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Gray Whales on the Rebound: Signs of Hope Despite Challenges

North Pacific gray whale population increases after declines.
February 13, 2025 - Podcast ,
West Coast
A gray whale and her calft migrate north along the California coast A gray whale and her calf migrate north along the California coast on their way to summer feeding grounds in the Arctic. Scientists are using an unmanned aerial vehicle to produce very precise overhead images of gray whales, then analyzing the images to understand how environmental conditions affect the health of adult females and ultimately the reproductive success of the population. Credit: NOAA

Top Must-Read Pacific Islands Stories of 2024

Take a look at some of the Pacific Islands most important and inspiring stories from 2024.
January 23, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
Healthy coral reef with fishes in the foreground, a diver conducts a survey in the background.

Four-Month Survey Tracking West Coast Marine Mammals Finds Some Shifting North

Scientists use new tools and technologies to gather in-depth data.
January 16, 2025 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
School of northern right whale dolphins at sea A school of northern right whale dolphins observed off Oregon on the recent Southwest Fisheries Science Center marine mammal survey. Image collected under NOAA Fisheries research permit #22306. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Cory Hom-Weaver.

Update on Continuing Process to Clarify Marine Mammal Harvest Eligibility

NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are reviewing requirements for Alaska Native marine mammal harvest eligibilities.
January 15, 2025 - Agency Statement ,
Alaska
Adult ribbon seal in Alaska An adult female ribbon seal looks around among ice floes in the Bering Sea. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Josh M London. Photo taken while working under authority of NMFS Research Permit #23858

Southern Resident Killer Whale Calf Dies Days after Birth; Second Newborn Appears Healthy

J35 (aka Tahlequah), who made an impression around the world in 2018 for carrying her dead calf for 17 days, is again carrying a newly dead newborn calf. Southern Resident Connections - Post 39
January 14, 2025 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Killer whale carrying calf in Puget Sound

47-Foot Fin Whale Found Washed Ashore Near Anchorage

The Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network and the Anchorage Community faced frigid temperatures to observe the deceased whale.
December 10, 2024 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
A crowd of people surrounds a fin whale carcass on the shore Late afternoon residents walk to investigate the fin whale carcass. Credit: Bridget Crokus, volunteer Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services

NOAA Committee Conducting Survey on Methods to Deter Conflicts with Marine Mammals

Deadline for fishermen, dock and marina owners, and others to complete the survey extended to December 22.
November 25, 2024 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
Closeup of a sea lion's head The survey seeks information on different methods of deterring marine mammals such as sea lions from damaging infrastructure or interfering with fishing activities and fishing gear. The survey will be available until December 22.

AI Meets Aquaculture to Study Hawaiian Monk Seal Interactions With Net Pens

NOAA Fisheries and Blue Ocean Mariculture are leveraging technology to study Hawaiian monk seal interest in aquaculture net pens in Hawaiʻi.
November 21, 2024 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
Two Hawaiian monk seals swim near an aquaculture net pen full of fish. NOAA Fisheries, in collaboration with Blue Ocean Mariculture, is conducting a multi-year pilot study to evaluate observational methods and tools for studying Hawaiian monk seal behavior. Courtesy of Blue Ocean Mariculture

On Deck With Observer 0001—Looking Back 30 Years

This year the Pacific Islands Region Observer Program marks its 30th anniversary. To celebrate, we’re featuring its first observer, Tonya Wick.
November 21, 2024 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
A woman poses holding a fish while aboard a fishing vessel with fisherman and their catch separated into baskets in the background. Tonya Wick aboard a fishing vessel at sea in 1998. Photo courtesy of Tonya Wick

New Method Provides Reliable Estimates for Bearded Seals

Collaborative research finds more cost-effective way to sample and estimate abundance of bearded seals.
November 12, 2024 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Bearded seal laying on ice on water Bearded Seal. Credit: John Jansen/NOAA Fisheries