A new estimate by NOAA Fisheries indicates an increase in the eastern North Pacific gray whale population migrating along the West Coast, a positive change following one of the lowest counts recorded in 2025. Concurrently, NOAA is implementing a new strategy to understand and manage increased shark interactions, bringing together science, state partners, and practical solutions to address the rising reports of shark depredation.
In the Gulf of America, scientists aboard the NOAA Ship Nancy Foster successfully planted propagated mesophotic corals to restore habitats injured by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This complex restoration effort involved expert technical diving and innovative tools. Meanwhile, the "Teacher at Sea" program continues to offer educators like Guy Sturdevant and Amelia Black hands-on experience, with Sturdevant surveying Alaska pollock and Black exploring groundfish in the Gulf, sharing their findings and educational tools.
Further initiatives include a profile of Alaska Sea Greens, a Kodiak Island couple farming kelp and fishing for salmon, highlighting sustainable aquaculture. The NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office is also benefiting from summer interns engaged in various projects, while NOAA Fisheries hosted a successful international cooperative research gathering with the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation, fostering trust and knowledge sharing for future fishery management.
Collaborative efforts are also evident in the Gulf region, where federal and state managers work to sustain fisheries and support coastal communities. A long-term partnership between NOAA Fisheries, Dominion Energy, and other agencies has also achieved a balance between hydroelectric power generation and the health of fish and mussel populations in North Carolina's Roanoke River.