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Endangered Vaquita Porpoise Not Doomed to Extinction by Inbreeding Depression

Study finds vaquitas are unlikely to be heavily impacted by inbreeding depression that can often undermine the survival of small populations, and have a high probability to recover if deaths in gillnets are immediately halted.
May 05, 2022 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
International
Photograph of a mother vaquita and her calf surfacing in the waters off San Felipe, Mexico. As recently as Fall 2021 vaquitas were seen with calves. Credit: Paula Olson, 2008. A mother and calf vaquita surface in the waters off San Felipe, Mexico. As recently as Fall 2021 vaquitas were seen with calves. Credit: Paula Olson, 2008

New Rule Focuses on Improving Survival of Hooked Oceanic Whitetip Sharks

NOAA is prohibiting wire leaders in the Hawaiʻi deep-set longline fishery. The measure is estimated to increase the survival of threatened oceanic whitetips by more than 30 percent.
April 28, 2022 - Feature Story ,
Pacific Islands
Oceanic whitetip shark swimming in deep ocean waters. The oceanic whitetip shark’s scientific name—Carcharhinus longimanus—comes from its long, rounded pectoral fin (Longimanus translates to “long hands”). Credit: Andy Mann

A Day in the Life of a Northeast Fisheries Observer

The observer program provides a “dream job” for Beth Nelson.
April 07, 2022 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Beth Nelson holds a pufferfish while at sea Beth Nelson holds a pufferfish while at sea

NOAA Fisheries Denies Request for Emergency Action on Bering Sea Salmon Bycatch

Petition did not meet three criteria necessary for emergency rule.
January 25, 2022 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Juvenile Chinook salmon. Juvenile Chinook salmon.

6 Ways U.S. Fisheries Reduce Albatross Bycatch

Fishermen, scientists, and policy makers work to prevent inadvertent death of migratory seabirds.
November 30, 2021 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Pacific Islands
West Coast
Albatross extending wings while floating in the water Short-tailed Albatross have an 11-foot wingspan making them one of the world's largest seabirds, they are listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

On the Water: A Look at Life as an Observer

Fisheries observers play a vital role in gathering the data needed to ensure the sustainability of our marine resources.
October 13, 2021 - Feature Story ,
Southeast
Boats in a harbor at sunrise Harbor at sunrise. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Lee Benaka

2021 Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program Awards

NOAA Fisheries announces $2.2 million in funding for 12 innovative bycatch reduction research projects.
September 09, 2021 - Feature Story ,
National
Large black and white sea turtle swims in the blue ocean with yellow and black striped fish One of the funded projects will include innovative technology to understand the impacts of fisheries gear entanglement on endangered leatherback sea turtles. Credit: Jason Isley/Scubazoo.

Discovering Deep-Sea Sponges in Alaska

Hundreds of species have yet to be described in the ecosystems that support Alaska’s valuable commercial fisheries.
September 02, 2021 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Underwater photo of a pink fish hiding inside a conical yellow sponge. A pregnant sharpchin rockfish shelters within a sponge on the seafloor off Alaska. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.

NOAA Fisheries Fact-Checks Orca Bycatch Photo Circulating on Social Media

Read a NOAA Fisheries statement on an orca bycatch photo circulating on social media.
April 15, 2021 - Agency Statement ,
Alaska
dam-migration-miss/1280_Yi1QGQud0z31.jpg A pod of killer whales in Alaska waters.

Seafood Bycatch Donation Relieves Hunger And Reduces Waste

A cooperative Alaska program takes an innovative approach to the global problem of unwanted fish catch.
October 30, 2020 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Photo of trawler F/V Commodore hauling in pollock catch in the Eastern Bering Sea. The F/V Commodore fishing for pollock in the Eastern Bering Sea. Credit: Brent Paine/United Catcher Boats.