • Aquaculture industry members
  • Scientists
  • Service providers
  • Resource managers
  • Vendors
  • Students

NOAA selects companies to compete for fisheries tech support funding

February 29, 2024 — NOAA has selected 21 companies eligible for fisheries-related funding under a massive USD 8 billion (EUR 7.4 billion) program that will provide the agency a variety of professional, scientific, and technical support services.

The Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services Program (ProTech) is the primary way NOAA contracts logistical support services. With the current set of ProTech contracts set to expire, NOAA has been working to replace them with ProTech 2.0 contracts across four domains: fisheries, satellite, weather, and oceans. Companies awarded ProTech 2.0 contracts will be eligible to receive orders from NOAA over the next five years, although the government has the option to extend those contracts another five years.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Improving Fisheries and Ecosystem Data Collection in the Caribbean through Partnership, Collaboration, and 117 Ideas

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

The Caribbean Fishery Management Council has more commercial and recreational species under its management than any other council in the nation. However, the fishery and ecosystem data collection to support the assessment, monitoring, and management of these stocks comes from disparate sources that are often siloed from one another. This creates substantial challenges that require collaboration, coordination, and integrated funding considerations when it comes to ensuring sustainability.

To help overcome these challenges, NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center hosted a strategic planning workshop. Representatives from 13 regional partners focused on strategy and innovation to improve fisheries management in the region.

“The strategic planning project came about because partners across the region recognized the need to better coordinate and cooperate to address data collection challenges,” said Kevin McCarthy, chief of the Caribbean Fisheries Branch in the Center’s Sustainable Fisheries Division. “These collaborative efforts to find and organize new data sources will set us up for success when studying and managing Caribbean fishery species.”

Murkowski calls proposed endangered listing for Alaska king salmon ‘wrongheaded’

February 28, 2024 — U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski believes an effort by a Washington-state conservation group to put Alaska king salmon on the federal endangered-species list is misguided.

The Wild Fish Conservancy filed a petition with NOAA Fisheries in January, but Murkowski says the organization has missed the mark.

“They are attempting to utilize a very legitimate law, the Endangered Species Act, for what I would consider to be a very wrongheaded purpose,” Murkowski said by phone. “And that is to basically stop our wild fisheries.”

Murkowski says Alaska’s fisheries are under threat from several sources, including environmental pressure from climate change and warming oceans, and economic pressure from Russia’s oversupply of traditional seafood markets. And there’s also ongoing litigation by the Wild Fish Conservancy itself, which sued NOAA Fisheries in 2020 to shut down the commercial troll fishery for kings in Southeast Alaska.

That tactic has yet to succeed, so Murkowski is not surprised that the Wild Fish Conservancy is trying another.

Read the full article at Alaska Public Media