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National

  • Fighting For Global Sustainable Fisheries - Sept 17: Pacific countries tackle illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and work to promote sustainable fisheries in the Coral Triangle region.
  • New Report Summarizes Climate Change Impacts - Aug 27: According to the 2013 National Climate Assessment, the nation’s valuable ocean ecosystems and marine resources are already being impacted by a changing climate.
  • Shattering Shark Myths - Aug 8: Can you tell shark myth from fact? Better check this list out.
  • Spiny Dogfish, Skates, Smalltooth Sawfish—Oh My! - Aug 7: Sharks are widely recognized members of the group of fish called elasmobranchs, including other fauna swimming off the shores of the U.S. like dogfish, skates, rays, and sawfish. Credit: R. Dean Grubbs/Florida State University
  • The Science Behind: A Shortfin Mako's Last Meal - Aug 6: Peer into a shark's stomach along with a NOAA Fisheries scientist and see what was on the menu for its last meal.
  • The Science Behind: Ageing a Shark - Aug 6: What does ageing the backbone of a shark entail? Catch NOAA Fisheries shark scientist Lisa Natanson in action.
  • Shark Facts—Bite Off More Than You Can Chew - Aug 2: You already know sharks are fascinating creatures, but did you know...
  • Uncovering the Mysteries of Nautilus - Jul 22: NOAA-funded research is better helping us understand nautilus; a mysterious creature that has been around for half a billion years.
  • The Journey of Atlantic Salmon - Jul 15: International research turns the spotlight on the ocean and its importance to the recovery and management of Atlantic salmon.
  • Seafood Trade Programs—Going Electronic - Jul 8: Trade programs for seafood will be going electronic, which will simplify trade and help to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated product from entering the U.S. market.
  • Ross Sea—An Ecological Treasure - Jul 1: Nations consider adoption of proposal to protect the Ross Sea, one of the most unique and biologically rich places on earth.
  • New Report—"More Habitat Means More Fish" - May 7: NOAA announces the release of an illustrated report outlining the crucial role that habitat plays in keeping U.S. commercial and recreational fisheries strong.
  • Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries - May 2: In 2012, six stocks were declared rebuilt and the number of stocks on the overfishing list was at an all-time low.
  • Leading by Success—A Message on Status of Stocks - May 2: This month we turn the spotlight onto the continued success of the U.S. science-based fisheries management system established under the Magnuson-Stevens Act (MSA).
  • Funds Support Innovation in U.S. Fisheries - April 30: Today the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announces grant awards for its Fisheries Innovation Fund to support sustainable fisheries in the U.S.
  • More Habitat Means More Fish - Apr 29: U.S. fisheries play an enormous role in the U.S. economy, and healthy freshwater, coastal, and marine habitats are essential to those fisheries.
  • How NOAA Observes Our Changing Earth - Apr 22: NOAA uses a variety of observational resources to gain more information about our evolving planet, including satellites, ships, planes, buoys, and on-the-ground scientists to provide data to better understand, and ultimately preserve, our earth.
  • Increasing Effective Habitat Conservation - Apr 22: NOAA and our partners have conserved nearly one billion acres of habitat essential to our valuable commercial and recreational fisheries. Read more from Buck Sutter, Director of NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation.
  • NOAA Releases Recreational Fishing Report for 2012 - Apr 2: Recreational fishing is part of our nation's history, and we continue to improve upon this great tradition. A new report, "Recreational Fishing Year in Review" highlights accomplishments and goals for U.S. recreational fishing.
  • New Video Introduces Consumers to FishWatch - Mar 27: Our newest video introduces consumers to FishWatch.gov which provides easy-to-understand, science-based facts to help users make smart, sustainable seafood choices.
  • License to Krill: A Story About an Ecosystem - Mar 25: Antarctic krill are considered the greatest under-tapped biological resource in the ocean today. As humans increasingly turn to the oceans for food, we must be careful to not undermine the marine food chain.
  • Sharks Win Protection at CITES - Mar 14: Countries voted to increase protection for five commercially-exploited species of sharks and manta rays. Photo Credit: Brian Skerry.
  • Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization Efforts Underway - Nov 14: Learn more about our current and on-going efforts to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act, which sets standards for conservation, management, and sustainable use of our nation’s fisheries resources. 
  • Farmed Seafood Profiles Now Available on FishWatch - Mar 11: FishWatch.gov now includes detailed information on farmed fish and shellfish. To learn more about farmed fisheries and how they are managed, explore the new farmed species profiles.
  • Fisheries Economics Report Released - Mar 7: U.S. commercial and recreational fishing supported 1.7 million full and part-time jobs in fishing across the broader economy in 2011, and generated $199 billion in sales impacts and contributed $88 billion to Gross Domestic Product.
  • New Marine Fishery Allocation Report Posted - Jan 29: A new report commissioned by NOAA Fisheries, Marine Fishery Allocation Issues, has been posted online. A national stakeholder call is planned.
  • Draft Climate Assessment Report for Public Review This is the Exit Disclaimer icon - Jan 14: For more on potential climate change impacts on U.S. oceans and ocean resources, including fisheries, marine protected species, and habitats, read the U.S. National Climate Assessment report, now available for public comment.
  • Our Top 12 Stories From 2012 - Dec. 20: It has been an exciting year at NOAA Fisheries. As we look forward to 2013, take a look back at our twelve most popular stories from 2012.
  • Tackling Seafood Fraud - Nov 15: Find out how NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement helps tackle seafood fraud.
  • United States and Morocco Shake Hands - Nov 13: The U.S. signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Morocco that sets the stage for collaboration on ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management and sustainable marine aquaculture.
  • ICCAT Meeting to Conserve and Manage Key Species - Nov 13: The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) starts its annual meeting in Agadir, Morocco to consider conservation measures for a variety of Atlantic marine species.
  • Taking a Closer Look at Redfish - Nov 7: Check out our new redfish seafood profile on FishWatch.
  • Putting Local Fish Back On Our Plates - Nov 7: The Gulf Maine Research Institute has a new project called "Out of the Blue" which helps introduce lesser-known seafood to stagnant palates, while getting the market to demand this seafood.
  • Working Together to End IUU Fishing - Nov 2: Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing threatens the sustainability of our ocean ecosystems and fisheries. Combating IUU fishing is one of NOAA Fisheries’ top priorities.
  • The Science Behind Whale Recovery in Alaska - Oct 26: How do we help recover whales in Alaska? Watch our new video to find out.
  • 40 Facts for 40 Years of Protecting Marine Mammals - Oct 26: Read our 40 Facts for 40 Years in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
  • Marine Mammals on the Move - Oct 24: If a picture is worth a thousand words then a video must be worth a million words. Spend some time with whales, dolphins, seals and more.
  • Reflecting on 40 Years of Marine Mammal Protection - Oct 22: The Chief Science Advisor for NOAA Fisheries reflects upon 40 years of successful marine mammal protection and considers the immense challenges ahead.
  • Teacher At Sea Dishes on Pollock Acoustic Survey - Oct 17: Like fish sticks? Teacher at Sea Johanna Mendillo saw a lot of the fish stick fish helping NOAA scientists study Alaska pollock on the NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson.
  • Making Sense of Fish Stock Assessment Models - Oct 10: How do we make sure our nation's fisheries are sustainable and productive? It starts with fish stock assessment modeling—combining data to evaluate fish stock health necessary to inform fisheries management decisions.
  • The Surprising Sources of Your Favorite Seafoods - Oct 10: Our top ten favorite seafoods in the United States haven't changed much in the past several years, but you might be surprised at where they come from.
  • Ecosystem Factors and Assessments -
  • New Proposal to Protect Oceanic Whitetip Sharks - Oct 9: The United States co-sponsors a proposal to add oceanic whitetip sharks to Appendix II of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
  • Getting to the Bottom of Marine Mammal Crimes - Oct 3: Special agents and enforcement officers with NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement investigate crimes against marine mammals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this month.
  • Estuaries—Habitat of the Month - Sept 27: What's the place where fresh water meets salt water? Estuaries contain habitat needed by fish, wildlife, and people. To celebrate National Estuary Day on Saturday, Sept. 29, find out more about our work restoring estuaries.
  • New Video—Exploring U.S. Aquaculture - Sept 20: What's aquaculture like in the United States? Watch this video to find out.
  • Scientists Develop Alternative Aquaculture Feeds - Sept 20: Researchers from NOAA and the US Department of Agriculture have been working on sustainable ingredients for fish feed. A report released this month, The Future of Aquafeeds, details their progress.
  • Statistical Report Card for U.S. Fisheries Posted - Sept 19: Wondering about the state of U.S. fisheries? NOAA Fisheries' annual report gives you the breakdown.
  • Leadership Highlights U.S. Fisheries Statistics - Sept 19: NOAA Fisheries posts a statistical yearbook, Fisheries of the U.S., 2011, filled with facts and figures about our domestic fisheries from 2011.
  • Disaster Determinations for Commercial Fisheries - Sept 13: Today, Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank issued disaster determinations for commercial fishery failures in the Northeast, Alaska, and in Mississippi.
  • Teacher at Sea Studies the Science Behind Sharks - Sept 11: Teacher at Sea Steven Frantz shares highlights of his scientific cruise studying sharks and snappers on the 300th research mission of NOAA Ship Oregon II.
  • Military Veterans Help Restore Fish Habitat - Sept 5: NOAA Fisheries and California Conservation Corps train veterans in habitat restoration in California. The project will increase spawning and rearing habitat for endangered coho salmon populations and help boost Chinook and steelhead trout.
  • Habitat Restoration: An Economic Engine - Sept 4: Habitat restoration is an economic engine. Watch this video and find out how restoration projects boost our economy with jobs that can't be outsourced and create a positive impact for future generations.
  • Grants Awarded for Marine Mammal Rescue - Aug 31: NOAA Fisheries awards 39 grants to participants of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network to respond to sick, injured, or stranded marine mammals and investigate health concerns for these populations in the wild.
  • Funding Innovative Research to Reduce Bycatch - Aug 29: Through the Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program, NOAA Fisheries provides funds critical to key researchers and fishermen for the research and development of innovative approaches and strategies for reducing bycatch.
  • Restoration Turns Landfill into Productive Wetland - Aug 29: The Lincoln Park restoration project in Jersey City, New Jersey turned a once-barren landfill into a functioning wetland, teeming with fish, birds, and other wildlife.
  • Marine Aquaculture Critical to Seafood Supply - Aug 21: Fostering the development of marine aquaculture helps to supply safe seafood for people, support domestic wild fisheries, preserve and rebuild threatened and endangered species, and restore marine habitat.
  • Twitter #SharkChat @NOAALive with Shark Scientist - Aug 16: NOAA shark scientist Trey Driggers will answer questions live on Twitter this Thursday, August 16, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern. Trey conducts research on all kinds of sharks.
  • Sawfish—Cousins of the Shark - Aug 15: Sawfish have skeletons made of cartilage and shark-like bodies and gills. But during the past decade, these creatures have faced dramatic decline due to habitat loss and capture in fisheries.
  • Sutter Named New Director of Habitat Conservation - Aug 15: Buck Sutter was recently named the Director for the Office of Habitat Conservation at NOAA Fisheries.
  • Shark Conservation in Our Global Oceans - Aug 14: Through international cooperation and state-of-the art technology, NOAA Fisheries is conducting joint research with Uruguay’s fisheries agency that is critical to inform international conservation and management decisions for pelagic sharks.
  • Shark Mythbusters - Aug 13: Can you tell shark myth from fact? Better check this list out.
  • Dive into the Deep End of Shark Conservation - Aug 13: A closer look at how NOAA Fisheries works to conserve and manage shark populations domestically and internationally.
  • Shark Feature Stories - Aug 13: Can you tell shark myth from fact? Better check this list out.
  • Teacher at Sea Studies Marine Protected Areas - July 30: NOAA Fisheries' Teacher at Sea Marsha Skoczek shares highlights of her research cruise studying Marine Protected Areas off the Southeast Atlantic Coast.
  • A New Way to Classify Marine Habitat - July 30: NOAA announces a new standard language for characterizing habitats that has the potential to revolutionize how scientists study and manage our coasts, oceans, and Great Lakes.
  • Five Fish Desperate for Healthy Habitat - July 24: Healthy habitat is the foundation for abundant fisheries and marine life. What five fish are desperate for healthy habitat? Find out which ones are on the list.
  • Award-Winning Scientist Pioneers Turtle Research - July 23: Dr. Kyle S. Van Houtan, NOAA Fisheries research ecologist, was honored by the White House with a prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers for his research on climate effects on sea turtles populations.
  • Rivers—Habitat of the Month - July 23: Our country has more than 250,000 rivers spanning 3.5 million miles. Fish populations need habitat in good condition. Migrating fish like salmon, shad, alewives, and sturgeon need access to healthy freshwater habitat for spawning and rearing.
  • Three Ways You Are Connected to Deep-Sea Coral - July 16: In what ways are you connected to deep-sea corals? Why should you care about protecting them?
  • Healthy Habitat Foundation of Abundant Fisheries - July 16: At NOAA Fisheries, we are charged with taking care of our nation’s fish and living marine resources. But healthy marine life depends on healthy habitat—the places where these animals feed, grow, reproduce, and raise their young.
  • Meet Springer—One Orca Who Overcame the Odds - July 13: An orphaned killer whale calf, Springer, was rescued from Puget Sound and returned to her family in Canada in 2002. This summer, she has been sighted again.
  • HabCam—A New Way to Survey Scallop Habitat - July 11: The Habitat Camera Mapping System snaps up to 500,000 images of the sea floor per day, taking roughly six images per second. Learn how this tool is helping provide better estimates for Atlantic sea scallops surveys without harming habitat.
  • Four Weird Ways to Restore Habitat - July 10: Discover several interesting and some weird ways that NOAA Fisheries is working to restore habitat for our nation's coastal ecosystems. 
  • NOAA Helps Indonesian Team Protect Sea Turtles - July 2: NOAA scientists and an Indonesian turtle monitoring team study leatherback sea turtle nesting populations in Papua, Indonesia, to learn more about population decline factors to protect this endangered species.
  • Last Annual Catch Limit Put in Place - July 2: On June 29, 2012, a significant milestone was achieved when NOAA Fisheries approved the last Fishery Management Plan amendment putting annual catch limits and accountability measures into place.
  • International Whaling Commission Meeting Gears Up - June 26: NOAA helps promote U.S. positions including the rights and needs of aboriginal subsistence whalers and whale conservation activities at the 64th Annual Meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Panama City, Panama.
  • National Observer Program Annual Report Released - June 25: NOAA Fisheries releases the National Observer Program Annual Peport which shares nationwide statistics about number of sea days observed, activities, accomplishments, and goals for the observer program.
  • Regional Fishery Council Appointments Announced - June 25: U.S. Commerce Department announces the appointment of 30 new and returning members to the eight regional fishery management councils that partner with NOAA's Fisheries Service to manage ocean fisheries.
  • Shark Conservation in Our Global Oceans - June 21: Through international cooperation and state-of-the art technology, NOAA Fisheries is conducting joint research with Uruguay’s fisheries agency that is critical to inform international conservation and management decisions for pelagic sharks.
  • Dolphin SMART Businesses Protect Dolphins - June 12: Protecting dolphins and their coastal homes is crucial for conservation efforts and economic sustainability of dolphin-viewing businesses.
  • NOAA Fisheries Leadership Message - June 2012 - June 11: NOAA Fisheries Acting Assistant Administrator, Sam Rauch, highlights our international engagement activities which include a broad spectrum of initiatives dedicated to addressing global stewardship.
  • US-EU Share Vision for Sustainable Fisheries - May 30: EU Ambassador William E. Kennard welcomes NOAA Administrator, Dr. Jane Lubchenco, this week in Brussels to address the European Parliament and speak to Regional Fisheries Management Organization leaders on international cooperation.
  • Making Sense of Fish Stock Assessments - May 23: NOAA Fisheries’ scientific stock assessments are key to fisheries management. They provide high-quality information to fisheries managers on the current status of fish stocks and future trends in fisheries productivity.
  • Crimes Against Marine Mammals—New Exhibit Opens - May 22: NOAA Fisheries and the Crime Museum open new exhibit "Crimes Against Marine Mammals," celebrating 40 years of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and highlighting Act violations, investigations, and protection measures.
  • Report to Congress on the Status of U.S. Fisheries - May 14: A record number of fish stocks are declared rebuilt in 2011, bringing us closer to our goal of turning the corner on ending overfishing.
  • NOAA Fisheries Leadership Message - May 2012 - May 14: NOAA Fisheries Acting Assistant Administrator, Sam Rauch, shares some good news on 2011 Status of the Stocks report to Congress.
  • Schwaab Addresses 6th World Fisheries Congress - May 11: Eric Schwaab delivered closing remarks at the 6th World Fisheries Congress in Edinburgh, Scotland, which examined "Sustainable Fisheries in a Changing World." More than 1,300 delegates from 65 countries attended.
  • Fund Supports Sharing Fisheries Innovations - April 30: Today the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) announces grant awards for its Fisheries Innovation Fund to support sustainable fisheries in the U.S.
  • Ever Wonder What a Fisheries Observer Does? - April 30: NOAA Fisheries observers are a key part to smart fisheries management. Take a look at what they do and how we use data they collect on the water.
  • NOAA Invites Comment on Coral Reports - April 13: NOAA announces the availability of several coral documents for public review and comment in response to a petition to list 83 species of coral under the Endangered Species Act. Photo Credit: Arkive, Franco Banfi
  • FishSmart Workshops Help Solve Fishing Challenges - April 11: FishSmart Workshops—a proactive approach to developing techniques that reduce the mortality of fish stocks while enhancing the fishing experience.
  • Making Angler Catch Count - April 2: The Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) is changing the way we count and report what saltwater recreational fishermen are catching and how many trips they’re taking. Take a look at what improvements have been made thus far.
  • 2012 Teacher at Sea Class Selected - Mar 27: As the 2012 NOAA Teacher at Sea season begins, sample what's ahead through alumni Jennifer Daftari, a 5th grade teacher in Oklahoma. She reflects on surveying sharks in the Gulf of Mexico and how her research positively impacted her students.
  • Fishermen's Wives Share Life Stories - Mar 26: “One thing I’ve given them is to teach them how to run a boat,” says Shareen Davis about her daughters. This March, as we celebrate National Women’s History Month, listen to fishermen's wives recount pivotal stories from their lives.
  • Catch Limits in Place for 2012 Fishing Season - Mar 9: This statement from Eric Schwaab, Deputy Administrator for Conservation and Management, highlights how NOAA Fisheries will have all Annual Catch Limits in place for federally managed fisheries for the 2012 fishing season.
  • 2012 Deep Sea Coral Report Released - Feb 24: NOAA releases 2012 Deep Sea Coral Report to Congress, highlighting the program's exciting discovery of deep-sea coral habitats which revealed new, currently unprotected deep-sea coral communities off the eastern and southern coasts of Florida.
  • Non-Native Species Impact Coasts - Feb. 24: Next week, National Invasive Species Awareness Week begins, held February 27-March 3. To kick off the event, NOAA's Peg Brady tells us more about aquatic invasive species, how they affect our coastlines, and why we need to be aware of them.
  • President's Proposed FY13 Budget Released - Feb 13: The President’s FY2013 Budget is built around the idea that our country does best when everyone gets a fair shot, does their fair share, and plays by the same rules. We must focus our efforts on education, innovation and building.
  • New Protections in Place for Atlantic Sturgeon - Jan. 31: NOAA’s Fisheries Service announced a final decision to list five distinct population segments of Atlantic sturgeon under the Endangered Species Act.
  • NOAA Honors the Fishery Management Councils - Jan. 30: NOAA's Fisheries honored the fishery management councils for their role in shaping the science-based management of U.S. fisheries.
  • New Method Improves Recreational Catch Estimates - Jan 25: NOAA today announced it has begun to use an improved method to estimate the amount of fish caught by saltwater anglers, which will allow rules that fishermen follow to be based on more accurate information.
  • Public Invited to Review Climate Change Strategy - Jan. 19: Together with state, tribal, and federal agency partners, the Obama Administration today released a draft national strategy to help prepare for and help reduce the impacts of climate change on species, ecosystems, and the people that depend on them.
  • Schwaab: Catch Limit Milestone Now within Reach - Jan. 9: This statement from Eric Schwaab, Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, highlights how NOAA Fisheries will have all Annual Catch Limits in place for federally managed fisheries before the start of the 2012 fishing season.
  • Survey Shows Dip in Cook Inlet Beluga Count - Jan. 9: Scientists from NOAA’s Alaska Fisheries Science Center today announced the 2011 abundance estimate for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale population is 284 animals, almost 20 percent lower than last year’s estimate of 340.
  • Teachers Dive Into Sea Adventures at Ocean Hall - Teachers from NOAA’s Teacher at Sea Program will talk to families and students about everything from their research to what it’s like living on a research ship on December 28, at the Ocean Hall in Washington, DC.
  • Unusual Mortality Event Declared in Texas - Dec : NOAA declares 2011-2012 bottlenose dolphin unusual mortality event in Texas. Scientists continue to investigate the cause.
  • Dead Zones Lead to Shrinking Billfish Habitat - Dec 9: The science behind counting fish in the ocean has never been simple. Now, a new scientific paper authored by eight scientists, including a NOAA biologist, illustrate how ocean dead zones and climate change make counting fish even more complex.
  • Reminder: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Regulations - Nov. 22: Recently, a New England groundfish vessel incidentally caught an 881-pound bluefin tuna in a trawl net. Find out more about how the situation was handled by NOAA and what happens when bluefin tuna is caught by accident.
  • NOAA: Significant Progress Made at ICCAT - Nov. 21: In a statement released today by Russell F. Smith III, NOAA Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Fisheries, talks about the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas made significant progress on key U.S. priorities last week.
  • Fishermen ‘Get Smart’ about Reducing Bycatch - Nov 17: NOAA presented the grand prize at World Wildlife Fund’s 2011 International Smart Gear Competition today in Seattle. The competition recognized three fishing devices that save lives of seabirds, fish, turtles, and other marine life.
  • NOAA Right Whale Experts Use Twitter to Reach Out - Nov. 16: As right whales migrate down the Atlantic Coast this winter to their winter calving grounds, there are things boaters can do to ensure their safe travels. To inform the public, NOAA whale experts took to Twitter.
  • Antarctic Killer Whales Seek Spa-like Relief - Oct. 25: NOAA researchers explain why a type of Antarctic killer whale performs a rapid migration to warmer tropical waters – spa-like skin treatment.
  • 'Top Chef' Contestant Cooks Up Sustainable Seafood - Oct. 21: More than 200,000 visitors travelled to Morehead City, North Carolina this month to celebrate seafood. Among the chefs at this year's festival, was Keith Rhodes, one of the contestants from the popular BRAVO reality TV show, "Top Chef."
  • Celebrating National Seafood Month - Oct 6: October is National Seafood Month, a time to highlight smart seafood choices, sustainable fisheries, and the health benefits of eating a diet rich in seafood.
  • NOAA releases first national bycatch report - Sept. 22: A new NOAA report will help the agency's scientists monitor progress in reducing bycatch – the non-target fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds caught incidentally in fishing.