Delano’s Washington Transition Marks a New Era for U.S. Fishermen
This past year marked a period of significant transition and growth for New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association, accompanied by an important evolution in the role of longtime leader Dustin Delano. Over the summer, Delano was promoted from Chief Operating Officer to Chief Strategist of Policy & Operations, reflecting NEFSA’s increasing focus on national-level advocacy. By fall, he was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors, where he serves on the Executive Committee alongside President Aaron Williams, Vice President John Drouin, Secretary Alison Hawkes, and Treasurer Ronnie Musetti. Delano’s transition coincided with NEFSA’s decision to establish a full-time presence in Washington, D.C.—a strategic move aimed at giving fishermen a stronger voice in federal policy conversations. In late summer, Delano relocated to the capital, and in recent weeks he began a part-time detail with the political team at NOAA Headquarters within the Department of Commerce. He joins NOAA as the agency’s first-ever “Fisherman in Residence,” a newly created role in the Trump Administration designed to help rebuild trust and strengthen communication between the fishing industry and the federal government. When asked what this position means for fishermen across the country, Delano explained: “The Fisherman in Residence role creates a direct line for genuine, real-world input from someone who lived the challenges of this industry every day. It’s an opportunity to help ground NOAA leadership in the practical impacts of their decisions—impacts that, at times, have been lost in translation. I look forward to working with NOAA’s leadership team and helping to close the widening gap between the agency and the fishing community.” Delano’s expanded responsibilities reflect NEFSA’s commitment to ensuring that fishermen remain represented, respected, and heard at the highest levels of government. His leadership will continue to shape the organization’s mission as NEFSA strengthens its national footprint and advocates for a more balanced, transparent, and collaborative fisheries management system.
Lobster Stock Assessment Shows Environmental Shifts — Not Fishery Mismanagement
By Dustin Delano, Chairman & Chief Strategist, NEFSA
New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association (NEFSA) The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) recently released the 2025 American Lobster Benchmark Stock Assessment, providing the first comprehensive look at the Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank lobster resource since the record-high years of the late 2010s.The assessment confirms what many fishermen have long observed: environmental conditions —not fishing practices — are driving changes in lobster abundance throughout the region. While the report documents a 34% decline in overall population since the 2018 peak, it clearly states that the stock is not depleted, and that harvest pressure has remained stable over time. This decline was not surprising. Fishermen and industry leaders have understood that the unprecedented level of abundance seen in the Gulf of Maine over the past decade was unlikely to persist indefinitely. Shifting environmental patterns continue to influence where lobsters settle, migrate, and thrive. In fact, the assessment identifies water temperature as the “primary influence” on current stock trends. It is also important to recognize the differences between the Gulf of Maine (GOM) and Georges Bank (GBK) fisheries. The GOM fleet — made up largely of small, nearshore Maine vessels —accounts for over 80% of total annual landings, forming the core of our coastal economy. The GBK fishery, much smaller by comparison, accounts for about 5% of landings and is primarily operated by offshore boats making multi-day trips. Landings trends align with these environmental patterns. After topping 100 million pounds for a decade and reaching a record value of $742.9 million in 2021, landings have gradually decreased. In 2024, Maine fishermen alone landed approximately 86 million pounds — a 15-year low in volume — yet the fishery still delivered one of the highest-value years in history, reflecting strong demand and consistent stewardship on the water. Critically, the stock assessment determined that the GOM/GBK lobster population remains above the level needed to sustain itself, meaning the resource is not depleted. Harvest rates have been remarkably steady for decades, and although these rates are now approaching the exploitation threshold due to the recent environmental decline in abundance, this does not indicate a failure of management or irresponsible fishing activity. Some have attempted to interpret parts of the assessment as evidence that overfishing is occurring, but the model outputs do not support that conclusion. The assessment notes that only about half of the model runs suggested overfishing, while the other half did not — essentially a 50:50 level of uncertainty. This lack of clarity, combined with decades of stable harvest pressure, demonstrates that the recent decline is driven by environmental change, not by fishermen. ASMFC took no regulatory action in response to the assessment, recognizing that the findings do not warrant new restrictions at this time. The next step will involve deeper discussion with fishermen, where the real-world experience and knowledge of those on the water will help guide any future considerations. For NEFSA, this stock assessment reaffirms what we have been saying consistently: Fishermen are not the problem. Naturally fluctuating environmental conditions are. The Maine lobster fishery remains one of the most sustainable, responsibly managed, and culturally important fisheries in the world. As policymakers digest this new assessment, NEFSA will continue working to ensure that the industry’s perspective, experience, and expertise remain central to every decision. We will keep pushing back against misinformation, defending the fishery from unwarranted regulatory threats, and advocating for management grounded in science — not speculation. The lobster industry has weathered change before, and with strong representation from NEFSA and unified fishermen, it will continue to do so for generations to come.
Northern Shrimp Section Maintains Moratorium Through 2028
PORTLAND – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Northern Shrimp Section (Section) maintained the current moratorium on northern shrimp fishing for another three years through the 2028 fishing year, with no sampling program in 2026. This action responds to the northern shrimp stock remaining at low biomass levels over the past decade despite the fishing moratorium, first implemented in 2014.
The 2025 Northern Shrimp Data Update found no improvement in stock status with new time series lows in total abundance. Environmental conditions have been unfavorable for northern shrimp during the moratorium, although two environmental indices, the index of predation pressure and winter surface temperature, showed improvement in the most recent year of data. New recruitment and temperature management triggers were implemented through Amendment 4 and used in management for the first time this year. However, neither trigger was tripped.
While the moratorium will remain in place for three years, the Northern Shrimp Technical Committee will continue to provide the Section with annual data updates and management trigger analyses. If the recruitment and/or temperature triggers are tripped during the three-year moratorium, the Section can consider management action including sampling programs for 2027 and 2028. For the recruitment trigger, three years of non-failed recruitment would initiate a full stock assessment update with projections to be completed as soon as possible. For the temperature trigger, two out of three consecutive years of winter surface temperature and spring bottom temperature below the 80th percentile of the reference period (1984-2017) would prompt the Section to consider running the winter sampling program without the use of the size-sorting grates.
For more information, please contact Chelsea Tuohy, Fishery Management Plan Coordinator, at ctuohy@asmfc.org or 703.842.0740.
December 2025 Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council Meeting Summary
Atlantic Mackerel Rebuilding and Specifications Framework
The Council adopted a revised rebuilding plan and 2026-2027 specifications for the Atlantic mackerel fishery. Based on a 2025 assessment showing improved stock trends, the revised plan will allow higher catches while continuing to rebuild the stock by 2032. This action reflects the Council’s efforts to expand fishing opportunities where stock conditions allow, consistent with the Executive Order on Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness.
Under the modified rebuilding plan, commercial quotas would increase to 11,237 metric tons (24.8 million pounds) for 2026 and 13,210 metric tons (29.1 million pounds) for 2027. Once approved and implemented by NOAA Fisheries, the new commercial quotas will allow substantially higher initial Atlantic mackerel trip limits, including a 200,000-pound trip limit for Tier 1 permitted vessels. While the higher quota may be implemented relatively quickly, associated trip limit changes may take longer to clear various NOAA regulatory processes.
The Council also voted to increase the federal recreational possession limit to 25 fish for private boats and 50 fish for for-hire patrons (currently 20 fish for all). The higher for-hire possession limit responds to industry comments that customers are discouraged from booking trips at lower possession limits. States may or may not increase their possession limits, and boats are subject to state rules whenever in state waters.
Atlantic mackerel assessments have regularly overestimated the number of fish entering the population in the assessment’s last year of data, referred to as the “terminal year recruitment.” To ensure the stock remains on track to rebuild even if a future assessment concludes that 2024 recruitment was lower than initially estimated, the Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee (SSC) replaced the assessment’s very high estimate of 2024 recruitment (1.3 billion) with a much lower value based on the median recruitment from 2009 to 2023 (91 million).
The Council did not recommend any modifications to the existing 129-metric-ton (284,396 pounds) cap on incidental catch of river herring and shad (RH/S). To fully utilize the Atlantic mackerel quota, the fishery must stay below a combined RH/S bycatch rate of about 0.75% (i.e., less than one percent) on typical mackerel trips. From 2015 through 2023, this threshold was exceeded in 3 of 9 years, resulting in fishery closures in two of those years. Accordingly, the current cap continues to provide a strong incentive to avoid RH/S bycatch. The Council has also sponsored development of a RH/S bycatch risk prediction tool that will help industry identify areas where RH/S are more likely to be encountered. This tool will be available to the fleet starting in early 2026.
The Council will work with NOAA Fisheries to facilitate timely implementation of the revised quotas and trip limits. Details on pending trip limit changes and updates on the implementation process may be found on the action page for this framework.
Spiny Dogfish Accountability Measures and Specifications Framework
The Council revisited the joint spiny dogfish framework action following action taken by the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC). The spiny dogfish fishery is jointly managed by the two Councils, and any framework measures must be adopted by both.
The framework addresses modifications to fishery’s accountability measures and sets 2026–2027 specifications for the fishery. The Mid-Atlantic Council selected preferred alternatives and approved the framework for submission to NOAA Fisheries at its October 2025 meeting. During that meeting, the NOAA Fisheries Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Administrator raised concerns that aspects of the combined accountability measure approach could result in insufficient catch accountability, particularly related to the treatment of commercial landings overages. Despite these concerns, the Mid-Atlantic Council concluded that the full suite of adopted measures was appropriate to conserve and manage the fishery.
At the NEFMC’s December 2025 meeting, the Regional Administrator provided additional clarification, noting that the combination of not always paying back commercial landings overages and closing the fishery at 105 percent of the commercial quota could allow for repeated uncorrected overages. The Regional Administrator indicated that removing one of these two measures would alleviate major concerns. NEFMC ultimately adopted the same framework measures as the Mid-Atlantic Council with one exception: it did not adopt the 105 percent fishery closure provision, instead voting for no action on that measure.
Given NEFMC’s action and the requirement for consistent measures under a joint framework, the Mid-Atlantic Council reconsidered the action at its December meeting. The Council voted to align with NEFMC by not adopting the 105 percent closure measure, thus allowing the remaining elements of the framework to move forward jointly. Additional information on the final joint action is available in the Councils’ press release: Mid- Atlantic and New England Councils Take Joint Action on Spiny Dogfish Framework.
2026-2027 Recreational Management Measures for Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black SeaBass
The Council met jointly with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Management Board (Board) to discuss 2026 and 2027 recreational management measures (i.e., bag, size, and season limits) for summer flounder, scup, and black sea bass. For all three species, the Council and Board followed the Percent Change Approach as outlined in Framework 19/Addendum XXXVI. The first step of the Percent Change Approach is to compare the upcoming two-year average recreational harvest limit (RHL) to a confidence interval around an estimate of expected harvest in the upcoming two years if the current measures were to remain in place. The Recreation Demand Model developed by the Northeast Fisheries Science Center was used to calculate the estimates of harvest under current measures and the associated confidence intervals. The Percent Change Approach also requires consideration of biomass compared to the target level when determining the required overall percent change in expected harvest.
Summer Flounder
The Council and Board agreed the Percent Change Approach requires no change in recreational harvest of summer flounder in 2026 and 2027. This is because the 2026-2027 RHL (8.79 million pounds) falls above the confidence interval around estimated harvest for these years, and stock biomass is greater than 50% but less than 90% of the target level.
The Council and Board approved the use of regional conservation equivalency in 2026 and 2027. Non-preferred coastwide measures, which are written into the federal regulations but waived in favor of state measures, include an 18.5-inch minimum size, 3 fish possession limit, and open season from May 8-September 30. Precautionary default measures include a 20-inch minimum size, 2 fish possession limit, and open season from July 1-August 31. These measures are only intended to be used for states/regions which do not comply with the conservation equivalency process.
Under the no change in harvest outcome, the current measures are expected to remain in place for states/regions in 2026. Measures for 2027 will be reviewed in 2026 but are expected to remain unchanged unless new information suggests a major change in the expected impacts of those measures on the stock or the fishery. If states/regions would like to make minor changes to their 2026 measures (e.g., to maintain a Saturday opening), those changes will need to be approved through the Commission process in early 2026.
Scup
The Council and Board agreed the Percent Change Approach requires no change in recreational harvest of scup in 2026 and 2027. This is because the average 2026-2027 RHL (12.38 million pounds) falls below the confidence interval around estimated harvest for these years, and the stock is greater than 150% of the target level.
Under the no change in harvest outcome, the Council and Board agreed to status quo federal water measures. Status quo state water measures are also expected to remain in place in 2026. Measures for 2027 will be reviewed in 2026 but are expected to remain unchanged unless new information suggests a major change in the expected impacts of those measures on the stock or the fishery. If states would like to make minor changes to their 2026 measures (e.g., to maintain a Saturday opening), those changes will need to be approved through the Commission process in early 2026.
Black Sea Bass
The Council and Board discussed application of the Percent Change Approach for setting 2026 and 2027 recreational measures for black sea bass, including consideration of the appropriate confidence interval. When viewed as a percentage range around the median, the updated confidence interval for black sea bass is much wider than the those for summer flounder and scup. It is also wider than the confidence intervals used in the past for all three species. The degree of this difference was not anticipated prior to the availability of updated Recreation Demand Model results but can be explained by differences in the input data. Specifically, the black sea bass stock assessment recently transitioned to the Woods Hole Assessment Model (WHAM), which characterizes uncertainty differently than the assessment model structure used for black sea bass in the past and currently used for summer flounder and scup.
Council and Board members emphasized that Framework 19/Addendum XXXVI calls for consideration of the appropriate confidence interval methodology each specifications cycle. In addition, the Recreation Demand Model, as well as stock assessment models and projections, continue to evolve and improve over time. The Council and Board tasked staff to plan a more comprehensive review of confidence interval methods for all three species to better inform future decision-making.
The Council and Board discussed that use of the prior confidence interval method would have resulted in no liberalization for black sea bass in 2026 and 2027, while a slightly narrower interval would have resulted in a 39 percent liberalization. The Council and Board ultimately approved a 20 percent liberalization. They agreed this is appropriately precautionary, especially as harvest would still be expected to be below the 2026-2027 RHL and biomass has been increasing and has been well above the target level for more than a decade. Consistent with the Percent Change Approach, the 20 percent liberalization will be implemented in 2026, with 2027 measures remaining unchanged unless new information suggests a major change in the expected impacts of those measures on the stock or the fishery.
The Council and Board also agreed to waive federal waters measures in favor of state waters measures, as has been done for black sea bass since 2022. They adopted non-preferred coastwide measures consisting of a 14- inch minimum size, a 5-fish possession limit, and a May 15–September 30 open season. These measures are intended to be waived in favor of state waters measures. Precautionary default measures remain unchanged at a 16 inch minimum size, a 2-fish possession limit, and an open season of June 1 – August 31. These measures will only be implemented if needed for states/regions which do not follow the conservation equivalency process. Measures in individual states/regions will be determined in early 2026 through the Commission process.
Recreational Sector Separation Amendment
The Council met jointly with the Commission’s Interstate Fisheries Management Program (ISFMP) Policy Board to review and provide guidance on revised draft alternatives for the Recreational Sector Separation Amendment for summer flounder, scup, black sea bass, and bluefish. This amendment considers two main issues: 1) recreational mode management (separate for-hire and private mode management measures or strategies), and 2) for-hire permitting and reporting requirements.
The Council and Policy Board discussed questions and areas of feedback identified by the Fishery Management Action Team/Plan Development Team (FMAT/PDT). While some of these questions were addressed, the Council and Board recognized that additional stakeholder input and discussion among managers is needed in order to continue development of alternatives. The groups delayed development of a draft amendment/public hearing document in order to hold a workshop in 2026 to further refine the draft alternatives. Staff will prepare draft workshop objectives and logistics for review by the Council and Policy Board in early 2026.
In addition, the Council and Policy Board removed from consideration an option that would have required states to consider or implement state-level mode management during the recreational measures setting process. This option was removed due to concerns about potential administrative burden and stakeholder confusion. However, they intend to further explore an option that would adopt uniform guidelines and best practices for implementing mode management at the state and/or federal levels. Additional guidance is needed on guidelines and best practices that may be included, which will receive further discussion at the workshop. The workshop will also cover the remaining options related to a for-hire Letter of Authorization (LOA) program, as well as for- hire permitting and reporting requirements.
The groups also discussed, but did not approve, removing bluefish from the amendment and pursuing further development of the LOA options only for summer flounder and black sea bass. Some members also expressed concern that mode management approaches using separate allocations had been removed from the document in August and discussed whether these types of options should be discussed at the planned workshop, but rejected a motion to do so.
Recreational Tilefish Reporting Framework
The Council reviewed a modified range of alternatives for the Recreational Tilefish Reporting Framework. This action considers options to modify or eliminate the permitting and reporting requirements for private recreational tilefish anglers with the goals of reducing the reporting burden, increasing enforceability of regulations, and improving the accuracy and reliability of self-reported data.
The range of alternatives presented to the Council includes options that would either 1) eliminate the current permit and/or reporting requirements or (2) modify the required reporting fields and/or submission timeframe. An initial range of alternatives was presented to the Council during the October 2025 meeting and further refined based on Council discussion.
The Council discussed the importance of the reporting program given the current data limitations for both blueline and golden tilefish, noting that improved recreational catch data remains a major data gap. However, the Council acknowledged that the existing reporting program has not functioned as intended and that the complexity of the requirements has likely contributed to low participation and poor data quality. As a result, the Council emphasized the need to simplify reporting requirements to improve compliance and increase the likelihood of obtaining usable catch data. The Council also discussed enforceability as a key consideration, recognizing that reporting requirements that are easier to understand and enforce may improve program performance.
Several Council members expressed continued interest in obtaining tilefish length data as well as information on fishing location; however, Council members agreed that the mandatory reporting fields need to be made as simple as possible. To avoid adding complexity, the Council agreed to consider making these fields optional rather than required. The Council noted that optional reporting fields could provide opportunities to collect additional biological or spatial information without increasing the regulatory burden.
Final action by the Council is tentatively planned for April 2026.
2026 Implementation Plan
The Council approved a draft 2026 Implementation Plan after making several revisions. The plan outlines anticipated work for the upcoming year in the context of the Council’s 5-year strategic plan. First, the Council added an action to evaluate and provide guidance on the use of confidence intervals and the role of uncertainty in the Percent Change Approach. The Council also agreed to add development and implementation of a mesh selectivity study for the directed Atlantic mackerel fishery to the “Possible Additions” section of the plan, which includes tasks the Council may work on if time and resources allow. In addition, the Council moved review of revised MRIP Fishing Effort Survey data (including associated allocation changes) to the Possible Additions section. Finally, the Council removed a potential action related to development of an omnibus framework for ACL specification regulations and instead requested that the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office Regional Administrator address this issue through Magnuson-Stevens Act Section 305(d) rulemaking.
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Governance Projects
The Council received an overview of the governance-related IRA projects across the three East Coast Councils. The New England, Mid-Atlantic, and South Atlantic Councils all have at least one IRA project that will review, evaluate, and potentially recommend modifications to cross-jurisdictional governance processes, advisory body structure and use, and cooperative management agreements. Many of these projects are underway with contractors conducting the work on most project components. A significant amount of work is anticipated in 2026 and Council members, advisors, and staff will be involved in a variety of activities throughout the year to offer their feedback and perspectives to help address the project objectives.
Next Council Meeting
The next Council meeting will be held by webinar February 10-11, 2026.
Part 2: Seafood Tips from the People Bringing You America’s Seafood
December 11, 2025
Across the country, fishermen, farmers, chefs, and educators are working to keep fishing heritage alive while inspiring new generations to value the bounties of our coastal waters. Here, experts from the Pacific coast share their stories and tips for making seafood a bigger part of your life—no matter where you live.
Jenna Keeton, Washington Sea Grant
To celebrate Seafood Month, fisheries staff from Washington, Oregon, and California Sea Grants developed and launched Discover West Coast Seafood. The website features information about the species caught and farmed on the West Coast, along with harvester profiles, recipes, and where to find local seafood, all designed to help consumers explore their local seafood options and make informed choices.
For Jenna Keeton, one of the lead authors of the Discover West Coast Seafood website, working with seafood blends science, sustainability, and her love of food. She began her career in fisheries as an undergraduate with the School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington. While there, she also studied with the Alaska Salmon Program in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Her interest in connecting science to sustainable food sources led to her current role as fisheries specialist at Washington Sea Grant, one of NOAA’s National Sea Grant College Programs. As part of Jenna’s work, she provides consumer education resources on seafood, sustainable commercial fisheries, and shellfish harvest activities. Washington Sea Grant also offers technical assistance and training to the seafood sector to ensure safe harvest and processing, while helping expand consumer access to U.S. seafood.
“We are so excited to share this comprehensive educational resource highlighting the West Coast’s variety of seafood. I particularly like learning about the types of gear harvesters use.” — Jenna Keeton, Discover West Coast Seafood/Washington Sea Grant
The Discover West Coast Seafood Team’s Seafood Tips
Find dishes you already enjoy and incorporate local seafood for the protein in those recipes. For example, use a mild, flakey fish like rockfish or sole for taco night. Explore new seafood and preparations methods gradually; small changes can help you expand your seafood repertoire. For example, try pan-searing your salmon to develop a caramelized flavor. Support sustainable U.S. fishers and shellfish growers to ensure healthy oceans and thriving coastal economies.
Lyf Gildersleeve, Flying Fish Company LLC, Oregon
As a second-generation fishmonger, seafood has always been part of Lyf Gildersleeve’s life and identity. His parents opened Flying Fish Company in Sandpoint, Idaho in 1979, just a year before he was born. Today, Lyf serves as president and chief fishmonger of Flying Fish. It has grown from a family fish market to locations in three states. Their Portland hub evolved from a food cart into a full market, restaurant, oyster bar, and beer garden. Across locations, Flying Fish is passionate about connecting people with fresh, sustainable seafood and the stories behind it.
Lyf’s path to the helm of Flying Fish was shaped by experiences that broadened his perspective on seafood and sustainability. As a high school exchange student in Ecuador, he lived with shrimp farming families, sparking his curiosity for farmed seafood and how it shapes communities. He went on to study aquaculture at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Over the years, his work has spanned aquaculture, aquaponics, and fishing, with a focus on advancing responsible use of ocean resources.
Lyf continues to wear many hats, serving on the Highly Migratory Species Advisory Subpanel for the Pacific Fisheries Council, participating on the policy board for the Marine Fish Conservation Network in Washington, D.C. This October, Flying Fish Portland celebrated Seafood Month by featuring specials that donated 10 percent of sales to non-profits (Surfrider Foundation and Save Our Wild Salmon).
“Being able to carry on my family’s tradition as a fishmonger has been both fulfilling and inspirational.” — Lyf Gildersleeve, Flying Fish Company LLC
Lyf’s Seafood Tips
Try something new at home: Explore easy-to-prepare dishes like poke, scallops, black cod, and bay shrimp. Don’t overthink it: You don’t need a professional chef to prepare delicious, high-quality seafood at home. There are easy, approachable recipes that even make seafood weeknight-friendly. Choose U.S. seafood: Buying seafood from domestic sources helps American fishermen and farmers and ensures sustainability.
Mark Tagal, Tagal Oceanic, Pacific Northwest
Mark Tagal’s career in seafood has spanned from ocean to table. His passion for cooking led him to work in kitchens in Seattle and Hawaiʻi while studying marine biology at the University of Washington. This grew into a full-circle career spanning commercial fishing, aquaculture, and science. Today, Mark and his wife Lisa focus on bridging science, seafood, and storytelling through their company Tagal Oceanic.
Mark regularly collaborates with NOAA on sustainable seafood projects, most recently through the eeBLUE Aquaculture Literacy Mini-Grants Program. This project introduced communities to the concept of merroir—the “taste of place” that links seafood’s flavor and texture to its local environment.
One of the most rewarding parts of this work was partnering with Bonney Lake High School’s culinary team to create a seafood dish that told the story of the fish through its merroir. The students developed a recipe using sablefish sourced from the S’Klallam Tribe and NOAA’s Manchester Research Station. The team went on to win at local, regional, and state competitions and even placed in the top 20 nationally.
Mark celebrated Seafood Month this past October by gathering friends and family over chowders, bisques, and hearty stews, and appreciating the stories behind the dishes.
“Science and seafood go hand in hand—flavor is just the beginning. I want my two grandsons to be able to experience all the bounty that our oceans have to offer, just like I did when I was young.” — Mark Tagal, Tagal Oceanic
Mark’s Seafood Tips
Be adventurous: Try new seafood! Many Americans stick to the same few species because they’re afraid of making a mistake in the kitchen. But U.S. seafood is diverse and sustainable, and even more delicious when you understand where it comes from. Ask questions at the counter, explore underutilized species, and don’t be afraid to try something unfamiliar. You might discover a new favorite. Check out Tagal Oceanic’s Merroir Wheel to connect seafood’s origin to its flavor and preparation.
Paul Samiere, Honolulu Fish Company, Hawaiʻi
Paul Samiere is proud of the seafood that Hawaii produces and he loves sharing it with people around the world. “Not many people have even seen fish of this quality,” he notes. “Using our technology to get top notch sashimi across the country overnight? It’s fun!”
Honolulu Fish Company specializes in overnight shipping of hand-selected, sashimi-grade fish—directly from the Honolulu pier to kitchens nationwide. Their dynamic approach employs experts (in fileting, packaging, shipping) at every step of the chain. They emphasize rigorous quality control and precise data tracking for important aspects like temperature, weight, and origin boat. They even use NASA technology that maintains temperature for up to 96 hours for their packaging.
Honolulu Fish Company’s unique access to the Honolulu fish auction and decades-long partnerships allow them to provide top-tier, traceable seafood. They can trace every portion of fish, whether a small cut or a whole fish, through safe tracking.
“My favorite part of my job is the relationships that this product and service allows me to have with anyone across the country … we get such a good response from many chefs around the country.” — Paul Smiere, Honolulu Fish Company
Paul’s Seafood Tips
For seafood consumers, Paul’s mantra is “eat it raw.” His favorite way to prepare seafood, mainly fish, is as sashimi. If you must cook it, his preferred preparation is a light sear to give it a little texture, with minimal seasoning, maintaining a mostly raw interior. He also encourages consumers to try new things and understand the origin of their seafood.
Chef Renée Trafton, Beak Restaurant, Alaska
Chef Renée Trafton, owner of Beak Restaurant in Sitka, Alaska, has always been drawn to the beauty and versatility of seafood. She grew up fishing in the lakes and streams of Colorado and visiting bustling seafood markets in Panama City, Panama. These experiences helped her develop a deep appreciation for fresh, high-quality seafood.
Today, Renée showcases some of the most spectacular seafood in the world at her restaurant. She serves dishes made primarily from fish caught by small boat fishermen in the waters of Alaska’s Inland Passage. Chef Renée’s culinary philosophy revolves around practicing sustainability, fostering community, and showcasing quality local ingredients. She believes in treating each ingredient with respect, creating a vibrant dining experience that reflects both innovation and our cultural roots.
Every month is a celebration of seafood at Beak, and Chef Renée hopes that can continue for generations to come.
“As a seafood-focused restaurant owner, I rely on NOAA Fisheries to help manage Alaska’s fisheries and ensure that small boat fishermen can continue harvesting sustainably.” — Chef Renée Trafton, Beak Restaurant
Chef Renée’s Seafood Tips
Buy wild-caught Alaskan seafood when it’s possible—it’s fresh, flavorful, and sustainable. Support small local fishermen to help preserve healthy fisheries. Experiment with seafood at home to discover new flavors and cooking techniques. Make seafood a regular part of your meals to enjoy its health benefits and variety of options.
Weatherly Bates, Alaska Shellfish Farms, LLC, Alaska
For 20 years, Weatherly Bates and her family have raised oysters, kelp, and mussels in the cold, pristine waters of Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Their signature Glacier Point oysters grow slowly in some of the coldest waters in the state, lending a clean, crisp, flavor compared to cucumber or melon.
For the Bates family, aquaculture is more than just a business. It’s a way to raise their family on the ocean, close to nature, while inspiring future generations to value the bounties of our coastal waters. As an outreach partner with NOAA, Weatherly shares her knowledge and passion for shellfish farming with her community. She strives to show how small farms can make a big impact on communities nationwide and share the unique flavors of Alaska with others.
For Weatherly, celebrating seafood means eating responsibly sourced harvests and supporting the American seafood industry.
“The goal is simple: grow delicious food while helping build a healthier ocean for generations to come.” — Weatherly Bates, Alaska Shellfish Farms
Weatherly’s Seafood Tips
Choose responsibly sourced seafood and support U.S. seafood producers. Bring more U.S. seafood to your table, try new flavors, and enjoy a meal that was harvested with care. Whether experimenting with a new recipe or savoring a seasonal favorite, the key is simple: Eat more seafood at home,
Longline Sampling Confirms Young Bluefin Tuna Spawn in the Slope Sea
NOAA scientists traveled to the Slope Sea to answer longstanding questions about Atlantic bluefin tuna stock structure and spawning.
December 04, 2025
NOAA scientists traveled to the Slope Sea to answer longstanding questions about Atlantic bluefin tuna stock structure and spawning. Atlantic bluefin tuna are prized by both recreational and commercial fishermen. In 2022 alone, U.S. commercial fishermen generated an estimated $12.4 million in revenue from harvesting bluefin tuna. However, they are also among the most challenging species to study, as they migrate long distances and live in the open ocean for much of the year.
NOAA Fisheries recently embarked on a cooperative research project to understand Atlantic bluefin tuna reproduction (also known as spawning) in the Slope Sea. Scientists infrequently sample this area of the ocean between the Gulf Stream and the continental shelf of the Northeast United States. It may contain a crucial missing piece for understanding the overall population structure of bluefin tuna in the Atlantic.
Historically, this species has been managed as having two primary stocks: Eastern stock that spawns in the Mediterranean Sea and Western stock that spawns at older ages in the Gulf of America.
Dr. Molly Lutcavage’s lab at the Large Pelagics Research Center in Gloucester, Massachusetts is conducting research on reproduction and electronic tagging. The lab is affiliated with UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology. Their research suggested that spawning might be occurring in other areas of the western Atlantic as well, and by younger, smaller fish. Lutcavage’s lab predicted that smaller fish would spawn closer to feeding grounds. Biological evidence from NOAA Fisheries larval fish sampling in the Slope Sea supported this hypothesis. Recent genetic research shows the stocks are interconnected. However, there was little data available on the reproductive condition of adult bluefin tuna, including smaller adults, in the Slope Sea to corroborate these studies—until now.
Collecting Critical Data in the Slope Sea
NOAA Fisheries’ scientists traveled to the Slope Sea on two exploratory research expeditions this past summer. The cooperative longline sampling trip looked for spawning adult fish. The second expedition collected the results of that spawning—larval, or baby, bluefin tuna. Their goal was to examine how Atlantic bluefin tuna use this area for spawning. Samples collected during both expeditions will support ongoing genetic studies to better estimate the overall population (stock) size for bluefin tuna. The data will provide critical information to improve how this valuable species is managed.
The longline sampling trip left Fairhaven, Massachusetts, on June 14, 2025 with Chief Scientist Dr. Molly Lutcavage as well as NOAA Fisheries’ scientist Dr. Michelle Passerotti and Simon Gulak of Sea Leucas LLC onboard. Land-based collaborators included co-principal investigators Dr. Gilad Heinisch and Dr. Tim Lam from the Large Pelagics Research Center. For 2 weeks, scientists worked alongside the crew of the F/V Eagle Eye II to collect samples from commercial bluefin catch. These samples likely confirm that younger, smaller fish are spawning in the Slope Sea, providing a clearer understanding of bluefin reproductive ecology.
Biological Samples to Determine Reproductive Condition
The science crew collected a range of biological samples and data from commercially caught bluefin during the trip, including: Reproductive tissues (gonads); Otoliths, or fish ear bones, to determine the fish’s age; and Fin clips for DNA profiling.
Scientists removed the heads of the fish they sampled. They labeled and froze them for otolith sampling by the University of Maine’s Pelagic Fisheries Lab. They collected multiple fin clips to distribute to several collaborators for genetic research. They collected, weighed, and visually assessed gonads and sampled them for histological, energetics, and physiological studies. These studies will identify the reproductive stage of each fish and spawning potential for fish of both sexes.
Spawning Confirmed in the Slope Sea
After many years and attempts to collect this data, this expedition delivered the samples needed to likely confirm spawning by younger, smaller fish in the Slope Sea. Scientists sampled 90 bluefin tuna over the course of the trip—42 females and 48 males. Their body lengths ranged from 38 to 110 inches, and an average of 72 inches. Scientists visually assessed the gonads of the sampled fish and observed multiple reproductive statuses associated with spawning. Researchers will confirm this by examining the tissues under a microscope, as well as studying other biophysical features of reproductive status. Scientists will compare their results to a large data archive on the reproductive status of bluefin tuna sampled in nearby coastal foraging grounds. In addition to the 90 bluefin tuna they sampled, scientists tagged and released more than 25 bluefin tuna and nine sharks during this trip, including: Shortfin mako, Porbeagle, Common thresher and Dusky sharks.
These samples provide insight into the reproductive status of bluefin tuna in the Slope Sea, as well as corresponding age and genetic information. When combined with the samples collected during the larval survey, they could improve our understanding of bluefin tuna stock structure and population size. In addition, scientists are using the samples to study key aspects of life history, including bioenergetics of reproduction and migration. Scientists will examine genetic relatedness between fish using the new close-kin mark-recapture method. This information can then be used in a mathematical model to estimate the size of the population.
In addition to the scientific collections, researchers used the opportunity to harvest the scientific quota of bluefin catch to donate to local food banks. They provided about 2,000 pounds of nutritious fish to the local community and kept it from going to waste.
Industry Collaboration Key to Successful Data Collection
Researchers knew the trip was successful even before they finished processing the samples. The cooperative aspect of the survey was key to its success. Scientists relied upon the expertise and historical knowledge of Captain Scott Drabinowicz to find and catch bluefin in the size ranges needed for the study. Drabinowicz and the Eagle Eye II owners had been involved with bluefin tuna research since 1994. They were part of the first effort to document spawning bluefin tuna in the Northwest Atlantic offshore region in 2002. Drabinowicz played a key role in successfully deploying electronic tags on bluefin, which helped the Large Pelagics Research Center predict when and where they were likely spawning.
“It is always a pleasure to work with Captain Scotty and the Eagle Eye II,” said NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center Research Fish Biologist Dr. Michelle Passerotti. “He is a strong believer in the science behind fisheries management, with an incredible wealth of knowledge about highly migratory species in the North Atlantic. It takes real skill to successfully target and land these impressive fish. The science crew could not have achieved the goals of this study without industry expertise.”
Science Supports Better Management
These new studies will help clarify current management hypotheses and assumptions about bluefin tuna in the Slope Sea, and their contribution to the Atlantic population’s productivity. “With the current management strategy evaluation scheduled to undergo review to incorporate new information starting in 2026, this study coupled with the larval survey will play an important role in the process, providing data that have never been available before,” said Dr. John Walter, NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center Deputy Director for Science and Council Services.
“After all these years, it’s a thrill to have gone out to the Slope Sea to confirm what’s going on with bluefin there, especially with renowned Captain Scott Drabinowicz and crew, who helped make it a success,” said Lutcavage. “The two separate high seas bluefin tuna efforts this year—one focused on adults and the other on larvae—delivered everything we’d hoped for, and that’s a scientific dream come true.”
