News Archive
News and Highlights
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February 5, 2013
Long a centerpiece of the Center's conservation outreach efforts, the Barbless Circle Hook News is now available online. The new digital format provides ready access to the latest information about the use of barbless circle hooks in Hawaii's shoreline recreational fishery, including photos and catch news reported by anglers. Read the BCH News.
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February 1, 2013
The PIFSC Young Scientist Opportunity (PYSO) program is accepting applications from aspiring scientists for paid, professional scientific research experience, formal training and mentoring during summer 2013. Application deadline is February 28, 2013. More...
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January 30, 2013
NOAA Fisheries Launches Science Program ReviewsTo help ensure the quality, integrity, credibility and transparency of our science, NOAA Fisheries has established a program to conduct systematic, public peer reviews of scientific programs across the agency. To begin the annual process, experts from outside NOAA Fisheries will examine data collection programs at PIFSC and other Science Centers that are the foundation for fish stock assessments. In subsequent years, other science topics will be reviewed. Read details at http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/science-program-review/
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January 22, 2013
Striped Marlin Stock Assessment Peer-reviewed and ReleasedThe Billfish Working Group of the International Committee for Tuna and Tuna-like Species in the North Pacific Ocean (ISC) has issued a new stock assessment for striped marlin in the North Pacific. A detailed report of the analysis was authored by U.S. members of the scientific working group as a PIFSC Internal Report and peer-reviewed by a trio of independent experts.
The Internal Report was tabled and adopted this week as an Information Paper at the Billfish Working Group meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, and is available on the ISC website. Reports by the peer-reviewers are posted on the PIFSC website.
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December 11, 2012
Keith Bigelow, a fishery biologist at NOAA's Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, has been named the NOAA Fisheries Employee of the Month for December 2012. More....
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November 30, 2012
Coral Species Proposed for Endangered Species Act ListingNOAA announced on Friday, November 30th its proposal to list 66 species of corals under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Details on the proposed listing are available on the NOAA Fisheries website at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/stories/2012/11/82corals.html. A period of public comment on the proposed rule and further agency deliberation are now underway with the final NOAA decision to be made next year.
The proposal to list the 66 species was aided by a Status Review prepared in 2011 by a Biological Review Team of federal experts headed by a PIFSC scientist. The Status Review report can be downloaded here. In addtion, PIFSC led a special scientific workshop last summer to gather further information on the coral species. The workshop report can be found here.
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November 26, 2012
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. More...
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November 21, 2012
NMFS Rules on Status and Protections for Hawaii False Killer WhalesAfter review of new biological data (1.1 MB PDF) by an expert scientific panel and consideration of public comment, NOAA Fisheries has concluded that the main Hawaiian Islands insular population of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) is an endangered distinct population segment (DPS) under the Endangered Species Act. The agency also issued rules to reduce the mortality and serious injury to false killer whales in Hawaii-based pelagic longline fisheries. Details of the findings, decisions and supporting information are available on the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office website at http://www.fpir.noaa.gov/.
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November 14, 2012
Status Review of Bumphead ParrotfishIn response to a petition to list the Bumphead Parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum) under the Endangered Species Act, NOAA Fisheries established a Biological Review Team (BRT) of expert federal scientists to conduct a comprehensive status review of the species. In October 2012, the agency published its decision on the petitioned action, as described here on the NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office website. Accordingly, the BRT report (6.9 MB PDF) is now being released to the public.
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October 12, 2012
Public Comments Welcome on PIFSC Draft Science PlanYour comments are welcomed on the PIFSC draft Science Plan (0.4 MB PDF). This plan is our effort to update our view of priority tasks for the next five years. Comments should be sent to the PIFSC Directors Office by November 15, 2012.
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September 26, 2012
NOAA Fisheries Participates in Hawaii Fishing and Seafood FestivalNOAA Fisheries will have 5 booths at the annual Hawaii Fishing and Seafood Festival, hosted by the Pacific Islands Fishing Group in Honolulu at the Pier 38 Fishing Village on Sunday, October 7, 2012, from 9 am to 4 pm. The festival is attended by more than 25,000 residents and visitors annually and provides an excellent opportunity for NOAA Fisheries to interact with the community and talk about who we are, what we do and how we do it. In addition to activities for keiki and Fisheries Science 101 for all ages, this year we are highlighting the use of barbless hooks to reduce interactions with protected species and the technology used in bottomfish research.
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August 17, 2012
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. More...
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July 23, 2012
Today, President Obama named PIFSC Scientist Kyle Van Houtan as a recipient of the 2011 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The award is the highest honor given by the federal government to outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers. More...
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July 18, 2012
On June 18th, NOAA convened the Pacific Islands Corals Science Workshop to solicit expert and public input on the science relevant to NOAA Fisheries' pending decision on whether to list 82 corals under the Endangered Species Act. The workshop presentations and summary report are available here.
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July 17, 2012
NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette just completed a month-long research expedition to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. During the mission, a team of 17 scientists collected and removed 50 metric tons of marine debris from the coral reef ecosystem, reducing threats to Hawaiian monk seals, sea turtles and other marine life. More...
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July 2, 2012
The PIFSC 2011 Year in Review describes the Center's strategic focus and recent achievements of research scientists and support staff. More...
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May 30, 2012
On June 18th, NOAA will hold a scientific workshop concerning NOAA Fisheries' review of 82 species of corals considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). More...
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April 20, 2012
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. More...
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April 13, 2012
NOAA has released a technical report detailing a comprehensive biological status review of 82 species of coral. The review was conducted in response to a petition to list these species under the Endangered Species Act. Access the report here.
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February 7, 2012
On Sunday, January 29, an adult male Hawaiian monk seal known as KE18 was carefully removed from the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands where his aggressive behavior had caused serious injury to young seals and posed a threat to their survival. KE18 was transported to Honolulu on a U.S. Coast Guard C-130. He will temporarily reside at the Waikiki Aquarium while officials continue to evaluate other options. More...
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December 12, 2011
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. More...
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October 31, 2011
On Saturday, November 26, a workshop on the science and conservation of dolphins and other toothed whales (the group of cetaceans known as odontocetes) that occur in Hawaiian waters will be held at the Tampa Convention Center, in Tampa, Florida as part of the 19th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals. More...
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October 7, 2011
The University of Hawai'i at Mānoa was selected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to host the Cooperative Institute (CI) in the Pacific Islands Region as part of a five-year award with funding up to $95 million. The Pacific Islands Region CI, one of 18 NOAA CI's across the country, will be known as the Joint Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (JIMAR). More...
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September 15, 2011
A panel of independent experts reviews and evaluates the Center's approaches to research on sea turtle population modeling, population monitoring and by-catch mitigation. More...
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September 14, 2011
The Symposium on Kona's Marine Ecosystem: Past, Present and Future will be held September 15-16, 2011 9:00am-5:00pm at the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. More... (0.1 MB PDF)
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August 23, 2011
A team of researchers attempting to lethally remove a problematic male monk seal from the population at Kure Atoll abandoned the effort as the seal remained out of reach. More...
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August 10, 2011
After careful consideration of alternative solutions, NMFS scientists and resource managers decided to attempt the lethal removal of at least one aggressive male monk seal at Kure Atoll to improve survival of seal pups in the area. More...
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July 18, 2011
The online Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. More...
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June 22, 2011
The PIFSC 2010 Year in Review describes the Center’s strategic focus and recent achievements of research scientists and support staff. More...
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May 9, 2011
Monk Seals in Your Neighborhood is a series of events put on by the NOAA Fisheries Service Pacific Islands Region. The purpose of these events is to educate the public about the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. Keiki and adults will be able to learn about this special animal, native to the Hawaiian Islands, through fun activities, science exhibits and life sized monk seal models. NOAA Fisheries scientists and staff will be on hand to answer questions and explain the science behind management efforts to recover the population. This event will be a great opportunity to find out more about monk seals and what people can do to help recover the population.
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March 28, 2011
Images from an overflight of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands on March 23, 2011 show the aftermath of the Honshu tsunami
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March 18, 2011
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.
[read bulletin] -
March 4, 2011
Symposium on Kona's Marine Ecosystem: Past, Present and Future to be held September 15-16, 2011 9:00am-5:00pm at the King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
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February 15, 2011
Announcing the release of a PIFSC Internal Report with information on the latest MHI "Deep 7" bottomfish catch and forecast.
[read report (0.1 MB PDF)] -
November 1, 2010
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.
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October 27, 2010
PIFSC scientist Dr. Jeffrey Polovina is recipient of the 2010 Wooster Award in recognition of his significant contributions to marine science in the North Pacific.
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October 22, 2010
The PIFSC 2010 External Review provided an expert critique of the Center's data management practices.
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October 14, 2010
A team from the NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center removed over 400 lbs of marine debris from waters of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
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August 4, 2010
International Symposium on Circle Hooks in Research, Management and Conservation to be held in Miami, Florida from May 4 to 6, 2011
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July 19, 2010
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.
[read bulletin] -
July 7, 2010
The PIFSC 2009 Annual Report describes the Center's strategic focus and recent achievements of research scientists and support staff.
[read report] -
June 2, 2010
Travel funding is available for new U.S. academic participants in the October meeting of PICES. Details on the meeting and how to apply for funding are available in this flyer.
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May 14, 2010
A new NEPA document from the Protected Species Division is available for public review and comment at our NEPA Documents page
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April 14, 2010
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center.
[read bulletin] -
January 12, 2010
The new PIFSC Student Intern Program is accepting applications from qualified college students for paid, professional work experience and mentoring during summer 2010. Application deadline is March 31, 2010.
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December 18, 2009
National Saltwater Angler Registry to begin accepting online and telephone registrations on January 1, 2010
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November 19, 2009
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
[read bulletin] -
August 24, 2009
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
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August 14, 2009
2009 External Review provides expert critique of the Center's pelagics research programs.
[read review] -
April 27, 2009
PIFSC Student Intern Program (PSIP) offers qualified college students professional work experience and formal training opportunities. Application deadline for the Summer 2009 program is May 15.
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April 17, 2009
The PIFSC 2008 Annual Report describes the Center's strategic focus and recent achievements of research scientists and support staff.
[read report] (14.4 MB, pdf) -
March 18, 2009
The Quarterly Research Bulletin highlights recent research activities and accomplishments of the Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center
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May 12, 2008
NOAA Fisheries and Agency Partners Work Together to Rehabilitate Abandoned Monk Seal Pup.
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March 4, 2008
New research at PIFSC has confirmed that in all major, mid-ocean subtropical gyres, warming of surface waters is occurring and is accompanied by expansion of areas with low biological productivity.
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February 6, 2008
The Coral Reef Ecosystem Division is preparing a final report of the extensive Reef Assessment and Monitoring Program (RAMP) research conducted in American Samoa by PIFSC scientists and their partners during 2002-2006. The final report will be published and disseminated later this year. Meanwhile, a draft version of the report is available for downloading.
[read report] -
September 21, 2007
NOAA Research Discovers Wintering Humpback Whales in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
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June 12, 2007
Let's Talk Turtles Outreach Event Draws Enthusiastic Crowd on the Island of Hawaii.
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April 6, 2007
Captive Care and Release Project Seeks to Aid Recovery of the Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal.
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April 6, 2007
2007 External review of PIFSC programs highlights recent success of Center research and identifies new challenges and opportunities.
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April 2, 2007
Honolulu Residents and Visitors Celebrate 200 Years of NOAA with a Weekend of Fun and Education in Waikiki.
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February 1, 2007
PIFSC Scientists Provide Real-World Perspective to University Students of Marine Conservation Biology.
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January 31, 2007
NOAA is celebrating 200 years of science, service, and stewardship. A special NOAA 200th Celebration Web Site shows how the NOAA legacy was shaped by the National Marine Fisheries Service and its predecessor agencies. The Web site explores the history of NOAA and recognizes NOAA's top 10 breakthroughs including the ECOPATH model developed by PIFSC scientist Jeffrey Polovina as a tool for ecosystem analysis. It also features several current NOAA programs in marine stewardship including the PIFSC Marine Debris Program in the central Pacific Ocean.
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November 30, 2006
A new PIFSC brochure describes the Center's mission, history, organization, research programs, and more.
[read brochure] (1.6MB, pdf) -
October 24, 2006
A new NOAA Fisheries brochure urges caution in public viewing of wild spinner dolphins.
[read brochure] (123KB, pdf) -
October 17, 2006
Rehabilitated Twin Monk Seals Returned to Their Home at Midway Atoll.
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October 11, 2006
Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Third Scientific Symposium Proceedings Published
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April 18, 2006
PIFSC Scientists Join Colleagues in Symposium Discussions of Climate Variability and North Pacific Ecosystem Impacts
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March 20, 2006
Center scientists awarded NOAA Bronze Medals for outstanding achievement
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August 10, 2005
The NOAA FISHERIES SERVICE held a successful "Kona Community Day" and "Science Night"
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July 29, 2005
The NOAA Fisheries Service comes to Kailua-Kona for "Kona Community Day" and "Science Night"
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July 11, 2005
Rescued divers returned safely to Honolulu after chartered marine debris cleanup vessel Casitas grounded at Pearl and Hermes Atoll
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July 5, 2005
PIFSC/JIMAR Divers and Crew of the Chartered Marine Debris Cleanup Vessel Casitas Safe after Grounding at Pearl and Hermes Atoll
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Press Releases
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August 5, 2008
Scientists Use Naval Exercises to Learn More About How Marine Mammals React to Sonar
[more] (36KB, pdf) -
July 30, 2008
NOAA Offers Reward For Information On Sea Turtle Poaching
[more] (76KB, pdf) -
June 27, 2008
NOAA: Seven Stocks Removed from overfishing List, None Added
[more] (35KB, pdf) -
June.27, 2008
Commerce Announces 2008 Ocean Fishery Council Appointments
[more] (36KB, pdf) -
May 15, 2008
Pacific Islands Region News Release: MONK SEAL PUPPING SEASON IN FULL SWING: Main Hawaiian Islands Experiences Boom in Number of Newborns
[more] (45KB, pdf) -
May 5, 2008
Pacific Islands Region Media Availability: UPDATE ON MONK SEAL PUP ABANDONED ON KAUAI: Pup Brought Into Captive Care Rehabilitation
[more] (25KB, pdf) -
May 3, 2008
Pacific Islands Region News Release: UPDATE ON MONK SEAL PUP ABANDONED ON KAUAI: Pup Brought Into Captive Care Rehabilitation
[more] (27KB, pdf) -
March 6, 2008
NOAA Press Release: Study shows ocean "deserts" are expanding.
[more] (33KB, pdf) -
September 20, 2007
Marine National Monument Press Release: Journal Findings Highlight New Discoveries in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument
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June 29, 2006
NOAA Press Release: Commerce Announces 2006 Ocean Fishery Council Appointments
[more] (44KB, pdf) -
May 27, 2006
Pacific Islands Region News Release: Rare Set of Monk Seal Twins Brought to Honolulu, Researchers Hope to Give Pair a Good Head Start
[more] (37KB, pdf) -
April 27, 2006
NOAA Fisheries Press Release (NOAA06-046): NOAA Fisheries Service Releases Final Report on 2004 Stranding of Melon-headed Whales in Hawaii
[more] (40KB, pdf)
The Center in the News
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June 8, 2005
Northwest islands trip yields preservation data
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June 2, 2005
NOAA's Sea turtle research gains additional recognition
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May 1, 2005
NWHI maritime archaeology, ecosystem connectivity, mapping and coral disease expedition 2005
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Media Contact in the Pacific Islands Region
Wende Goo, Public Affairs | |
Email: | Wende.Goo@ noaa.gov |
Phone: | (808) 983-5333 |
Fax: | (808) 983-2901 |