Look for more details in future editions. In development with commercial fishermen since October, the survey is being conducted aboard fishing vessels to improve information about the distribution, size and condition of monkfish. Scientists from NOAA Fisheries Northeast Science Center , along with fishermen and representatives from the state and New Jersey's Rutgers University, are active in this effort. Monkfish, also called goosefish or angler fish, are caught from NC to Maine. Not just the population, but the average and maximum size of monkfish are steadily declining.
Monkfish landings are among the most highly valued finfish landings in some Northeast ports.
The Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network, operating in all of the coastal states, recorded 3,100 stranded sea turtles. Strandings included turtles that wash ashore dead or injured and include turtles found floating dead or injured in nearshore waters. The vast majority of turtles found stranded are dead. Human activity, especially interaction with fishing gear, is a major contributor to sea turtle deaths. Over the next several months, NOAA Fisheries is meeting with industry, academic and environmental representatives to explore solutions to recover sea turtles.