FishNews - Oct 24, 2012 - Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Managing the Effects of Climate Change, Public Comment Opportunities, and More

National

Celebrating 40 Years of Marine Mammal Protection
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Marine Mammal Protection Act  we are highlighting some of the key ways NOAA Fisheries helps protect these magnificent creatures. Find out more.

Reflecting on 40 Years of Marine Mammal Protection
The Chief Science Advisor for NOAA Fisheries, Richard Merrick, reflects upon 40 years of successful marine mammal protection and considers the immense challenges ahead. Read more.

Migrating Gray Whales Slowly Reveal Their Secrets
Scientists recently discovered that some gray whales from a critically endangered population cross the Pacific every year to winter off the coast of North America. This discovery has important implications for managing these endangered whales and highlights the fact that, even after years of study, much about these great creatures remains unknown. Learn more.

NOAA Announces $4.9 million for Collaborative Research Projects to Help Coastal Communities Manage Effects of Climate Change
The grants will fund projects that will address community adaptation to sea level rise, implementation of low-impact development land use practices, oyster and wetland restoration, and river and watershed management. Find out more.

Meet the New King of American Seafood
Chef Gregory Gourdet of Departure Restaurant in Portland, Oregon, recently took first prize at the 2012 Great American Seafood Cook-off with his slow-cooked Oregon Chinook salmon. Read more about his passions and philosophies as a chef, the Cook-off, and why he counts U.S. seafood, specifically from Oregon, as the key to his success.

Eelgrass—Habitat of the Month
Underwater grasses, also called submerged aquatic vegetation—or seagrasses if they grow in the ocean—are flowering plants that live in shallow waters. Different species of underwater grasses prefer different water temperatures and salinity, but they all require sunlight to grow and reproduce. Find out more about one type of underwater grass called eelgrass, October’s habitat of the month. 

Northeast

NOAA Proposes Exempted Fishery for Spiny Dogfish
The proposal would allow vessels to fish for spiny dogfish in an inshore portion of Georges Bank with gillnet and longline gear from June through December and handline gear from June through August. This fishery would not be subject to Northeast multispecies regulations. Comment on the proposed rule though November 5, 2012.

Amendment 19 to the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan Is Available for Review
NOAA Fisheries seeks public comments on the proposed amendment, which was recently submitted by the New England Fishery Management Council for review and approval by the Secretary of Commerce. The amendment would modify management measures that govern the small-mesh multispecies fishery. Comment on the amendment through December 18, 2012.

Hopewell Mills Dam Removed, Fish Passage Restored
For the first time in nearly 200 years, the Mill River winds its way through Taunton, Massachusetts, providing natural habitat for fish and wildlife and flood protection for local people. During the past two months, the Hopewell Mills dam has been completely removed, and habitat restoration work continues at the site. Learn more.

Southeast

NOAA Encourages Calls to Report and Monitor Entangled, Diseased Dolphin in Southwest Florida
Biologists are continuing to monitor an entangled dolphin suffering from a chronic skin disease known as lacaziosis. The dolphin is often spotted in canals between Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda and was last seen with fishing line wrapped around its dorsal fin and tail. Sightings should be reported using the marine mammal hotline, 1-877-WHALE-HELP (877-942-5343). Find out more.

NOAA Fisheries Seeks Public Comment on a Proposed Rule for Shallow-Water Grouper in the Gulf of Mexico
The rule would modify accountability measures for shallow-water grouper and change the framework procedure for the reef fish fishery management plan. Read more or submit a comment.

Southwest

Draft Recovery Plan for South-Central California Coast Steelhead Now Available for Public Review
NOAA Fisheries seeks public comments on the plan and will consider all substantive comments received during the review period before submitting the plan for final approval. NOAA Fisheries will also hold public meetings to explain the plan and solicit comments. Comments are due December 18, 2012. Learn more.

Pacific Islands

NOAA Holds Meetings to Gather Community Input on Proposed Hawaiian Monk Seal Recovery Actions
Specifically, NOAA is seeking information on potential adverse effects to historic properties, including traditional cultural properties, as well as information on potential impacts to cultural resources and practices from proposed recovery actions. Attend a meeting.

Oct-Dec: NOAA Fisheries Holds Free Atlantic Shark Identification Workshops and Protected Species Safe Handling, Release, and Identification Workshops

Oct-Dec: NOAA Fisheries holds training workshops on Electronic Reporting System for Federal Atlantic Swordfish, Shark, and Tuna Dealers

Oct 25-26: Permanent Advisory Committee for the U.S. Commissioners to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Meets in Honolulu, Hawaii

Oct 29-Nov 1: Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council meets in Honolulu, Hawaii

Nov 2-7: Pacific Fishery Management Council meets in Costa Mesa, California

Nov. 7: SCUTES (Students Collaborating to Undertake Tracking Efforts for Sturgeon) Educator Workshop/Webinar

Nov 9: Fishermen's Northeast Groundfish Science Forum

Oct 1-31: NOAA Teacher At Sea Program Calls for Applications for 2013 Field Season

Nov. 19: Nominations for Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel due

Dec 14: Nominations for National Wetlands Awards due