NEFSC's Top Stories of 2018

A range of stories attracted viewers to our website in 2018. Here are the top ten stories for the year, in order. We hope you will continue to follow our research and education activities on the web and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Internships and Career Opportunities in Marine Science

We offer a number of internships for high school, undergraduate and graduate students at our facilities in Orono, Maine; Woods Hole, Massachusetts; Narragansett, Rhode Island; Milford, Connecticut; and Sandy Hook, New Jersey. Among them are the Woods Hole Partnership Education Program, Sandy Hook Internship Program, NOAA Cooperative Science Centers, NOAA College-Supported Internship Program, and the NOAA Experiential Research and Training Opportunity.

The Second Largest Fish in the Sea -- is a Shark

Groups of basking sharks ranging from as few as 30 to nearly 1,400 individual animals have been observed aggregating in waters from Nova Scotia to Long Island. It's not what our aerial observers expected - they were looking for whales, but took advantage of the opportunity to record the phenomenon.

Making Fishery Monitoring Easier

Before leaving on a trip to catch groundfish, Northeast groundfish vessels first notify NOAA about the trip so a fishery monitor or observer can be assigned to the trip if needed. PTNS, short for pre-trip notification system, is a way to ensure fair and adequate monitoring across fleets. Upgrades to the system make it easier for vessels to use and mobile friendly.

Revealing the Secrets of the Elusive True's Beaked Whale

Researchers have been trying to learn more about this deep-diving, rarely seen whale for decades. They got their chance during cruises in 2016 and 2017, with acoustic recordings and the first ever tag placed on a True's Beaked whale.

Northeast Fisheries Observers

Fisheries observers work aboard commercial fishing vessels, collecting information on catch, both kept and discarded, as well as biological data and information on gear and fishing operations over a range of commercial fisheries. These data are used extensively by researchers and fishery managers to better understand the condition of fishery stocks, fishing businesses, and fishing operations.

Collecting Data to Understand Changes Over Time

Our twice-yearly bottom trawl survey of fish and invertebrates is the longest running of its kind in the world, collecting data used to understand changes in marine life and their habitats over time.

Survey reveals shark populations are improving

This 2015 story about our coastal shark survey, the longest running coastal shark research survey along the East Coast, continues to attract interest. More than 2,800 sharks, the most in the survey’s then 29-year history, were captured and tagged.

The North Atlantic Circulation System is Slowing Down

Researchers used computer model simulations to reconstruct changes in the North Atlantic circulation system over time, revealing changes that impact fisheries and climate. Their focus: the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, also known as AMOC.

Juneteenth and the African American Community

The Woods Hole scientific community celebrated Juneteenth, the ending of slavery in the United States, a local African American community, and honored two individuals who played a significant role in making the community more inclusive and more welcoming to people of all backgrounds.

Ocean and Coastal Recreation is Big Business

In a first of its kind study, researchers found millions of adults participate in a range of activities and spend billions on related goods and services. The top activity? Viewing or photographing the ocean!