August 12, 2015 — The following was released by NOAA Fisheries:

NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Office has posted our first Story Map, a new communication tool for complicated map-based information. Story Maps allow us to combine maps with explanations, images, and videos, to provide a new way for viewers to see and interact with information.

Our first test of the Story Map tool shows an overview of the existing 2015 Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery regulations. The Story Map allows users to easily find what they need. For example, users can locate open and closed areas at different times of year, see gear requirements by area, and get other regulatory information.

The Story Map is live on our Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery page. Also included is an instructional video on how to use a Story Map for those who want more information.

This Story Map is our first contribution to the growing number of map-based web applications on the NOAA GeoPortal. We hope to produce many more in the year to come.

Please tell us what you think!

Send your comments, suggestions, and questions on the Story Map concept to:
Dean-Lorenz Szumylo
GIS Specialist, Information Resource Management
Dean.Szumylo@noaa.gov
(978) 282-8479

If you have questions about the 2015 Atlantic Sea Scallop regulations, please contact:
Travis Ford
Fishery Policy Analyst, Sustainable Fisheries Division
Travis.Ford@noaa.gov
(978) 281-9233

Emily Gilbert
Fishery Policy Analyst, Sustainable Fisheries Division
Emily.Gilbert@noaa.gov
(978) 281-9244