Publications

The primary purpose of this guide is to assist individuals with navigating the federal permitting process for marine aquaculture (finfish, shellfish, invertebrates, seaweed). This 2024 version is an update to the original, published in 2022.

HCD highlights the division's most important achievements every year in an easy to read document.

This study compares the growth and trophic dynamics of Atlantic bluefin tuna larvae from the Gulf of Mexico and the Mediterranean Sea.

We illustrate the utility of spatial graphs as a data- and resource-efficient technique for quantifying and communicating complex ecological connectivity information.

This study examines the oxygen demands and tolerance of larval and juvenile toadfish across a range of temperatures.

This study uses satellite data to track the origins and transport pathways of pelagic Sargassum in the Gulf of Mexico. We found that Sargassum can come from the northwestern Gulf or be transported from the northwestern Caribbean Sea by ocean currents and eddies (circular currents). The spatial distribution of Sargassum in the Gulf is largely shaped by the Loop Current System and associated eddies.

Killer whales occur in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Atlantic, including off the southeastern United States. Data from cetacean surveys during 1990–2021 and other sources were combined to assess killer whale biology, including spatial and temporal distribution, social structure, genetics, morphology, acoustics, and predatory behavior.

On December 26th, NOAA Fisheries completed section 7 consultation under the Endangered Species Act, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Bureau of Reclamation, and the Bonneville Power Administration on the operation and maintenance of the Willamette Valley System. NOAA Fisheries determined the proposed action jeopardizes Upper Willamette River Chinook salmon and Upper Willamette River steelhead, and would adversely modify their designated critical habitat. The jeopardy Biological Opinion includes a Reasonable and Prudent Alternative that addresses water quality; fish passage; habitat restoration; hatchery operation and maintenance; and monitoring.

Our study highlights that the basic biology of Achilles tang poses unique challenges to fisheries managers looking to ensure its sustainable harvest.

Endangered Species Act (ESA) Section 7(a)(2) Biological Opinion for Biological Opinion National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Region, Sustainable Fisheries Division Fishery Management Plan for the Groundfish Fisheries of the Gulf of Alaska NMFS Consultation Number: AKRO-2024-01759