NOAA Fisheries announced a series of initiatives for July, including the celebration of Habitat Month and National Culinary Arts Month, alongside significant actions to support domestic fishing, species recovery, and regional fishery management. These efforts highlight the agency's commitment to sustainable fisheries, habitat restoration, and economic opportunities within coastal communities.
Throughout July, NOAA Fisheries is observing Habitat Month, showcasing its work in conserving and restoring vital marine habitats. A notable project involves restoring hundreds of feet of brackish marsh around Virginia’s Ragged Island in the Chesapeake Bay. This NOAA-funded initiative aims to create habitat for fish, oysters, and birds, while also preventing sediment and pollution from entering the Bay, which can cause harmful algal blooms.
In a leadership message, NOAA Fisheries Assistant Administrator Eugenio Piñeiro Soler outlined region-specific actions to reduce burdens on domestic fishing and increase production, following input from councils, industry, and the public. Additionally, the agency awarded $4.2 million through its Species Recovery Grant Program for 2025, supporting 19 projects focused on endangered or threatened species, including North Atlantic right whales, Southern Resident killer whales, and white abalone. The U.S. Department of Commerce also appointed 22 new and returning members to regional fishery management councils, representing diverse stakeholders.
Regionally, President Donald J Trump signed an executive proclamation restoring commercial fishing in Pacific Marine Monuments, aiming to unlock economic opportunities for American fishermen. On the West Coast, $123.6 million in fishery disaster funding was allocated to Alaska, Oregon, California, and the Squaxin Island Tribe to address disasters from 2019 to 2023. In the New England/Mid-Atlantic region, the Atlantic mackerel population shows signs of improvement, with 2024 egg production being the highest since the 1980s, leading to substantially higher 2026 fishery specifications.
These ongoing efforts underscore NOAA Fisheries' dedication to balancing ecological health with economic vitality, ensuring the long-term sustainability of marine resources and the livelihoods of those who depend on them.