The Latest Breaking News from NOAA Fisheries

Muskegon Lake had 347,350 tons of debris and 190,000 tons of contaminated soil removed

Muskegon Lake in Michigan has been officially delisted from the EPA's Areas of Concern list, marking a monumental milestone in restoration efforts. Over decades, key initiatives addressed challenges such as habitat degradation, pollution in soils, and shoreline hardening. With around $80 million dedicated to the cause, revitalized wetland habitats now…

The Times of India · 5h ago

In 2018, Massachusetts removed the first of two old dams from former cranberry bogs; by 2020...

In a groundbreaking ecological revival, old dams on the Coonamessett River in Massachusetts were dismantled, restoring wetlands and providing passage for migratory fish. This project repurposed industrial farmland into a flourishing coastal ecosystem, allowing fish to ascend to upstream spawning spots that had been blocked for years. The restoration involved…

The Times of India · Sep 15

Scientists find nine new sponge species in glimpse of Alaska’s deep-sea diversity

But their habitat is threatened by bottom trawling in the region and Trump’s plan to expand seafloor mining

The Guardian - US · Sep 14

In 2025, Virginia spent $8 million rebuilding 1.09 miles of Ragged Island shoreline; the project created 2.6 acres of new marsh and 2.2 acres of oyster reef while cutting hundreds of tons of sediment entering Chesapeake Bay

Virginia’s $8 million Ragged Island restoration project rebuilt 1.09 miles of shoreline, creating 2.6 acres of marsh and 2.2 acres of oyster reef. Funded by NOAA Fisheries, the project is reducing erosion and keeping hundreds of tons of sediment and nutrients out of Chesapeake Bay while creating valuable habitat for…

The Times of India · Aug 12

California removed more than 20 acres of asphalt from an old lumber mill and planted 420,000 native plants; early coho marine survival reached 2.6%

In Northern California, a former lumber mill site has been successfully converted into a vibrant wetland habitat. More than twenty acres of concrete and asphalt have been cleared, allowing for the replanting of native vegetation. This significant ecological project contributes to enhancing the habitats crucial for juvenile salmon and steelhead,…

The Times of India · Aug 12

North Carolina dam tested three water flows for 20 years, and scientists found the level that protects river wildlife while keeping more water for power

For two decades, the Roanoke Rapids Dam has been diligently analyzing water flow levels. Scientists observed the effects on fish and mussel populations, discovering that a medium flow rate supports wildlife while optimizing power generation. This significant finding permits greater water diversion to enhance electricity production, as the dam commits…

The Times of India · Aug 10

A Florida diver, after more than 20,000 dives, built an underwater nursery that grew 25,000 threatened corals for dying reefs

Florida's barrier reef has experienced severe ecological collapse due to climate change impacts. Scientists developed active propagation methods to aid coral regrowth efforts. Suspended tree structures significantly accelerate coral growth rates compared to traditional methods. These innovative techniques help rebuild living coral cover on damaged marine ecosystems. Active intervention offers…

The Times of India · Aug 4

In 2015, helicopters began dropping logs into Washington's Queets-Clearwater watershed, helping crews rebuild 8 miles of critical salmon habitat

Tribal nations and partners use helicopters to place logs in remote rivers. These logs help restore salmon habitats destroyed by past logging practices. The Quinault Indian Nation closed its fisheries due to insufficient salmon populations. Scientific studies show floods and food supply also significantly impact fish. This collaborative effort highlights…

The Times of India · Aug 4

In 2020, California placed more than 70,000 tons of rock on a sediment-covered seafloor; four years later, fish biomass across the restored reef complex had risen 166%

Scientists restored a damaged marine habitat off California's Palos Verdes Peninsula. Quarry rocks created a new rocky reef, reviving a buried ecosystem. Fish biomass increased significantly on the restored reef modules. Native species quickly colonized the new habitat, showing ecological gains. This project demonstrates habitat restoration's rapid impact on marine…

The Times of India · Jul 30

This California river once carried thousands of salmon every year. A 1942 dam changed it forever, and scientists are still trying to bring them back

Friant Dam construction in 1942 altered the San Joaquin River, impacting salmon populations. A 2006 settlement agreement initiated restoration efforts for the river and its fish. The program aims to reestablish spring-run Chinook salmon while managing water for agriculture. Multiple agencies collaborate on scientific research and habitat improvements for the…

The Times of India · Jul 27