Research Priorities and Needs
for Protected Resources in the Northeast Region

NOAA Fisheries Service Northeast Region Protected Resources Division is responsible for the conservation and management of a number of species groups, including marine mammals, sea turtles, and fish species that are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA).  While efforts are currently underway for all of these species to address existing research and management needs and priorities, it is important to periodically review these needs and priorities to further the efforts of NOAA Fisheries Service to effectively manage these species and meet the mandates of the various statutes.  

The Northeast Region Protected Resources Division has identified research needs and priorities for its marine mammal take reduction plans, as well as its sea turtle, salmon, sturgeon, species of concern, and stranding and disentanglement programs.  This page is intended as a resource for other divisions within NOAA Fisheries, as well as our partners, including state agencies, fishery management organizations, non-profit organizations, scientists, academic institutions, and the fishing industry.  These needs and priorities may assist our partners in the development of proposal ideas when funding opportunities arise.  These priorities are updated annually.  

Click on the tabs above to see the research priorities for our programs.

Humpback Whale (NOAA)

Shortnose Sturgeon (University of Maine)