Saving Seafood

ALASKA: Do Alaska Kelp Farms Provide Habitat for Native Species?

February 28, 2024 — Marine aquaculture, or mariculture, provides economic opportunities for coastal communities in Alaska through the farming of shellfish and seaweed. NOAA Fisheries continues to support Alaska’s growing aquaculture industry through policy and permitting, providing access to capital, and research.

This new video highlights one of our newest aquaculture research collaborations. This research is being conducted by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Kodiak Laboratory and Alaska Ocean Farms, an aquaculture company based in Kodiak. The project is spearheaded by NOAA’s Dr. Alix Laferriere and Alaska Ocean Farms manager Alf Pryor. It’s investigating whether seaweed farms provide habitat for native Alaskan marine species.

In early 2023, Dr. Laferriere launched a research project that would determine how a seaweed farm might provide habitat and shelter for local fish species. It compared the fish species present within Pryor’s farm to the fish species diversity in natural kelp beds. To do this, she is collecting fish and looking for environmental DNA found in the water. She has deployed a network of underwater cameras in the farmed kelp bed and in a nearby natural kelp bed. She’s tracking the number and species of fish that pass through both environments.

The video dives into the methods that Dr. Laferriere is using to track species diversity. It discusses the importance of the collaboration between the aquaculture industry and researchers to ask industry-driven questions about aquaculture. This is an essential tool for future aquaculture industry development in Alaska.

Read the full article at NOAA Fisheries 

Deadline sought on overdue protections for North Atlantic right whales

February 27, 2024 — The following was released by WDC:

Conservation groups have asked a federal court on Feb. 13 to lift a stay and allow paused litigation to proceed, in pursuit of a deadline for final action on a proposed rule expanding protections for North Atlantic right whales from deadly vessel strikes. Filed in 2021, the case challenges the federal government’s unreasonable delay in acting to protect these critically endangered whales.

“The federal government has known for years that right whales urgently require expanded vessel strike protections, yet has repeatedly kicked the can down the road,” said Jane Davenport, senior attorney at Defenders of Wildlife. “When the Biden administration finally issued a proposal to do just that, we hoped it would act as quickly as it promised to finalize the expansion. Unfortunately, it has continued its practice of overpromising and underdelivering. We have no choice but to go back to court to get a deadline to force the government to do its job.”

Only around 360 North Atlantic right whales survive today. The population is declining faster than birth rates can keep up due to vessel strikes and fishing gear entanglements throughout their habitat in the  United States and Canada. Since the groups filed suit in January 2021, vessel strikes in the U.S. have killed a first-time mother and her calf, followed by an adult male. A more recent strike seriously injured a newborn calf, which was spotted in early January with devastating head and face wounds from a boat propeller and is unlikely to survive.

“Until proven technological solutions exist, the best solution is to immediately implement mandatory slow zones to protect both right whales and boaters,” said Regina Asmutis-Silvia, executive director of Whale and Dolphin Conservation. “Both physics and common sense tell us there’s a reason we don’t encourage drivers to speed through school zones.”

In November, pregnant right whales begin their annual migration from northern feeding grounds to their only known calving grounds in the warm, shallow waters off the southeastern U.S., between North Carolina and Florida. Mother-calf pairs spend a great deal of time at or near the water’s surface, making them particularly vulnerable to vessel strikes. For the past two years, the Biden administration has denied petitions by conservation groups calling for an emergency rule expanding protections for mothers and calves in the calving grounds.

“The saddest aspect of the last several years is the avoidable deaths of calves that didn’t even make it to their first birthday,” said Erica Fuller, senior counsel at Conservation Law Foundation. “Good intentions will not save right whales; a strong vessel speed rule will save right whales. The government needs to act with the urgency that the situation demands.”

A 2008 vessel speed rule is the only protection right whales currently have from vessel strikes in U.S. waters. The rule applies only to vessels 65 feet and longer, requiring a speed limit of 10 nautical miles per hour in times and places right whales were considered most at risk in 2008. Since then, due to changing climate, right whales have shifted their habitat and new data shows that vessels between 35 and 65 feet long have struck and killed right whales. NOAA Fisheries has repeatedly stated that a vessel speed rule expansion is necessary to safeguard right whales from extinction.

“Watching North Atlantic right whales get hurt while federal agencies drag their feet on a speed limit rule is heart-wrenching and beyond frustrating,” said Catherine Kilduff, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. “We’ve already seen the devastating consequences of an ‘anything goes’ approach, when a boat struck and gravely injured a calf off South Carolina last month. No one wants to lose more right whales, and slowing down vessels is the least we can do to try and prevent these beautiful creatures from going extinct.”

In 2012 and 2020, the conservation groups petitioned the federal government to expand the 2008 rule. When the government failed to respond to those petitions, the groups filed suit in 2021. NOAA Fisheries published a proposal to expand the 2008 regulation in August 2022, but the rule has yet to be finalized.

In August 2022, conservation groups reached an agreement with the federal government to put the case on hold after NOAA Fisheries released its proposed rule. This new action by conservation groups was prompted by the ongoing delay in finalizing the rulemaking, coupled with the recent vessel strike on the calf in the southeastern calving grounds, which NOAA Fisheries found was likely caused by a vessel between 35 and 57 feet long.

If finalized, the proposed speed rule would apply to vessels 35 feet and longer and would update seasonal speed zones to match right whale distribution. It would also require vessels to comply with temporary dynamic speed zones triggered by visual or acoustic right whale detections.

Contact:

Regina Asmutis-Silvia, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, (508) 451-3853, regina@whales.org

Jay Petrequin, Defenders of Wildlife, (202) 772-0243, jpetrequin@defenders.org

Catherine Kilduff, Center for Biological Diversity, (202) 780-8862, ckilduff@biologicaldiversity.org

Jake O’Neil, Conservation Law Foundation, (617) 850-1709, joneill@clf.org

ALASKA: NOAA Fisheries Releases New State of Alaska Aquaculture Report

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

NOAA Fisheries continues to direct support towards Alaska’s growing aquaculture (also known as “mariculture”) industry. Marine aquaculture in Alaska contributes to economic opportunities for coastal communities through the farming of shellfish and seaweed. Research is increasingly showing the ecological benefits of aquatic farming.

To date, commercial aquaculture activities in Alaska have been relatively small-scale, and have primarily involved Pacific oysters, seaweed, and blue mussels. Finfish farming is illegal in Alaska state waters.

To document and celebrate the continued growth of the aquaculture industry, NOAA Fisheries has released its first State of Alaska Aquaculture Report. This project was conducted in partnership with economic development organizations such as the Alaska Mariculture Alliance and Southeast Conference, and government organizations:

  • Alaska Sea Grant
  • Alaska Department of Fish and Game
  • Alaska Department of Natural Resources

The report summarizes the current state of the aquaculture industry in Alaska including:

  • How it has changed over preceding years
  • Where it is developing
  • Outlining some of the opportunities for aquaculture farmers, researchers, and other stakeholders interested in getting involved in the industry

The report includes an overview of oyster and seaweed production in the state and a regional breakdown of the industry across Alaska. It also includes perspectives on the current state of the Alaska aquaculture industry written by hatchery operators, farmers, and state officials. It contains information about aquaculture in Alaska, funding resources for those interested in getting involved, and information about NOAA’s plans to identify Aquaculture Opportunity Areas  in Alaska.

The State of Alaska Aquaculture report is a first-of-its-kind overview of the aquaculture industry in Alaska, revealing the state’s opportunities and challenges to date. It also highlights the potential for future industry growth in Alaska, and how much work is underway to improve sustainable aquaculture production around the state. Learn more about NOAA’s involvement with aquaculture in Alaska

Climate Change Efforts Forge Ahead Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act

February 24, 2024 — Read the full release at NOAA Fisheries:

As we proceed into 2024, we want to make sure you’re caught up on our efforts toward mitigating climate change. In 2023, we received historic funding under the Inflation Reduction Act, which has allowed us to prioritize and tackle several critical areas impacted by climate change. A major priority for NOAA Fisheries is accelerating the pace of our response to rapidly changing oceans. The infusion of these funds allows us to focus on several critical areas.

North Atlantic Right Whales ($82 Million)

This funding, coupled with supplemental funds appropriated in FY23, provides us a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the North Atlantic right whale crisis with new technologies and new approaches. Human impacts, including climate change, continue to threaten the survival of this species.

Learn more about the North Atlantic right whale funding

Recently announced:

Red Snapper ($20 Million)

We will improve state and federal recreational fisheries surveys for red snapper and other reef fish in the Southeast. Our plans for red snapper are focused on improving recreational catch and discard estimates from federal and state surveys. Changing oceans will require enhancing data collection and monitoring efforts to better track the distribution and abundance of important species like red snapper.

Learn more about red snapper investments

Habitat Restoration and Fish Passage ($484 Million)

We continue our work to support fisheries and coastal communities across the country impacted by climate change through large-scale competitive funding opportunities and expert technical assistance.

Explore more about habitat restoration under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act

Tribal Fish Hatcheries ($300 Million)

Tribal initiatives include funding to support hatcheries across the West Coast. Funding will address deferred maintenance and repairs to hatcheries that produce Pacific salmon and steelhead in partnership with federally recognized tribes.

Learn more about the Columbia River Basin Hatcheries maintenance under the Mitchell Act

Regional Fisheries Management Councils ($20 Million)

Support to the councils will assist regulatory responses to current climate challenges. We need to implement more timely dynamic fishery management measures and increase fishing community resiliency to fishery changes caused by anticipated climate impacts.

Learn more about working with regional fisheries management councils to respond to climate change

Pacific Salmon ($42 Million)

We are enhancing our efforts to conserve, restore, and protect Pacific salmon in the face of climate change. Part of the funding for Pacific salmon will go to the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (announced in 2023). Part will go to science and research that supports transformative modeling to identify and prioritize high-impact restoration.

Learn more about the Pacific salmon science investment we just announced

Expect More in 2024

Data Acquisition and Management ($145 Million)

We will invest in advanced technologies, modern data systems, and infrastructure that expand and modernize stock assessments to account for climate change. This will increase the number and types of observations we can make, which will move us toward the greater sampling required to manage the nation’s large marine ecosystems.

Recently Announced:

Climate, Ecosystems, and Fisheries Initiative ($40 Million)

A cross-NOAA effort that will develop predictive capabilities of our oceans and associated ecosystems in support of actionable climate-informed advice to decision-makers.

Inflation Reduction Act Headlines Recap

April 2023

June 2023

July 2023

August 2023

September 2023

October 2023

December 2023

January 2024

February 2024

Biden-Harris Administration invests $3.9 million for Ocean-based Climate Resilience Accelerators through Investing in America agenda

February 24, 2024 — Read the full release at NOAA Fisheries:

The Ocean-based Climate Resilience Accelerator program will invest in a network of novel business accelerators, which are organizations that support the development of innovative early to mid-stage small businesses through training, resources, mentorship and often seed funding, aimed at bringing products to market. Once operational, these accelerators will support businesses developing ocean observation technologies and information services, such as forecasts and digital apps, to enhance climate resilience.

“The impacts of climate change are visible in communities across America every day,” said NOAA Administrator Rick Spinrad, Ph.D. “This ocean-based accelerator program connects the government, the private sector, academia, tribes and stakeholders to innovate and produce new ocean, coastal and Great Lakes technologies at a pace that supports the urgent need for resilience nationwide.”

The program is structured in two phases: design and development. The Phase 1 awards announced today provide approximately $250,000 in development funding to each of the 16 proposed business accelerators, equaling a total investment of $3.9 million.

Alaska

  • Alaska Oceans 2075: Accelerating a Resilient Future, Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, $249,540.

California

  • Activate Oceans Fellowship, ACTIVATE GLOBAL Inc., $202,431.
  • StartBlue Climate Ocean Resilience Accelerator Launchpad (CORAL), University of California San Diego, $250,000.

Florida

  • Catching the Blue Wave: Accelerating America’s Ocean Economy, Tampa Bay Wave, Inc., $250,000.
  • The Upwell Collaborative Accelerator, Seaworthy Collective, $249,848.

Hawaii

  • HITIDE Studio: Guiding the Commercialization Voyage of Ocean-Based Climate Resilient Technologies, University of Hawaii, $250,000.

Louisiana

  • CLIMATEx Accelerator Program, The Idea Village, Inc., $250,000.

Maine

  • OceanVista: Advancing Ocean Data for Climate Resilience, Gulf of Maine Research Institute, $250,000.

Massachusetts

  • VentureWell Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerator, VentureWell, $249,810.
  • Accelerating Climate & Ocean Resilience with Bluetech Innovation, SeaAhead, Inc., $249,299.
  • Accelerating Resilience: Linking Research, Industry, and the Public Across the Value Chain, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, $225,480.

New York

  • The National Ocean Renewable Power Accelerator – Ocean RePower, National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium, $249,991.

Virginia

  • OpenSeas Data Accelerator, Old Dominion University Research Foundation, $249,816.
  • NOAA Ocean-Based Climate Resilience Accelerator, FedTech, $176,799 (full recommended funding: $249,844).

Washington

  • Washington Maritime Blue Ventures for Ocean-based Climate Solutions, Washington Maritime Blue, $248,403.

Wisconsin

  • Great Lakes Resilience Accelerator, gener8tor Management, LLC, $250,000.

Later this month, all Phase 1 awardees will be invited to apply to Phase 2 of the Ocean-based Climate Resilience Accelerators program, which will award up to a total of $55 million for the implementation of up to five proposed accelerators.

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

 

 

Media contact

Kimberly Rodgers, kim.rodgers@noaa.gov, (771) 233-3988.

Efforts to take Hawaiian monk seals off the endangered species list

February 24, 2024 — Throughout 2023, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) conducted multiple Hawaiian monk seal research camps in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. NOAA researchers said the total population size is between 1,512 and 1,743. After decades of declining numbers, the number of monk seals has increased on average by 2 percent per year since 2013.

During NOAA’s last assessment and recovery camp, they documented 170 Hawaiian monk seal pups born last year at the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.

“A lot of the important work that we do is being out at the field sites during the reproductive season, so that we have a chance to catch situations that may come up that would cause a seal to not survive,” said Thea Johanos, the supervisory research biologist for NOAA’s Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program.

Read the full article at KITV

Passive Acoustic Monitoring Reveals More About Sperm Whales off Southeast New England

February 22, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

A new peer-reviewed study suggests that sperm whales are using inshore shallow waters off southern New England near a U.S. offshore wind energy area as seasonal habitat. Scientists from NOAA Fisheries and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography published the study in a special themed issue of the ICES Journal of Marine Science.

Sperm whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and listed as endangered in U.S. waters under the Endangered Species Act. They are best known for using deeper waters on the continental slope and canyons. This study focuses on when they are detected in shallow coastal waters.

“This study is the first to assess year-round acoustic occurrence of sperm whales, and the results indicate that these adaptive and social animals can and do seasonally use inshore shallow waters off of Southern New England.”

“For many years opportunistic sightings and scientific surveys have recorded sperm whales on the continental shelf south and east of southern New England, but whether this was a regularly used habitat or not was unknown,” said Annabel Westell, the study’s lead author and a passive acoustic researcher at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center. “This study is the first to assess year-round acoustic occurrence of sperm whales, and the results indicate that these adaptive and social animals can and do seasonally use inshore shallow waters off of Southern New England.”

Sperm whales were present mainly from May through August, with a secondary peak in October–November.

Researchers will use the results to assess ongoing sperm whale presence, especially social groups that may be more sensitive to disturbance. On the continental shelf, near the recording sites, sperm whales observed in these shallow waters are thought to be following migrating squid. Results indicate both adult males and social groups use the region around the offshore southern New England wind energy development area, possibly for breeding as well as foraging.

Offshore wind energy development plays an important role in climate change mitigation. This research is part of NOAA’s ongoing work to ensure the nation’s deployment of offshore wind energy is done in a manner that avoids and minimizes impacts to protected resources and their habitats. Studies like this one provide information essential to crafting effective plans for mitigating the effects of offshore wind energy development on protected species.

 

White House National Science and Technology Council Unveils New Aquaculture Plan, First in 40 Years

February 21, 2o24 — Read the full release at NOAA Fisheries:

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

In a changing climate, aquaculture is becoming increasingly important as a climate-smart and healthy means of food production. Seafood farming, if done responsibly—as it is in the United States—is one of the most environmentally sustainable ways to produce healthy food.

In addition to providing a sustainable source of American-raised seafood, aquaculture plays an important role in fisheries restoration. Hatchery-reared fish (seedstock and fingerlings) are released into the wild to help bolster populations of wild marine species. Aquaculture has helped more than 70 endangered or threatened species, including Pacific Salmon, white abalone, and queen conch. In addition, it’s helped restore habitats and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

How to Submit a Public Comment

The National Science and Technology Council, Subcommittee on Aquaculture, is soliciting comments on the draft Overview of the National Aquaculture Development Plan. It includes three strategic plans.

Two of them, the Strategic Plan to Enhance Regulatory Efficiency in Aquaculture and the National Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Research, were completed and published in 2022. The third plan, the draft Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Economic Development, is now out for public comment.

Once finalized, together these four documents will comprise an updated National Aquaculture Development Plan that provides a holistic framework describing how federal agencies are advancing the contributions of aquaculture to support public health and nutrition, resilient communities, a strong economy, and a healthy planet.

The 45-day comment period for the draft Aquaculture Development Plan, including the draft Strategic Plan for Aquaculture Economic Development, is open through April 5, 2024.

Comments can be submitted to AquacultureEcoDev@usda.gov.

Working Across Agencies on the Subcommittee for Aquaculture

The Subcommittee on Aquaculture serves as the federal interagency coordinating group to increase the overall effectiveness and productivity of Federal aquaculture research, regulation, technology transfer, and assistance programs.

The Subcommittee on Aquaculture’s Economic Development task force includes partner agencies from:

  • U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Department of Commerce
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Food and Drug Administration
  • Environmental Protection Agency

Learn more about the Subcommittee on Aquaculture and NOAA Fisheries Office of Aquaculture.

Another Year Of Protecting A Precious Population

February 21, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Assessment and recovery camps in the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument are essential to guiding the recovery of endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The completion of the 2023 camp contributes to a proud 40-year conservation science legacy. Throughout August and September, the team conducted a 28-day research mission and established short (16- to 20-day) camps at select locations throughout the monument.

During the 2023 camp, NOAA researchers and partners accomplished much in an effort to recover this endangered species, including:

  • Conducting 27 Hawaiian monk seal interventions to improve seal survival
  • Documenting 170 pups born in the monument
  • Releasing five rehabilitated seals back into the wild

NOAA researchers share their successes and reflections from this important mission and other Hawaiian monk seal monitoring efforts over the past year.

Counting Together—and On One Another

One of the most important parts of researching any species, especially a species with low numbers, is to know exactly how many individuals exist in a population. Without a way to tell individual animals apart, this can be incredibly difficult. When monk seal pups wean from their mothers at a few weeks of age, researchers apply colored tags to their hind flippers—a very important field camp task! Once a monk seal is no longer a pup and more mobile, it is very difficult to apply flipper tags. The tags are engraved with a unique number and letter series that, along with color, can be used to identify that particular seal. Tag colors represent the place in Hawai‘i they were born.

Thanks to the ability to uniquely identify individual monk seals, NOAA researchers have estimated the population size of Hawaiian monk seals to be 1,605 (2022). Annual field camps and tagging are necessary for monitoring population estimates. The past year underscored just how important partners are to this large undertaking. The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project all contributed to monitoring and tagging efforts throughout the monument. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rescued a seal without a clear path to the ocean due to aging infrastructure at Sand Island, Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project team even removed an eel from the nose of a monk seal pup!

Thanks to the ability to uniquely identify individual monk seals, NOAA researchers have estimated the population size of Hawaiian monk seals to be 1,605 (2022). Annual field camps and tagging are necessary for monitoring population estimates. The past year underscored just how important partners are to this large undertaking. The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project all contributed to monitoring and tagging efforts throughout the monument. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rescued a seal without a clear path to the ocean due to aging infrastructure at Sand Island, Kuaihelani (Midway Atoll). The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project team even removed an eel from the nose of a monk seal pup!

ALASKA: Biden-Harris Administration announces $1 million to support climate resilience in remote Alaska communities as part of Investing in America agenda

February 21, 2024 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

Today, the Department of Commerce and NOAA announced the availability of $1 million for multi-year funding opportunities that will be distributed through the Alaska Fisheries Science Center Indigenous Engagement Program to support remote Alaska communities. This investment — funded by the Inflation Reduction Act — will help NOAA Fisheries advance efforts to promote climate resilience and food security in remote Alaska communities, strengthen collaboration with tribal governments and Indigenous communities and engage Indigenous Knowledge holder voices in NOAA Fisheries science. The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic investments in climate resilience and adaptation, including more than $50 billion from the President’s Investing in America agenda.

“This opportunity will enable entities working to benefit Indigenous Knowledge holders, including tribes and Alaska Native community members to advance equity and environmental justice — including just treatment, equal opportunities and environmental benefits for all people and communities and respect for tribal sovereignty,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Through this effort we hope to support research projects that address community concerns while enabling NOAA Fisheries to meet its research mission through collaborative and co-produced research.”

Up to $500,000 will be available in fiscal year 2024, with remaining funding potentially available in future years for continuation of work. Under this funding opportunity, projects will address one of three priority areas:

  • Support and collaborate with existing Indigenous Knowledge networks to build capacity in remote Arctic communities in line with the NOAA Fisheries Equity and Environmental Justice Strategy.
  • Incorporate Indigenous Knowledge into existing science, where possible, to build climate resilience in communities on the front lines of climate change in the Arctic. This requires NOAA services in the form of partnerships, internships and education opportunities.
  • Conduct collaborative and co-produced research providing opportunities for the co-development of research and knowledge needs with academic, international and Indigenous partners at the Inuit Circumpolar Council. 

“NOAA Fisheries recently produced its first Equity and Environmental Justice Policy with a goal of better serving all communities more equitably and effectively,” said Janet Coit, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. “Through this funding opportunity, we hope to put that policy into practice by supporting efforts that build partnerships and promote knowledge sharing to advance climate adaptation and planning for Alaska communities on the frontlines of climate change.”

This multi-year funding opportunity aims to provide crucial support for 5-15 innovative projects per year, with individual project funding ranging from $15,000 to $50,000. In an effort to foster impactful and diverse projects, NOAA encourages project proposals within the specified funding range. 

In December 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration issued a first-of-its kind Indigenous Knowledge guidance on incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in federal research, policy and decision-making at the Tribal Nations Summit. The Biden-Harris Administration formally recognizes Indigenous Knowledge as one of the many important bodies of knowledge that contribute to the scientific, technical, social and economic advancements of the United States and our collective understanding of the natural world.

Interested organizations are invited to submit their applications by Friday, April 26, 2024. To access detailed guidelines and submit a proposal, please visit the NOAA Fisheries website. Questions regarding this funding opportunity may be directed to Laura Hoberecht via phone (206) 526-4194 or email Laura.Hoberecht@noaa.gov. NOAA Fisheries will also host public webinars to answer questions regarding this funding opportunity. 

As part of NOAA Climate-Ready Fisheries, NOAA is committed to bolstering the nation’s $370 billion fishing industry and the states, communities and tribes who rely upon it. In addition to the funding opportunity outlined above, NOAA will invest $145 million to address NOAA Fisheries’ data acquisition priorities. More details about this funding will be coming soon. 

Please visit NOAA’s Inflation Reduction Act website for updates on current and future funding opportunities.