Wetlands provide a buffer from wave energy for shorelines and communities behind them. But sea level rise, storms, and other challenges are causing wetlands to erode. We’re working to restore these important habitats. Photo: Chesapeake Bay Program/Will Parson.

Protecting and Restoring Habitat in Virginia’s Middle Peninsula

11/19/2024 - By fisheries.noaa.gov. Healthy wetlands and oyster reefs support fish, wildlife, and communities. Virginia’s Middle Peninsula is a beautiful part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed—both on and off the water. But it faces challenges due to climate change, a lack of capacity to restore habitat, and rural coastal economic hardship. While the Middle… SEE MORE
Sardine collected on the 2023 Coastal Pelagic Species Survey. Pacific and Japanese sardine look so similar that they can only be distinguished by genetics. Genomic analysis later revealed that the catch contained both species. Photo Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Kelsey James

Surprise! Japanese Sardines Astonish Scientists by Crossing the Pacific to the West Coast

11/18/2024 - By fisheries.noaa.gov. Next generation genomic sequencing of Pacific sardine reveals not one, but two species of sardine in the California Current in 2022 and 2023. When research scientist Gary Longo first saw the results of his genomic analysis of sardines, he thought he must have mixed up his samples. Besides… SEE MORE
Image Credits: fisheries.noaa.gov.

New Clues Reveal Genetic Diversity among Alaska’s Harbor Porpoises

11/14/2024 - By fisheries.noaa.gov. Powerful tools reveal hidden structure of harbor porpoise population. Harbor porpoises are shy, elusive creatures that live in Alaska's coastal waters and are vital parts of the marine ecosystem. But how these animals are distributed and connected across the vast Alaskan waters remains a mystery. A new study published in the… SEE MORE
A newly acquired Makah trawling vessel in Neah Bay, being made ready to fish in the tribal whiting fishery. Credit: J.L. Ise/NOAA Fisheries

New Science Plan Outlines Research Priorities on Effects of Offshore Wind Development Along the West Coast

11/13/2024 - By fisheries.noaa.gov. NOAA Fisheries seeks to further build its expertise in this emerging ocean use. Offshore wind energy may represent the most significant new commercial use of the ocean seen in many decades. As new offshore wind technology emerges off the U.S. West Coast, NOAA Fisheries has developed a strategic… SEE MORE
Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge. Credit: Hawaiʻi Land Trust

Restoring Ecosystems and Rejuvenating Native Hawaiian Traditions in Maui

11/11/2024 - By fisheries.noaa.gov. With support from NOAA, Hawaiʻi Land Trust is restoring a 15th-century Native Hawaiian aquaculture site. This human-made ecosystem will provide food for community members and habitat for wildlife while protecting coral reefs offshore. In partnership with NOAA, the Hawaiʻi Land Trust (HILT) is restoring ecosystems and reestablishing Native Hawaiian connections to… SEE MORE
Removal of Holmes Dam from Town Brook in Plymouth Massachusetts in 2018. (Image credit: Hawk Visuals)

Biden-Harris Administration, NOAA make $95 Million Available for Fish Passage as Part of Investing in America Agenda

11/9/2024 - By noaa.gov. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will facilitate fish conservation efforts. Today, NOAA Fisheries announced two funding opportunities totaling $95 million through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to support new fish passage projects, with one focused on tribes. Projects will help protect and restore migrating fish and their habitats, and… SEE MORE
Image Credits: PICRYL.

Pressure Grows for Countries to Deliver on Promised Biodiversity Targets at UN Conference

11/2/2024 - By Michael Casey. Two years after reaching a historic biodiversity agreement, countries will gather next week to determine whether they are making progress on efforts to save Earth’s plant and animal life. The agreement signed by 196 countries at the United Nations Biodiversity Conference calls for protecting 30% of land and… SEE MORE
Image Credits: Flickr.com.

Where the Rivers Run Pink

10/26/2024 - By Jude Isabella. Non-native pink salmon have swarmed Norway’s rivers, prompting a relentless—and potentially fruitless—fight to beat back the invaders. The Grense Jakobselv River flows from northwestern Russia to the Barents Sea. For 35 of its 45 kilometers, the river also serves as the border between Russia and Norway. This… SEE MORE