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Improved eDNA Primer Enhances Rockfish Species Identification in Alaska

A new rockfish-specific genetic tool supports more detailed monitoring of rockfish assemblages.
August 21, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
A China rockfish looks at the camera

Workshop Targets High-Tech Ways to Assess Endangered Whale Health

Advanced technology can give us more complete data on the health of endangered whale populations, which helps us figure out how to most effectively support their recovery.
August 14, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
West Coast
A black and white Southern Resident killer whale leaping out of the water. The fin of another whale is visible and a boat and mountains are in the background. Southern resident killer whales. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Candice Emmons

2022 and 2023 Combined Report of Marine Mammal Strandings in the United States

This report details marine mammal stranding rates, trends, and activities in the United States for both 2022 and 2023. In 2022, there were 6,061 confirmed marine mammal strandings; in 2023, there were 6,648.
July 31, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
A minke whale carcass lies on a rocky beach. There are several lines to secure it in place while responders take measurements and samples. A complete necropsy of a minke whale on Blakely Island, Washington. The necropsy revealed injuries—including severe bruising and broken ribs and vertebrae—consistent with a vessel strike. Credit: The Whale Museum

Life at Sea on a Fisheries Survey with Chris Anderson

NOAA fishery biologists provide critical support for sustainable fisheries and science from deck to desk.
July 30, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Chris Anderson stands on the deck of a fishing vessel and smiles while holding a walleye pollock in his right hand and a Pacific cod in his left. On deck of the FV Northwest Explorer during the annual Groundfish Bottom Trawl Survey, Chris Anderson holds up a walleye pollock and a Pacific cod, which represent two of Alaska’s largest fisheries. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

NOAA Announces Confirmed Large Whale Entanglement Numbers for 2023

There were 64 large whale entanglement cases documented in 2023—a decrease from 2022 and below the historical average.
July 22, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Trained and authorized responders use a grapple to grab the entanglement trailing behind a North Atlantic right whale (#4545). Credit: Center for Coastal Studies, taken under NOAA Permit # 24359 Trained and authorized responders use a grapple to grab the entanglement trailing behind a North Atlantic right whale (#4545). Credit: Center for Coastal Studies, taken under NOAA Permit # 24359

First Bowhead Whale Sighting in Southeast Alaska

Second reported sighting in eastern North Pacific waters south of the Aleutian Island chain.
July 16, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
head of bowhead whale peaking out of the water First sighting of subadult bowhead whale on March 27, 2024 at 11:45 am in Sitka Sound, Alaska, USA (57.06N, 135.53W). Credit: Ellen Chenoweth from the vessel Pioneer. NOAA Fisheries MMPA/ESA Permit No. 24378.

Late Spring Brings Sun, Flowers—and Harbor Seal Pups to Alaska’s Glacial Fjords

In recognition of the 10-year anniversary of voluntary vessel approach guidelines, we’re reminding all mariners, from kayaks to cruise ships, how they can help protect Alaska’s glacial harbor seals.
July 03, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Alaska harbor seals and their pups rest on ice

Harmful Algal Blooms Linked to Deaths of Northern Fur Seals in the Southeast Bering Sea

Testing confirmed widespread exposure of saxitoxin in marine mammals and other wildlife.
June 04, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
West Coast
Dead Northern fur seal on St. Paul Island, Alaska. Credit: Paul Melovidov, Ecosystem Conservation Office Aleut Community of St. Paul Island (used with permission). Dead Northern fur seal on St. Paul Island, Alaska. Credit: Paul Melovidov, Ecosystem Conservation Office Aleut Community of St. Paul Island (used with permission).

New Kids on the Block: Species Discovered by Our Scientists

Over the years, NOAA Fisheries scientists have discovered dozens of species. Learn more about these species and what we've learned about them.
May 19, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
International
A type D killer whale swims at the surface of the ocean. It has a small white mark near its eye and a white belly. A Type D killer whale, a new species in the Southern Ocean. Credit: Paul Tixier

New Evidence of Temporary Refuge for Migrating Juvenile Salmon From Marine Heatwave Conditions

A scientific study suggests that the inside waters of northern Southeast Alaska may have provided a temporary buffer for juvenile salmon migrating into the Gulf of Alaska during warm water events.
May 15, 2025 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Looking down a dip net full of silvery juvenile salmon.