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6 Ways We Study Seals and Sea Lions

When it comes to studying seals and seal lions, these methods get a “seal of approval” from our scientists.
September 01, 2022 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
In the foreground an adult harp seal and pup on ice. Big chunks of ice can be seen in the background. An adult harp seal and pup on ice. Credit: NOAA Fisheries.

Streams Rich in Baseflow are Important for Atlantic Salmon

Study helps to identify important stream reaches for Atlantic salmon habitat.
August 30, 2022 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
atlantic salmon smolt blending into rocks underwater Atlantic salmon parr swimming. Photo Credit: Nick Hawkins

Slowing Down to Save North Atlantic Right Whales

New proposed rule aims to reduce vessel strikes and add protections to endangered North Atlantic right whales.
August 11, 2022 - Podcast ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
National
A North Atlantic right whale with propeller scars Right whale #3853 swimming north offshore of South Carolina on Jan. 20, 2011 with a series of fresh propeller wounds running across its back. The whale was observed 5 days previously offshore of Georgia without propeller wounds. It is unknown whether the whale survived its wounds or not, as it has not been re-sighted since. Vessel collisions are a leading cause of right whale mortality. Credit: EcoHealth Alliance (NOAA permit #594-1759).

Whales Hitting Boats – Conservation and Conflict

A biologist’s perspective on collaboration and enforcement.
August 10, 2022 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Jumping fish avoid an open humpback whale's mouth A humpback whale feeding on menhaden close to shore in Plymouth, MA. Credit: NOAA Fisheries

Celebrating 50 Years of the Marine Mammal Protection Act

NOAA Fisheries marks 50 years of marine mammal science, conservation, and recovery under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
July 30, 2022 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
Gray whales swimming Gray whales were nearly hunted to extinction by commercial whaling. Protections under the MMPA, ESA, and the end of commercial whaling have allowed the species to recover. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Permit #19091).

NOAA Seeks Input on Draft Ropeless Roadmap and Proposes New Vessel Speed Regulations to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales

The North Atlantic Right Whale Road to Recovery describes NOAA Fisheries’ efforts to halt the current population decline and recover the species, including new vessel speed regulations and a “roadmap” for use of ropeless gear.
July 29, 2022 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
North Atlantic right whale #4180 and new calf North Atlantic right whale #4180 and new calf. Credit: Clearwater Marine Aquarium Research Institute and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (NOAA permit #20556-01)

Recent Increase in Seal Deaths in Maine Linked to Avian Flu

NOAA Fisheries working with partners to determine the causes of death, and assess impacts.
July 20, 2022 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
MMoME team member assessing a dead seal. MMoME team member assessing a dead seal.

Woods Hole Science Aquarium Reopens to Public

Harbor seals are back at our aquarium and we are ready for visitors.
July 05, 2022 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Two harbor seals in their pool. They are hauled out of the water on a wooden pier in the pool. In the foreground, a young seal is on her belly, head to the left, tail arching to the right. Deep scarring is visible on her forehead and the side of her face. In the background a large male lies on his belly just behind the young seal, facing the camera head on. Pool toys used in training are floating nearby. Harbor seals Kitt and Bubba hauled out in their pool at the Woods Hole Science Aquarium. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Hannah Colwell

NOAA Announces 2019 and 2020 Confirmed Large Whale Entanglement Numbers

Seventy five large whale entanglement cases in 2019 and 53 cases in 2020 were confirmed nationally, fewer than in 2018.
June 28, 2022 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Pacific Islands
Southeast
West Coast
National
large whale entanglement Responders from the Center for Coastal Studies in Provincetown, Massachusetts, attempt to disentangle a North Atlantic right whale. Entanglements such as this one that involve the whale’s mouth and damage the whale’s baleen are particularly problematic, as they may prevent the animal from effectively feeding and the whale may ultimately starve, even if all of the entangling gear can be successfully removed by the response team. Credit: CCS; Permit No. 18986-04.

Smaller Female North Atlantic Right Whales Have Fewer Calves: Declining Body Size May Contribute to Low Birth Rates

Aerial photos reveal that body size of North Atlantic right whales is related to the number of calves they produce.
May 12, 2022 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Photograph from the North Atlantic right whale Catalog #3560 of "Snow Cone," a North Atlantic right whale sighted December 2, 2021 that was entangled in gear and with a new calf. Photo credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission taken under NOAA permit 20556. North Atlantic right whale Catalog #3560 ‘Snow Cone’ sighted December 2, 2021 entangled and with a new calf. Photo credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission taken under NOAA permit 20556.