Hot Issues

Gulf of Maine Cod News -- December 16, 2011
In November 2011 the Gulf of Maine cod stock assessment underwent a peer review by a team of independent scientists at the 53rd Stock Assessment Workshop. Preliminary results indicate that the stock is overfished and overfishing is occurring and that it will not rebuild by the 2014 deadline. > read more

New Atlantic Mackerel Limited Access Program -- November 29, 2011
On March 1, 2012, a new vessel permit program will go into effect for Atlantic mackerel. The program is designed to reduce fishing capacity of the mackerel fleet while allowing qualified vessels to continue fishing for mackerel at their historic or recent level of participation in the fishery.> read more

Federal & State Agencies Team up to Collect Information on Fish Habitat in New England Coastal Waters -- August 29, 2011
Ever wonder what unique features a codfish looks for in a home? A team of scientists from federal and state agencies and academic institutions hope to learn more about this when they explore various seafloor habitats where cod and a variety of other marine species live. > read more

NOAA approves catch limit increases & other measures to provide greater flexibility to the sustainable Atlantic sea scallop fishery -- July 20, 2011
NOAA has approved a suite of management measures for the Atlantic sea scallop fishery, which will increase fishing opportunities for fishermen. > read more

NOAA & Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center Engage Local Students & Teachers in Watershed Science Studies -- April 21, 2011
Students and teachers from Rockport middle school participated in the first of two field studies to learn first-hand about the local watershed. These studies are part of a 3-year science education project offered by the Gloucester Maritime Heritage Center. > read more

NOAA Fisheries Service's Northeast Regional Office Hosts Exhibit Featuring Work of Massachusetts Students -- April 20, 2011
A new exhibit of student art focused on "Amazing Ocean Creatures of Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and the Gulf of Maine" has opened at the NOAA Fisheries Service's Northeast Regional Office in Gloucester, MA. > read more