Spring 2013 National Ocean Policy

NEWSWAVE NEWS FROM THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR: OCEANS, COASTS AND GREAT LAKES

IN THIS EDITION: Spring 2013 National Ocean Policy ...... 1 Implementing the Rapidly Changing Arctic...... 1 National Ocean Policy San Juan Islands Monument ....3 Secretary Jewell Dives In By Liza Johnson, DOI Sea Turtles and MPAs...... 4 Interior’s new Secretary, Sally Superior Honors for ECS Team. 5 Jewell, has embraced the newly Invasive Species Awards ...... 6 released final implementation plan Water Test for Beach Safety...... 6 for the President’s National Ocean Policy for the Stewardship of the Interior’s Knauss Fellows ...... 7 Ocean, Our Coasts, and the Great Mapping Workshops...... 8 Lakes. “As the new Secretary for Jewell visits Offshore Oil Rig. ...8 one of the federal departments Secretary Jewell was sworn in on April Managing Arctic Ecosystems .10 most involved in implementing 12, 2013. The National Ocean Policy President Obama’s National Ocean Implementation Plan was released on April Regional Ocean Planning...... 11 Policy, I look forward to working 16. Photo credit: Tami Heilemann, DOI Deepwater Discoveries...... 11 with the National Ocean Council Strategy for Change...... 12 to build on its collaborative accom- Managing Resources Adaptive Management...... 12 in a Rapidly Changing See Action Plan page 23 Arctic A Horseshoe Crab Story...... 13 New Report Part of White House Critical Forage Fish...... 14 Strategy US Coral Reef Task Force ...... 15 By Joel Clement and Randal Bowman, DOI New USGS Map Series...... 15 The Arctic is warming faster than Rigs to Reefs...... 16 any other region on Earth, bring- Salmon in the Classroom...... 17 Managing ing dramatic reductions in sea-ice extent, altered weather, and thaw- News from the Regions...... 18 for the Future ing permafrost. Implications of in a Rapid l y Great Lakes Water Use...... 18 Changing Arctic these changes include rapid coastal erosion threatening villages and Tsunami Preparedness...... 19 A RepoRt to the pResident coastal facilities, loss of wildlife Emergency Public Alerts...... 19 habitat, ecosystem instability, and Interagency Working Group on Coordination of Tiny Stowaways...... 20 Domestic Energy Development and Permitting in Alaska unpredictable impacts on subsis- Chair: David J. Hayes Restoring Everglades Flow.....21 Deputy Secretary, Department of the Interior tence activities and critical social Oil Platforms and Fishes ...... 21 As part of the Administration’s Arctic needs. Strategy, Interior played a leadership Increased human activity in this Tiny Grazers...... 22 role in developing the new report environmentally-sensitive region The Surfing Bison...... 24 highlighting the need for a coordinated approach in the Arctic. Report cover image credit: NOAA See Arctic page 9 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 For more information Visit us online: http://www.doi.gov/pmb/ocean/index.cfm about ocean and coastal activities at DOI contact: This issue of NEWSWAVE features stories that illustrate the broad scope of Interior’s stewardship Terry Holman, Coordinator mission for our ocean, coastal and Great Lakes DOI Ocean and Coastal Activities, resources. 1849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop 3530 Washington, D.C. 20240, Interior has a major role in implementing both the Telephone: 202-208-1944, President’s National Ocean Policy and the Arctic Fax: 202-208-4867 Strategic Plan. From the newly designated San Juan [email protected] Islands Monument to the ‘Rigs to Reefs’ program, Interior’s ocean and coastal activities are designed to protect valuable resources while providing benefits Are you interested in contribut- to all Americans. ing to NEWSWAVE? Interior works in partnerships at regional and local June 4-6, 2013 Visit: http://www.doi.gov/pmb/ levels to protect endangered species and their ocean/news/Newswave/index.cfm held at Washington, habitats, address threats from invasive species, and D.C.’s NEWSEUM Please contact Ann Tihansky with further adaptive management capabilities by http://nmsfocean.org/ any questions, comments or to delivering data, tools and maps to inform decisions receive NEWSWAVE via email. and create resiliency across the nation. CHOW-2013 [email protected], 202-208-3342 or 813-727-0841 Watch a video about USFWS specialized fish marking trail- ers that travel throughout the Spring 2013 Contributors Pacific Northwest marking and Editor: Ann Tihansky, USGS tagging different sets of fish DOI: Randal Bowman, Nicole stocks. www.youtube.com/ Bransome, Tami Heilmann, Liza watch?v=QXbjy4qpOVs Johnson USGS: David Ayers, Betsy Boynton, See related story page 17 Andrew Cowder, Norman Grannemann, Kristen Hart, Deborah Hutchinson, Benjamin Jones, Theresa Liedtke, Conor McGowan, Rachel Pawlitz, Collin Smith, Barbara Wilcox, Dave Zawada, NPS: R.A. Winfree, BSEE: Maria Eanes, Dave Smith, BOEM: Matthew Blazek, Maureen Bornholdt, Leann Bullin, Sara Guiltinan, Donna Schroeder, USFWS: Greg Breese, Pat Edwards, Amanda Fortin, Carrie Givens, Meghan Kearney, Alexa Marcigliano, Joe Milmoe, Umi Muawanah, Sarah Cooksey, State of Delaware Paulo Maurin, NOAA Dave Naftzger, Council of Great Lakes Governors Najwa Obeid, NSF Gerrod Smith, Shinnecock Indian Nation Matthew Whalen, UC Davis This map shows the large areas of federal and non-federal land ownership within the Lynn Kendall Arctic. Interior is responsible for managing areas colored orange (BLM), blue (USFWS) and green (NPS). Image credit: Scenarios Network for Alaska and Arctic Planning, Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks. See related story page 1. 2 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 San Juan Islands Designated as National Monument Home to bald eagles, orca whales, harbor seals and other rare species, the San Juan Islands is a chain of 450 islands, rocks and pinnacles. Located in Washington State’s Puget Sound, the archipelago provides an opportunity for visitors, campers, kayakers and birdwatch- ers to experience the natural beauty of the undeveloped, rugged landscape. A number of historic light- houses are located on the islands, as well as cultural resources and fossils dating back 12,000 years. The islands are part of the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people who first used the area near the end of the last glacial period, about 12,000 years ago. Europeans explored the area in the late 18th century, opening the way for additional settlement. The San Juan Islands are a beautiful archipelago of more than 450 islands, rocks, and pinnacles in the northern reaches of Washington’s Puget Sound. Photo credits: BLM. The San Juan Islands National Monument was designated by and tourists alike will be able to ties in the San Juan Islands include President Obama on April 1, 2013, enjoy these marvels of the San wildlife watching, fishing, hunting, culminating years of locally-driven Juans – where the land meets the hiking, boating and camping. conservation efforts to ensure sea. This much-deserved designa- BLM Principal Deputy Director this treasured landscape will be tion comes thanks to the hard work Neil Kornze said, “These lands are conserved for future generations of many, from Watmough Bay to some of America’s most breathtak- to enjoy. The monument will be the White House.” As one of five ing and they’ll now be permanently managed by the Interior’s Bureau new national monuments designat- protected as National Conservation of Land Management. ed by President Obama under the Lands.” 1906 Antiquities Act, the San Juan The local community and congres- http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/ Islands include nearly 1,000 acres recreation/sanjuans/ sional delegation leading the con- of land. Recreational opportuni- servation efforts had support from Senator Maria Cantwell and Rep- resentative Rick Larsen, Senator Patty Murray, then-Representative Jay Inslee, and now Representative Suzan DelBene. “At long last, these 1,000 acres of cherished lands in the San Juan Islands will be on the map as a Na- tional Monument,” said Cantwell. “For generations to come, residents

3 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Sea Turtles Benefit From Marine Protected Areas Study offers first look at green sea turtle habitat use in the Dry Tortugas National Park By Rachel Pawlitz, Kristen Hart and Dave Zawada, USGS A new study confirms that green sea turtles are spending much of their time in protected sites A green sea turtle, sporting a USGS satellite tag, is released into the water of Dry within both Dry Tortugas Na- Tortugas National Park, Florida. Photo credit, Andrew Crowder, USGS tional Park and the surrounding a mixed assemblage of other or- areas of the Florida Keys Marine "We were thrilled to find that these ganisms, such as sea fans, sponges, National Sanctuary. The USGS turtles used some areas already and fire coral. study is the first to track the under 'protected' status. The ultimate goal is to help managers federally protected turtles in Dry "Our synergistic approach of com- understand where these endan- Tortugas National Park. bining satellite telemetry data with gered turtles are spending their an extensive habitat map proved Green turtles are listed as en- time both during the breeding to be an effective way to find out dangered in Florida and threat- period and then when they are at exactly what habitats these nesting ened throughout the rest of feeding areas. turtles were using in the Park," said their range. The habits of green Worldwide declines in seagrasses – Dave Zawada, a USGS research sea turtles after their forays to one of the most important habitats oceanographer and co-author on nest on beaches in the South- sea turtles rely on for food – have the study. "We hope to keep push- east U.S. have long remained a already been documented, making ing the frontier of what is known mystery. Until now, it was not data about habitat use critical for about in-water sea turtle habitat clear whether the turtles made managers." use, as this type of scientific infor- use of existing protected areas, - Kristen Hart, USGS research mation is vital for understanding and few details were available as ecologist whether conservation measures are to whether they were suited for effective," said Hart. supporting the green sea turtle’s Hart. The team learned about the http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/ survival. By using satellite tags, turtle's habitat needs during the article.asp?ID=3575 the USGS researchers were able nesting season by using ATRIS, a to analyze and track the turtles’ georeferenced, underwater camera movement patterns. "Our goal system developed by the USGS was to better understand what to collect over 195,000 seafloor types of habitats they used at sea images. Researchers surveyed the and whether they were in fact areas frequented by turtles within putting these designated areas to Dry Tortugas National Park by use. This study not only shows photographing the seafloor in a managers that these designated series of parallel lines totaling 70 protected areas are already kilometers (over 43 miles). Using being used by turtles, but pro- a habitat map derived from those vides insight into the types of images, they found that the turtles habitats they use most," said most commonly used shallow A green sea turtle on Loggerhead Key, the study’s lead author, Kristen seagrass beds and degraded coral Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida. reefs that have been overgrown by Photo credit: Kaare Iverson, USGS. 4 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 At left: Deborah Hutchinson (USGS, standing) leads a discussion with technical team members at the Extended Continental Shelf Project Team 2012 Technical Workshop at USGS, Woods Hole, MA. Photo credit: Brian Van Pay, DOS. http://soundwaves.usgs. gov/2012/10/meetings.html The project began in 2003 with the first of 28 research expeditions to collect multibeam bathymetric The U.S. Extended Continental Shelf Project Team data along the deep-water portions By Ann Tihansky and Deborah Hutchinson (USGS) of the U.S. margins, including its island territories. Beginning in The mission of the U.S. Extended Superior Honors 2007, the U.S. has participated Continental Shelf Project (ECS) or led seven research cruises to State Department is to establish the full extent of collect seismic and geophysical Recognizes Team and the continental shelf of the United data, with five of those cruises in Accomplishments States beyond 200 nautical miles, partnership with Canada in the consistent with international law. On April 4, 2013, the Depart- Arctic utilizing two-icebreakers. A critical part of this project relies ment of State (DOS) presented (See a full summary of cruise mis- on analysis and mapping of large Superior Honor Awards to the sions: http://continentalshelf.gov/ areas of the seafloor around the Senior agency representatives missions.html). The project has U.S. continental margins. The data and the Integrated Regional supported 11 workshops that bring collection aspect of the ECS effort Team leads working on the U.S. together regional experts in geol- is the largest and potentially most Extended Continental Shelf Proj- ogy, bathymetry, and data manage- significant interagency marine sur- ect. The Interior Department, ment. In spring 2012, the U.S. vey ever undertaken by the U.S. through USGS, contributes to Extended Continental Shelf Project the accomplishments of this Where a nation can demonstrate held a Technical Workshop at the team. that it has extended continental U.S. Geological Survey Woods Superior Honorees: shelf—seafloor beyond 200 nauti- Hole Coastal and Marine Science Senior agency leads: cal miles from shore that meets Center in Massachusetts followed USGS: Deborah Hutchinson, criteria set forth in Article 76 of by a Scenarios Workshop in Wash- NOAA: Margot Bohan, the United Nations Convention on ington, DC to describe the options DOS: Brian Israel, Barbara the Law of the Sea —it can exer- and uncertainties associated with Moore, and Brian Van Pay cise certain sovereign rights over delineating the extended conti- Regional team leads: seabed and sub-seabed resources nental shelf. The two DOS Honor Arctic-Andrew Armstrong, there. Preliminary studies have Awards recognize the large work (NOAA), indicated that the U.S. extended and effort that brought the project Gulf of Mexico-Matthew Arse- continental shelf likely totals at to this phase of understanding. least 1 million square kilometers— nault (USGS), Although there are still several an area about twice the size of Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea- more data collection cruises re- California or nearly half the area of Ginger Barth (USGS), quired, the project now moves to the Louisiana Purchase. Central Pacific-Barry Eakins its next significant phase, which (NOAA), Data collection and analysis are is to begin synthesizing the vast Pacific West Coast-Jennifer Hen- critical to the ECS Project as it amount of information already derson (NOAA), comes to a more definitive con- gathered into a form that can be Atlantic-Larry Mayer (Univ. of clusion about the extent of U.S. used by Department of State to be New Hampshire), extended continental shelf. Pacific Islands-Daniel Scheirer consistent with customary interna- http://continentalshelf.gov/ (USGS). See ECS Honors page 11 5 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 National Invasive Species Achievement Awards On March 22, the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force, the National Invasive Species Council and the Federal Interagency Committee for Management of Noxious and Exotic Weeds presented the 2013 National Invasive Species Achievement Awards. Of the eight awards given to out- New Water Quality Test standing individuals and organiza- Above, the common carp, Cyprinus Keeps Beaches Safe carpio, is one of seven carp species that tions for their accomplishments and A new rapid water-quality test may dedication, four were recognized for have been introduced to U.S. waters. Learn more: http://asiancarp.org/ prevent beaches from being closed their efforts in controlling and pre- by providing accurate same day venting aquatic invasive species. results of bacteria levels, according “We applaud the winners of the invasive species achievement awards for to a new study by the USGS. demonstrating visionary leadership, innovation, and creativity in your With increasing outbreaks of efforts to protect our vital natural resources from the harmful impacts of waterborne illnesses, beaches have invasive species,” said Lori Faeth, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy been at the forefront of recent and International Affairs at the Department of the Interior. research on human health risk. This new rapid water-quality test, For Outstanding Achievement in Aquatic Invasive Species Outreach developed by the Environmental and Education Protection Agency (EPA), will The Lake George Association in New York is recognized for its Lake help managers across the country Steward program, which combines prevention measures to stop the determine whether beaches are safe spread of invasive species with public outreach and education, while for swimming in order to keep the collecting invaluable invasive species data. public from getting sick. Previous For Lifetime Invasive Species Achievement – Aquatic tests could not provide same-day results, so managers had to decide Rick Johnson, Coordinator of the Thurston County Noxious Weed whether to close a beach based on Agency in Washington State, is recognized for his 34-year record of findings from the day before. commitment to invasive plant management, and has served on multiple weed management committees, boards and associations. Rick led a USGS scientist Meredith Nevers program for the management of Brazilian Elodea in the Chehalis River said, “Our research shows that system, an initiative which spanned multiple agencies over the course EPA’s rapid test can be an effective of ten years. tool for beach managers to help keep their recreational beach goers For Outstanding Aquatic Invasive Species Leadership happy and safe.” Dr. Richard Everett of the United States Coast Guard is recognized Beach closures not only impact for leading Coast Guard initiatives to prevent the arrival and spread of recreational users in the summer- aquatic nuisance species and being instrumental in developing mea- time, but they also create huge sures for the U.S. government and the international maritime commu- losses for the local economy. nity to prevent the spread of invasive species through ballast water. The test can be used at both fresh- For Outstanding Aquatic Invasive Species Volunteer water and marine beaches. The Malheur Wildlife Associates, Friends of Malheur National http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/ar- Wildlife Refuge in Oregon are recognized as a strong proponent of the ticle.asp?ID=3529 Aquatic Health Program at Malheur refuge, where they have led efforts to combat the common carp, an invasive species.

6 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Interior Hosts Three Knauss Sea Grant Marine Policy Fellows Fellows are working at Interior’s Office of Policy Analysis and the US Fish and Wildlife Service By Nicole Bransome (DOI), Carrie Givens (USFWS), Umi Muawanah (USFWS)

Interior is hosting three of the 49 Three Knauss Sea Grant Fellows working at Interior for 2013 calendar year are, from Knauss Marine Policy Fellows left, Carrie Givens, Umi Muawanah, and Nicole Bransome. Photo credit: Najwa Obeid, for the 2013 calendar year. The National Science Foundation. Knauss Fellowship, begun in 1979, Bransome’s position provides her National Fish Habitat Partnership presents outstanding graduate with the big national picture of Program and the National Fish Pas- students an opportunity to spend a how ocean policy accommodates sage Program. year working with marine policy management of diverse resources, and science experts in Washing- Muawanah is applying her back- both within Interior and with exter- ton, D.C. The program, named for ground in natural resource econom- nal partners. marine scientist and former NOAA ics to fisheries and aquatic resource Administrator John A. Knauss, is Carrie Givens, a recent Ph.D. conservation. Muawanah is leading coordinated by NOAA’s National graduate of the University of Geor- a study, collaborating with Susan Sea Grant Office. gia Department of Marine Scienc- Wells (USFWS) and Amy Un- es, is spending her year working thank (U.S. Forest Service), on the Nicole Bransome is spending the in Arlington, Va., for the U.S. Fish economic benefits of fish friendly year as the inaugural Knauss Fel- and Wildlife Service’s Division of culverts on flood resiliency, with low for Interior’s Ocean, Coasts Fish and Aquatic Conservation. a case study of Alaska. Another and Great Lakes Coordination exciting project for Muawanah in- team at the Main Interior Building As a fish and wildlife biolo- cludes developing a user guide for in downtown Washington. Bran- gist, Givens is helping to address economic valuation of partnership some is finishing her M.S. in the invasive species threats through projects. Marine Estuarine Environmental such activities as assisting with Science program at the University injurious species policy, writing Upon finishing her fellowship, of Maryland Chesapeake Biologi- rules to evaluate and list species as Muawanah will apply her U.S. cal Lab, with a focus in quantita- injurious, developing models for fisheries conservation and manage- tive fisheries ecology. assessing threats, and conducting ment experience to the position she outreach. will resume at the Indonesia Minis- As a policy and communications try of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. specialist, Bransome is helping Givens will represent the USFWS coordinate Interior’s ocean role on the DOI One-Health Group, an Previous Sea Grant Knauss Fel- across bureaus and with federal, interdepartmental team focused on lows work at Interior, bringing regional, state, tribal, and NGO disease and emergency manage- strong ocean and coastal experi- partners and is supporting Inte- ment and will also complete a one- ence to the Department include: rior’s implementation of the Na- month field detail with regional USFWS Director Dan Ashe, Bill tional Ocean Policy (NOP) through aquatic invasive species coordina- Archambault, Amardeep Dhanju, the Ecosystem Based Management tors. Jason Goldberg, Angela Gustav- subgroup. She is also supporting Umi Muawanah recently com- son, Matt Huggler, Liza Johnson, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, pleted her PhD in agriculture and Marty Kodis, Abby Lynch, Don contributing to NEWSWAVE and resource economics. She will MacLean, John Primo, Caitlin Sny- developing other communication spend one year working for the der, Bret Wolfe, and others. products. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s For more information: http://www. seagrant.noaa.gov/knauss/ 7 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Interactive Mapping Workshops Gather Ocean Use Information Wide Spectrum of Ocean Users Participate Sara Guiltinan, BOEM Ocean use experts contributed their knowledge about human uses for the Washington Ocean Uses At- las project through four mapping Participants at the Port Angeles mapping workshops held in Port Angeles workshop share their knowledge about and Aberdeen, WA, in April 2013. ocean use by delineating areas with a digital pen onto a live map that was Secretary Jewell (center) visiting an The Washington Ocean Uses Atlas projected onto a whiteboard. Photo offshore drilling rig and production is one of three state-level mapping credit: Sara Guiltinan, BOEM platform in the Gulf of Mexico. Photo efforts that are part of the Pacific credit: Maria Eames, BSEE Regional Ocean Uses Atlas (PR- time. Some of the most valuable OUA) project. The partnership information was not spatial, but Secretary Jewell visits leverages resources and fulfills contextual information about the Offshore Oil Rig importance of place, reflecting cul- multiple information needs. Bureau Secretary Jewell visited an offshore tural perspectives from participants of Ocean Energy Management drilling rig and production plat- passionate about Washington’s (BOEM) and Washington state form in the Gulf of Mexico on May coastal assets. agencies funded the NOAA Ocean 3 as part of a two-day visit to the Uses Team to map human uses in Participants commented, “I ap- Department’s regional offices that ocean areas offshore Washington preciated the collaboration of the oversee oil and gas development State. multiple agencies. The group in federal waters. Secretary Jewell Nearly 80 participants represent- facilitators were skilled at running met with Interior employees, prais- ing a wide spectrum of ocean user the groups, they were supportive, ing them for their professionalism communities collectively mapped friendly, orderly and focused on and commitment to their mission, a variety of ocean uses in recre- the task,” and, “a picture is worth a including safe and responsible en- ational, commercial, and indus- thousand words – this mapping ex- ergy development and Gulf Coast trial sectors through an interactive ercise helped us paint the picture.” restoration. mapping process. They focused on Information captured during the “Oil and gas production from the Washington’s coastal and offshore workshops will be used to inform Gulf of Mexico plays an important waters from Port Angeles west both Washington State’s Marine role in powering our nation and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Spatial Planning process and strengthening our economy,” said south to the Oregon border, out to BOEM’s planning for offshore Jewell. 200 nautical miles offshore. renewable energy development. “The Department of the Interior The NOAA Coastal Services BOEM and the NOAA Ocean Uses will continue to work with industry Center motto of “linking people, Team will conduct similar work- to ensure that these resources are information, and technology” shops in Oregon during early June developed safely and responsibly, was brought to life as participants and then in Hawaii to complete while also delivering a fair return delineated areas of ocean use with the PROUA project. Learn more: to the American taxpayer, busi- a digital pen that projected the http://www.boem.gov/uploaded- nesses and communities.” information to a live map visible Files/PROUA-Fact-Sheet.pdf http://www.interior.gov/news/press- to the whole group. Through this Washington Marine Spatial Plan- releases/secretary-jewell-tours- process, their spatial knowledge ning at http://www.msp.wa.gov/ offshore-drilling-rig-production- was captured and digitized in real- platform-in-gulf-of-mexico.cfm 8 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013

The total extent (million km2) of minimum annual sea ice coverage throughout the entire Arctic has been trending lower during the period for which satellite data have been available (1979-2012). Note: the last 6 years has been lower than for any previous annual record. Graphic image: National Snow and Ice Data Center.

Aerial imagery of tundra and ocean showing the extent of coastal erosion between years 1955 and 2009. Approximately 7,000 acres of land were washed into the sea along a 40-mile stretch of Beaufort Sea coastline. For year-to-year reference, note the relative position of the large lake near the center of the photo. The colored lines in the 2009 image show shoreline locations from previous years indicated. Photo credit: Benjamin M. Jones, USGS

Arctic continued from page 1 Interior is one of more than 20 Coastal erosion in Shishmaref, AK. Photo has significant implications for federal agencies with responsibili- credit: R.A. Winfree, NPS managing a U.S. Arctic that is ties in the U.S. Arctic for resource Perspectives of these partners vary, currently largely devoid of the management, scientific research, particularly regarding develop- costly infrastructure necessary to homeland security, emergency ment, but there is broad interest support activities related to oil and preparedness and response, mari- in supporting stable economies, gas development on- and off-shore time and aeronautical safety, and thriving cultures, and sustainable and increased shipping through the support to communities and Alaska ecosystems. Among the concerns region. Natives. Many partners in the shared by stakeholders are bu- region work closely with these reaucratic processes that require A recent report to the President agencies to achieve a wide range of engagement with many agencies recommends improved agency and management goals, including state on related issues, which can bur- interagency management in the agencies, tribal governments and den stakeholders and communities. U.S. Arctic. The report, from the Alaska Native organizations, mu- Partners want a framework for Interagency Working Group on nicipal governments, industrial and more inclusive, efficient, and trans- Coordination of Domestic Energy commercial stakeholders, and con- parent engagement that does not Development and Permitting in servation organizations. The report add layers of process. This report Alaska, chaired by Deputy Secre- managers made extensive contacts is an important step in creating this tary David Hayes, was prepared by with all of these stakeholders, framework. DOI, NOAA, and the White House particularly in the Native commu- The President signed the National Office of Science and Technology nity to ensure that their needs and Strategy for the Arctic Region on Policy, in consultation with the perspectives were included into the May 10, 2013. http://www.white- National Ocean Council, the Na- discussion. tional Security Staff, and the Arctic house.gov/sites/default/files/docs/ Research Commission. nat_arctic_strategy.pdf 9 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Managing Arctic Marine Ecosystems Collaborative and Integrative is the Rule

Arctic issues present new challenges for integrating cultural, environmental and economic factors in decision-making about development and conservation. Photo credit: Federal Aviation Authority.

The Arctic report includes the following recommendations: 1. Adopt an Integrated Arctic Management approach when Dr. James Kendall (left), Regional Director, BOEM Alaska Outer Continental Shelf making stewardship and devel- Region, explores Alaska’s marine environment with renowned Arctic/Antarctic explorer and underwater photographer Shawn Harper. Photo credit: Lynn Kendall. opment decisions in the U.S. Arctic; By Matthew Blazek, BOEM 2. Ensure on-going high-level Dr. James Kendall, Regional Director of the BOEM Alaska Outer Con- White House leadership on Arc- tinental Shelf Region, represented Interior’s perspective on integrated tic issues; Arctic management strategies at the 28th Lowell Wakefield Fisheries 3. Strengthen key partnerships, Symposium in Anchorage, AK on March 27, 2013. particularly with the State and Alaska Natives; The symposium theme, “Responses of Arctic Marine Ecosystems to 4. Promote better stakeholder Climate Change”, was aimed at advancing participants’ understandings engagement; of present and future responses of Arctic marine ecosystems to climate 5. Coordinate and streamline change. The symposium brought together tribal, state, and federal gov- federal actions relative to: ernment representatives to discuss collaborative approaches to under- - Linking science and man- standing and managing living marine resources in a changing Arctic. It agement: 1- strengthen the also focused on managing human responses—locally, regionally, and capacity of science programs globally—as they pertain to changing arctic marine ecosystems. to provide focused, ecosystem- Kendall joined other panelists from NOAA and the State of Alaska to based information needed by discuss the national effort towards ‘An Integrated Arctic Management decision-makers; and 2- improve (IAM) Framework’ during an evening session. Kendall presented ex- decision-makers’ access to inte- amples of how BOEM is making progress in applying such strategies in grated scientific information and the Arctic in terms of energy development highlighting collaborations traditional knowledge relevant to among scientists and regional federal, state, and tribal partners and future management in the Arctic and environmental and operational challenges. Following these presentations, - Coordinate environmental Fran Ulmer, chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, facilitated a (NEPA) evaluations, discussion between the panelists and symposium participants (members - Identify important ecological of the scientific, government, and Alaska Native communities) focused on and subsistence areas, advancing the concept of better integrating science into decision making. - Scenario planning; and See related story page 1. - International cooperation. BOEM is striving to be in the forefront of integrated management prac- Read the full report: tices through the adoption of an adaptive and ecosystem-based approach http://www.doi.gov/news/ to management. Advances along these lines require acknowledgement upload/ArcticReport-03April- that the Arctic is a dynamic, unique, and challenging place to operate. 2013PMsm.pdf Collaboration with partners is the rule not the exception.

10 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013

Gerrod Smith (center) of the Shinnecock Indian Nation, shares thoughts from a breakout discussion with fellow panelists Jack Travelstead (Virginia Marine Resource Commission) (left) and Renee Searfoss (USEPA) (right) at the MARCO Ocean Planning Workshop. Photo credit: Methane gas bubbles rise from the seafloor among communities of chemosynthetic Joe Milmoe, USFWS mussels. These bubbles, originally noticed during a multibeam sonar survey by NOAA in 2012 is what led scientists to the deepwater canyon area. Image courtesy Stakeholder of Deepwater Canyons 2013 - Pathways to the Abyss, NOAA, BOEM, USGS Engagement Key to Mid-Atlantic Regional Deepwater Canyon Expedition Ocean Planning Process Scientists have discovered extensive communities of chemosynthetic mussels a mile below the ocean surface in the Norfolk Canyon east By Mid-Atlantic Regional Planning Body (RPB) Co-Leads: Sarah Cooksey (Delaware Coastal of Virginia. The find occurred during the joint BOEM-NOAA-USGS Program), Gerrod Smith (Shinnecock Indian study of deepwater Atlantic Canyons. Researchers on the NOAA ship Nation), and Maureen Bornholdt (BOEM) Ronald H. Brown spent April 30 to May 27 exploring the canyons and The Mid-Atlantic Regional Coun- historic shipwrecks. You can follow their discoveries and see imagery cil on the Ocean (MARCO), through the on-line blog. convened more than 170 diverse http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/13midatlantic/welcome.html stakeholders and marine planning practitioners from the mid-Atlantic us in the federal government look ECS Honors continued from page 5 forward to working with you.” coastal area at the first regional tional law in delineating the outer Marine planning will result in planning workshop April 4-5 in limits of the extended continental enhanced agency coordination and Arlington, VA. Together they shelf. Earlier in 2013, a pilot proj- increased efficiency for decision- discussed how to best plan and ect – utilizing the western Gulf of making under existing ocean responsibly use and conserve the Mexico – began to apply the vari- resource management authorities. region’s ocean resources. Maureen ables in Article 76 and develop the The Mid-Atlantic RPB is working Bornholdt, RPB federal co-chair documentation. Work in additional to identify regional marine plan- with Interior’s BOEM said the regions where the U.S. expects to ning objectives and opportunities workshop, “has been a very il- delineate an extended continen- for stakeholder participation and to luminating conversation.” “To tal shelf is expected to continue help ocean resource managers find facilitate future planning, we need through the end of this decade. to build trust and respect amongst compatibilities between conserva- our groups.” tionists and a growing number of Law of the Sea: http://www.un.org/ Depts/los/ Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White users who are all vying for ocean House Council on Environmental resources and space. USGS videos: Quality and Co-Chair of the Na- Stakeholders included Tribal Na- http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/268 tional Ocean Council addressed tions, state coastal zone managers, http://gallery.usgs.gov/videos/430 the stakeholder group, “One of our shipping and port management, the fundamental strengths as a nation Atlantic States Fisheries, envi- is to use the innovative spirit of ronmental organizations, offshore people working on the ground to energy industries, and other state, solve problems, we support your federal and local representatives. efforts going forward and all of 11 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Strategy Provides Road Resources for Map for Adapting to Informing Adaptive Climate Change Management The National Fish, Wildlife and Strategies Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy The Interior Department has is the first nationwide strategy to published two guides that assist help public and private decision natural resource managers in makers address the impacts that highlights developing and implementing climate change is having on natu- adaptive management techniques ral resources and the people and to help make complex manage- economies that depend on them. ment decisions. The unified approach was developed in partnership with State and Read about a coastal example of Tribal agencies in response to a re- adaptive management in Dela- quest by Congress. It is the product ware Bay on page 13. of extensive national dialogue that The Adaptive Management spanned nearly two years and was The National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strat- Technical Guide includes a dis- shaped by comments from more cussion of the basic criteria for than 55,000 Americans. egy identifies seven key steps to help safeguard the nation’s fish, applying adaptive management, Fish, wildlife, and plant resources wildlife and plants in a changing as well as step-by-step descrip- provide important benefits and climate. tions of implementation. services to Americans every day, http://www.doi.gov/ppa/upload/Tech- including jobs, income, food, clean Watch the on-line video and Guide.pdf water and air, building materi- learn more: http://www.wildlifeadap- The Applications Guide in- tationstrategy.gov/ als, storm protection, tourism and cludes examples, case studies recreation. For example, marine Download the brochure: http:// and discussion of “how-to” ecosystems sustain a U.S. seafood www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov/ issues. It provides federal, state, pdf/Strategy-Highlights-Brochure.pdf industry that supports approxi- tribal and other natural resource mately 1 million jobs and $116 bil- managers with tools to more ef- FEDERAL COASTAL PARTNERS lion in economic activity annually. fectively address the complexi- Visit FEMA’s Coastal Partner ties and uncertainties involved The Strategy provides a roadmap Pages where you can see the in natural resource management, of key steps needed over the next various roles of federal agencies especially under challeng- five years to reduce the current that work together to provide ing conditions such as climate and expected impacts of climate science, services and support to change. The Applications Guide change which include: changing coastal communities to ensure is available for download and species distributions and migra- resource protection, community was designed to complement and tion patterns, the spread of wildlife safety and reduced risk. build on the framework estab- diseases and invasive species, the http://www.fema.gov/protecting- lished by the Technical Guide. inundation of coastal habitats with homes/coastal-partner-pages http://www.doi.gov/ppa/upload/DOI- rising sea levels, changing produc- Adapative-Management-Applications- tivity of our coastal oceans, and Guide.pdf changes in freshwater availability. These guides are part of http://www.doi.gov/news/pressre- Interior’s commitment to help leases/national-strategy-will-help- natural resources managers deal safeguard-fish-wildlife-and-plants- with climate change and other in-a-changing-climate.cfm natural resource challenges.

12 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 An Adaptive torically nearly four million crabs gether to create innovative man- Management Story were harvested annually for fertil- agement strategies. The Atlantic izer and animal food in the late States Marine Fisheries Com- Red Knots and Horseshoe 1800s and early 1900s. mission (ASMFC) developed the Crabs In the spring, both red knots and Interstate Fishery Management By Alexa Marcigliano, USFWS horseshoe crabs arrive at Atlan- Plan for Horseshoe Crab in 1998 Delaware Bay hosts the second tic Coast beaches. The horseshoe that assigned mandatory state-by- largest population of migrating crabs lay their eggs from late state harvest quotas and created the shorebirds in North America. The spring through early summer. Over 1,500 square mile Carl N. Shuster red knot is one migratory shore- the course of several days each Jr. Horseshoe Crab Sanctuary off bird species that relies heavily on female can lay up to 100,000 eggs. the mouth of Delaware Bay. a supply of horseshoe crab eggs Meanwhile, the red knots spend In addition, experts with the Adap- during its annual stopover along up to two weeks feeding on these tive Resource Management work the mid-Atlantic coast. More than eggs, preparing for their continued group of the ASMFC are creating half of the total flyway population migration north. Each red knot models to project potential out- of the red knot depends specifically can double its weight by eating comes of different horseshoe crab on the horseshoe crab eggs found the nutrient-rich eggs, making this harvest management decisions. along Delaware Bay to survive the resource critical to their survival. The ASMFC’s Horseshoe Crab and journey between breeding in the Because of the human demand on Delaware Bay Ecosystem Techni- Arctic tundra and wintering as far horseshoe crabs throughout his- cal Committees review the models south as South America. tory, and a large harvest increase and then make recommendations to The horseshoe crab is a key ele- in the 1990s, red knots have had a the Horseshoe Crab Management ment in medical research, a major difficult time finding enough eggs Board of the ASMFC. Conserv- resource for the bait industry, and to sustain their migration. The red ing one species to save another an essential food source for migrat- knot is currently a candidate for the has been a cooperative and in- ing shorebirds like the red knot. federal Threatened and Endangered novative process. Hopefully these These multiple values present a Species List. adaptive management strategies management challenge for fisheries will help both horshshoe carb and To ensure that there are enough red knot populations rise in the along the Atlantic Coast. Horse- horseshoe crabs for humans and shoe crabs are often harvested for coming years. Learn more: http:// red knots, fisheries and migratory www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article. conch and American eel fisheries bird specialists are working to- along the Atlantic Coast and his- asp?ID=2843

Horseshoe crabs congregate annually at Delaware Bay and lay During their migration, red knots make a stopover in masses of eggs, a critical food source for red knots and other Delaware Bay to forage for horseshoe crab eggs. Photo shorebirds. Photo credit: Greg Breese, USFWS credit: Conor McGowan, USGS 13 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Forage Fish Critical Links in Complex Food Web Central Puget Sound, Washington By Theresa L. Liedtke and Collin D. Smith, USGS

The Horseshoe Crab Limulus polyphemus

HORSESHOE CRABS USGS crew members (left to right) Theresa “Marty” Liedtke, Lisa Gee, Ryan Tomka, and Horseshoe crabs are not crabs Collin Smith hauling a sampling net over an eelgrass bed on Bainbridge Island, WA. at all – in fact, they are more Photo credit: David Ayers, USGS closely related to spiders, ticks spawn on the upper intertidal areas USGS scientists have been con- and scorpions. While historically of beaches in Puget Sound. As ducting surveys for juvenile surf horseshoe crabs have been used their eggs develop and they trans- smelt (Hypomesus pretiosus) and in fertilizer, most horseshoe crab form into juvenile fish, they reside sand lance (Ammodytes hexa- harvest today comes from the near the beach for an unknown pe- pterus) in Washington's Puget fishing industry, which uses the riod of time. The movements and Sound—a large estuarine system crab as bait, and the pharmaceuti- distribution of these juvenile fish adjacent to a robust metropolitan cal industry, which collects their after the spawning period are poor- area. Surf smelt and sand lance blood for its clotting properties. ly understood. USGS scientists are two species of forage fish in While the crabs are returned investigated the use of nearshore this region. They are of interest after their blood is taken, the habitats by juvenile stages of surf because they provide a key link in estimated mortality rate for bled smelt and sand lance because near- the marine food web between zoo- horseshoe crabs can be as high as shore areas are commonly used as plankton (tiny aquatic animals) and 30 percent. Horseshoe crab eggs nursery and rearing grounds for larger fish, seabirds, and marine are critical to several species of other species. This work will be mammals. In Puget Sound, these migrating shorebirds. Competing integrated to inform other current forage fish are consumed by such uses for horseshoe crabs require and future habitat assessments. economically and socially valuable collaborative and adaptive ways predators as salmon, killer whales, USGS Fact Sheet about forage fish to manage multiple species that and many marine birds. studies in Puget Sound: depend on one another. See re- http://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2012/3023/ This study is part of a larger effort lated story page 13. http://soundwaves.usgs.gov/2013/04/ http://www.fws.gov/northeast/ within the Effects of Urbaniza- pdf/horseshoe.fs.pdf tion project task under the Coastal Habitats in Puget Sound (CHIPS) program. CHIPS is an interdis- ciplinary collaboration designed to coordinate, integrate, and link USGS studies with the goals and objectives of Federal, State, Tribal, and local governments, along with Juvenile sand lance (Ammodytes hexapterus) (top) and surf smelt nongovernmental organizations (Hypomesus pretiosus) collected on Horseshoe crab eggs. Photo credit: (NGOs), universities, and private Bainbridge Island, WA. Scale in inches. USFWS industry. Surf smelt and sand lance Photo credit: David Ayers, USGS 14 NEWSWAVE • Summer 2012 News from the US Coral Reef Task Force By Liza Johnson, DOI The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force (USCRTF) is focused on three major initiatives in the National Ocean Policy Implementation Plan The USCRTF helps build partnerships, strategies, and support for on-the-ground that will strengthen how agen- action to conserve coral reefs. In front, from left, Paul Sturm (Ridge to Reefs), Susie cies collaborate to protect coral Holst (NOAA) and Emma Anders (State of Hawaii), present information about the reef ecosystems. They are focus- Watershed Partnership Initiative to Task Force members from left, Barbara Best ing efforts on three major threats: (USAID), William Aila (Hawaii DNR?), Gib Owen (USACE), Lelei Peau (American Samoa), Eileen Sobeck (DOI), Liza Johnson (DOI), Eric Schwab (NOAA), Shannon Simpson land-based sources of pollution, (NOAA), Demaris Delgado (Puerto Rico), Don Schregardus (Navy), Kate Bowers (DOJ) climate change, and planned and and Karen Wardzinski (DOJ). Photo credit: Paulo Maurin, NOAA unplanned physical impacts. The USCRTF discussed progress and steps forward for each of the initiatives. Eileen Sobeck, USCRTF Co- Chair and Interior Acting Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas, joined the Assistant Administrator for NOAA Fisheries, and three Governor Members’ representatives in sharing remarks with the Task Force members at the meeting February 18-21 in Washington, D.C. Deerin Babb-Brott, Director of the National Ocean Council, presented information about how the USCRTF is engaged with implementing the National Ocean Policy (NOP). NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service staff presented information about the proposed listing of 66 coral species through the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The USCRTF explored how best to proactively implement the ESA to protect these species, enhance recovery of the currently listed and proposed coral species, and address species management while easing the additional administrative burden of the ESA requirements. Senior Econo- mist at the World Bank, Mr. Pawan Patil, gave the keynote presentation at the last US See Task Force page 22 USGS Releases New Map Series At left is a physiographic map of the Santa Barbara Channel region, part of the newly released USGS California State Waters Map series. The California Ocean Protection Council initiated the California Seafloor Mapping Program (CSMP), designed to create a comprehensive seafloor map of high-resolution bathymetry, marine benthic habitats, and geology within the 3-nautical-mile limit of California’s State Waters. The CSMP approach is to create highly detailed seafloor maps through collection, integration, interpretation, and visualization of swath sonar data, acoustic backscatter, seafloor video, seafloor photography, high-resolution seismic-reflection profiles, and bottom- sediment sampling data. The map products display Figure 1–1. Physiography of Santa Barbara Channel region. Box shows Offshore of Ventura map area. Arrows show direction of sediment transport in Santa Barbara littoral cell, which extends from Point Arguello (PA)seafloor to morphology and character, identify potential Hueneme Canyon (HC) and Mugu Canyon (MC). Other abbreviations: CC, Calleguas Creek; O, Oxnard; PC, Point Conception; SB, Santa Barbara; SBB, Santa Barbara Basin; SM, Santa Monica Mountains; SMB,marine Santa benthic habitats, and illustrate both the surficial Monica Basin; SR, Santa Clara River; SYM, Santa Ynez Mountains; V, Ventura, VR, Ventura River. seafloor geology and shallow (to about 100 m) subsurface geology. At bottom left - Detailed view of seafloor character mapped southwest of Ventura, approximately 4.5 km offshore of Ventura River mouth showing locations of periodic real-time video observations (dots) and digital still photographs (stars). See report and mapping products online: http://pubs.usgs.gov/sim/3254/

6 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 BSEE Holds Public BSEE works closely with NOAA, the Army Corps of Engineers Meetings on (ACE), the U.S. Coast Guard, the Decommissioning Oil Environmental Protection Agency, and Gas Platforms in BOEM and the Gulf Coast states the Gulf of Mexico to assist with the inclusion of ap- As part of a six-member, inter- propriate oil and gas infrastructure agency working group, Interior’s into each state’s artificial reef program. Bureau of Safety and Environmen- “Rigs-to-Reefs” is a term used for tal Enforcement (BSEE) held two a policy allowing obsolete, nonpro- Operators with non-productive ductive offshore oil and gas plat- stakeholder workshops to share forms to be converted as artificial platforms can apply to the ACE information and address concerns reefs to support marine habitat. and the appropriate states, and if about decommissioning obsolete Generally, when the useful life of an approved, may request BSEE ap- oil and gas platforms in the Gulf of oil and gas platform is over, it must proval to dispose of their platform Mexico with stakeholders from the be decommissioned (i.e. dismantled within the guidelines set forth by charter and recreational fishing and and disposed of) according to the the appropriate organizations. diving communities, trawling op- terms of the Department of the Inte- rior lease by which the platform was BSEE will soon issue a revised erations, decommissioning industry authorized. policy which will remove the and the oil and gas industry. They Interior regulations include a previously required five-mile buf- were held in Houston (Nov. 2012) disposal option that, under certain fer zone between state artificial and New Orleans (Feb. 2013). circumstances, allows keeping a reefing areas and allow for reefing Transcripts and videos from the biologically valuable structure in the obsolete structures in place when workshops are available on-line. marine environment as an artificial reef through a process called “Rigs- appropriate, providing all materi- http://www.bsee.gov/BSEE-News- to-Reefs.” Artificial reefs not only als that could pose a risk to the room/Multimedia/Videos(1).aspx can enhance aquatic habitat, but environment are first removed. also provide an additional option Federal regulations require that The bureau is also working on for conserving, managing, and/ a GIS mapping system that will offshore oil and gas platforms be or developing fishery resources removed from the marine environ- and can provide recreational indicate the location of offshore ment and taken to shore for dis- opportunities. oil and gas platforms with over- posal within one year from termi- lays that demonstrate those listed nation of the oil and gas lease, or as “idle” or no longer in use, and when they are no longer useful for those with the necessary structure operations. An alternative to on- to be considered for artificial reef- shore disposal is the conversion of ing. States and stakeholders will retired platforms to permitted and be able to use the mapping system permanently submerged artificial to facilitate comprehensive plan- reefs, commonly referred to as ning for the inclusion of offshore ‘Rigs to Reefs’. oil and gas infrastructure into the artificial reef program. BSEE is responsible for ensuring that when an operator is no longer producing oil or gas from Learn more: http://www.bsee.gov/ a well, the well is permanently Exploration-and-Production/Deco- sealed to protect the environment. missioning/index.aspx Companies must also remove all structures which could affect the environment and impede navi- At left: Three methods of platform gation or other uses of the area. removal and reefing are used in the These obligations are part of the ’Rigs to Reefs’ process. original lease terms. Schematic: BSEE. 16 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Salmon in the each stage of growth, lead activi- Classroom ties that build an understanding of salmon’s importance, and foster By Amanda Fortin, USFWS greater environmental awareness. In March 2013, nearly 100 fourth- The students learn about their and fifth-grade students took a watershed and how their activities 70-mile field trip into the Columbia make an impact on salmon and oth- River Gorge to release a tank full er species. Fish in the Boise-Eliot/ of Chinook salmon fry they raised Humboldt ‘Salmon in the Class- from eggs into Washington’s Drano room’ project have experienced Lake. This was the final step of good fortune. Every egg taken to their three-month ‘Salmon in the Steve Lazzini, USFWS Biological the school survived and in March, Technician, at the Spring Creek National Classroom’ program. Developed the students visited the Spring Fish Hatchery, shows students how with the support of Portland Public Creek National Fish Hatchery, scientists mark fish so biologists can Schools, the Portland Black Parent identify them when they are recaught toured facilities, fed fish, took a Initiative, the Urban League, and later. Photo credit: Meghan Kearney, guided nature walk, and said a final the Oregon Youth Development USFWS good-bye to the Chinook fry. While Council, the USFWS brought this the salmon took their next step in necting people with nature,” said program to students at Boise-Eliot- their journey to the Pacific Ocean, Mike Carrier, Assistant Regional Humboldt Elementary School in the students’ enthusiasm in learning Director for Fishery Resources. Portland, OR. Using curriculum more about salmon, environmental “While the outdoors is always the developed and implemented by stewardship and maybe even con- best place to make that connection, the Spring Creek Information and servation career pathways is on the ‘Salmon in the Classroom’ offers Education Office, Salmon‘ in the rise at Boise-Eliot/Humboldt. urban students an opportunity to Classroom’, involves students in see conservation in action, inspire raising salmon from egg to fry That fits well with USFWS’s ef- them to enjoy the outdoors and stage in their classroom and ties forts to increase access to its con- to contemplate a career path they to environmental education objec- servation education programs and might someday choose.” tives in all subject areas. A variety inspire people of all ages to learn http://www.fws.gov/pacific/news/ of activities integrate the lifecycle about -- and care for -- fish, wild- news.cfm?id=2144375205 of salmon into lesson plans ranging life and plants and their habitats. Watch a fish tagging video: from art to engineering. “The Fish and Wildlife Service www.youtube.com/ USFWS biologists work with strives to foster environmental watch?v=QXbjy4qpOVs teachers to provide guidance at awareness and citizenship by con-

Cheri Anderson, USFWS Education Specialist, discusses Students release juvenile Chinook salmon they have raised for the past how healthy watersheds support healthy salmon 70 days as part of the USFWS Salmon in the Classroom program. Photo populations. Photo credit: Pat Edwards, USFWS credit: Pat Edwards, USFWS 17 NEWSWAVE • Summer 2012 News from Council of Great Lakes Governors and USGS Partnerships for Informed Management and Use of Great Lakes Water In order to better understand the impact of water withdrawals from the Great Lakes by municipal, industrial, agricul- tural and other users, a new effort is underway to document the cumulative impacts these withdrawals could have on the Basin’s water resources and ecosystems. The Council of Great Lakes Governors (CGLG), a regional partnership formed on behalf of the eight Great Lakes States, is also spearheading the Ocean partnership in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin. The Council is initi- ating a cumulative impact assessment for the Basin to help advise decision-makers. News from the Caribbean Sherri Fields (NPS) The CGLG’s cumulative impact assess- Regions (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) ment for the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Across the Nation, the Interior River Basin will build on data collected Gulf of Mexico by the USGS National Water Use Infor- Department provides leadership Linda Kelsey (USFWS) mation Program and will include other and coordination for ocean, (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, components of the water budget from coastal and Great Lakes activities. Mississippi, Texas) the federal agencies in both Canada and http://www.gulfofmexicoalliance.org Interior supports regional the U.S. This groundbreaking effort will partnerships and efforts to address West Coast directly influence the decisions and ac- common concerns within the Joan Barminski (BOEM) tions of water users and managers in the regions. Ellen Aronson (BOEM) region, and will provide an example for (California, Washington and Oregon) other regions seeking to examine water Interior contacts and related links http://westcoastoceans.org use impacts at the watershed scale. Part- for activities in the nine regions: Great Lakes nerships at the regional scale ensure that Northeast Phyllis Ellin (NPS), stakeholders are engaged in this discus- Bob LaBelle (BOEM) Norman Grannemann (USGS) sion and that the appropriate science and planning tools are available to help Leann Bullin (BOEM) Charlie Wooley (USFWS) (Maine, New Hampshire, (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, inform the decision-making process. Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, http://water.usgs.gov/wateravailability/ Connecticut) Wisconsin) greatlakes/info.html http://northeastoceancouncil.org/ http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/glri/ Mid-Atlantic http://www.cglg.org/ Maureen Bornholdt (BOEM) Pacific Islands Leann Bullin (BOEM) Richard Hannan (USFWS) (Maryland, New York, New Jersey, (American Samoa, Commonwealth Delaware, Virginia) of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, http://www.midatlanticocean.org Hawaii) South Atlantic Alaska/Arctic Eric Strom (USGS) Jim Kendall (BOEM) (North Carolina, South Carolina, (Alaska) Georgia, Florida) http://www.southatlanticalliance.org Expansive shorelines exposed due to low water levels at Old Mission Peninsula, Lake Michigan. Photo credit: Norman Grannemann, USGS 18 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Tsunami Preparedness USGS and Google Week in California Partner on Emergency During the week of March 24- Public Alerts 30, Cal Emergency Management Emergency notifications for Agency and the California Geo- earthquakes, severe weather and logical Survey joined with the other public safety matters are now National Oceanic and Atmospheric available through Google Public Administration and their local and Alerts. The system provides ac- state partners to observe Tsunami cess to information during crises Tsunami warning signs are an important Preparedness Week. Preparedness through the online tools you use efforts included testing the tsunami part of the community emergency preparedness efforts. every day. The Google Crisis Re- warning communications system, sponse team wants to make it easy participating in table-top exer- “Even though California has the for people to find critical informa- cises, public education forums, and most communities designated by tion during emergencies and is do- development of brochures, videos NOAA as ‘TsunamiReady,’ we are ing so by partnering with authorita- and other materials for children, not resting on our laurels,” said tive sources to include public alert boaters and the general public. Ghilarducci. “This new study by data into Google products. the USGS will help make Cali- “Even though all levels of gov- fornia’s coastal communities even Users will see public alerts in ernment continue to enhance our better prepared by providing emer- Google Search and Google Maps preparedness and response capa- gency planners, first responders based on search queries such as bilities, individual preparedness and elected officials with data they “earthquake Hawaii” or “weather remains the biggest weakness we can use to build on the information Tampa, Florida.” In addition to face,” said Cal EMA Secretary already provided by the tsunami the alert, you’ll also see relevant Mark Ghilarducci. A new study inundation maps.” response information such as event published by the U.S. Geological descriptions, safety tips, maps, Survey, “Community Exposure “Having a better sense of the and links to websites with useful to Tsunami Hazards in Califor- number and type of people that information. nia,” provides first responders, are in tsunami-prone areas of emergency planners and other each coastal community allows Earthquake data from the U.S. stakeholders, with valuable new emergency managers to develop Geological Survey (USGS) have information about the people who tsunami outreach and preparedness been incorporated into the system, live in, work in, and visit tsunami strategies that are tailored to ad- as well as weather data from the hazard areas in 20 counties and 94 dress local conditions and needs,” U.S. National Oceanic and Atmo- incorporated cities located along said USGS geographer Nathan spheric Administration (NOAA) the state’s coast. This information Wood, lead author of the new National Weather Service. Users provides local planners with a new report. “CGS values this study and can go to the Google Public Alerts tool to help refine their tsunami its partnership with the USGS,” website and search for key terms to outreach efforts, as well as emer- said Dr. John Parrish, the State find relevant information: What's gency preparedness and response Geologist of California and head happening? Where and when will efforts during future exercises and of CGS. “This product will greatly an event strike? How severe will it emergencies. improve the generation of tsunami be? Within minutes after an earth- hazard products and the ability of quake occurs, the USGS records The USGS report builds upon state agencies to assist local com- and publishes information on the tsunami inundation maps that were munities prepare for future tsuna- origin time, location and magni- previously developed by Cal EMA, mis events.” Learn more: http:// tude. This information is now dis- CGS and the University of South- www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article. tributed simultaneously on Google ern California depicting the maxi- asp?ID=3535#.UX8BRLUqZ3A websites. http://www.usgs.gov/ mum extent of tsunami inundation www.tsunami.ca.gov newsroom/article.asp?ID=3446#. for all 20 coastal counties. myhazards.calema.ca.gov UX79k7UqYl0 19 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Tiny Stowaways in Ship’s Ballast By Barbara Wilcox, USGS Invasive species that hitch rides into new environments via global trade and travel can cause immense environmental and economic damage in the United States and throughout the world. They can degrade vital industrial structures as well as ecosystems and food Left: The empty interior of an ocean-going ship’s ballast tank. Such tanks are filled webs. Yet it’s hard to imagine a with water to balance a ship’s load. Unless the water is treated before it is emptied into foreign waters, it can introduce foreign organisms into the water that may become prosperous 21st century without established and compete with native species. USGS scientists are taking up the global trade, even if it inadvertent- challenge of dosing, mixing and testing cost-effective treatments for these large tanks ly brings invasive species to our that will kill the organisms but render the water safe for discharge. Right: Invasive shores. Often, these marine inva- zebra mussels found in Lake Huron. Photo credits: USGS sives arrive in the ballast water that ocean-going ships carry to balance their loads. USGS has partnered Prevention is best Finally, USGS and the U.S. Envi- with other agencies and private in- It’s almost always too late to get ronmental Protection Agency have dustry to characterize the threat of rid of such pests once they are co-produced the first large-scale marine invasive species at a global established. It’s much easier to stop comparative atlas of non-native level. USGS science provides aquatic species from becoming marine species in the North Pacific, data to help establish ballast water introduced by treating incoming giving resource managers data with discharge standards, and also helps ballast water before it is discharged which to strategize against possible to develop ballast treatment sys- into unfamiliar waters. future threats. Learn more: tems that will stop invasive species For several decades, state and USGS Invasive Species Program before they gain hold. federal governments and the In- http://www.usgs.gov/ecosystems/ The highly invasive zebra mussel ternational Maritime Organization invasive_species/index.html (Dreissena polymorph), causes bil- have been crafting requirements for Under siege! America’s most un- lions in damage annually to North treatment of ships’ ballast water. wanted invasive species American boats, docks, hydro- These standards could be imple- http://www.usgs.gov/blogs/fea- electric systems and other vital mented worldwide by 2020, but tures/usgs_top_story/under-siege- infrastructure and resources. Zebra key to global adoption is having america’s-most-unwanted-inva- mussels also compromise food consistent, reliable and easily fol- sive-species/ webs by attaching to other animals lowed standards and methodolo- and jeopardizing their survival. gies. USGS scientists are evaluat- Interactive map of nonindigenous Zebra mussels were first reported ing both risk-based and quantitative species in your state in the Great Lakes in 1988, where ballast-water discharge standards http://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/Sta- they probably arrived as plankton to protect marine ecology. USGS teSearch.aspx in the ballast tanks of ocean-going is developing emergency ballast- Invasive species in the Great Lakes ships from Europe. By 2007, they water treatment systems and fresh- had spread into U.S. waterways as water ballast treatment systems that http://www.glsc.usgs.gov/ far away as Lake Mead, often by are safe and effective while also main.php?content=research_ unwitting recreational boaters being cost-efficient and easy to use invasive&title=Invasive%20 hauling their vessels from place in partnership with the National Species0&menu=research to place. Park Service and private firms.

20 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Restoring Flow in the Everglades

On May 15, part of the old Tamiami Trail roadway through the Everglades was demolished beneath the new one mile bridge that was built as part of the efforts to restore water flow in the Ever- glades. The road has been a physical barrier preventing water flow Construction crews restore flow to a part of the Everglades by removing a section of through the Everglades. Two weeks the Old Tamiami Trail in South Florida. Photo credit: NPS earlier, on May 1, Secretary Jewell ida to make Everglades restoration developing new water projects, and visited Everglades National Park a high priority. Together we have we will work with the state, Native and reaffirmed the Administration’s made great strides in getting the American Tribes, local govern- unprecedented commitment to water right and reducing the threats ments and all the stakeholders to restoration efforts in South Florida. to this great ecosystem,” said Jew- get the job done.” “President Obama has kept his ell. “We still have much work to do http://www.doi.gov/news/photos/secre- commitment to the people of Flor- from addressing invasive species to tary-jewell-tours-everglades.cfm

Oil Platforms and fish residing at oil platforms within biologist Donna Schroeder. "First, California Fishes the Santa Barbara Channel and existing offshore oil platforms pro- Fishes residing near oil platforms the San Pedro Basin in California. vide food and shelter to local fishes in southern California have simi- The amount of contaminants pres- without increasing their back- lar contaminant levels as fishes in ent in fish tissue samples at seven ground contaminant loads. Second, nearby natural sites, according to platform sites was compared to since there is no detectable PAH two recent reports by the USGS, samples at natural nearby sites. signal from ongoing operations, which were conducted to assist the Some of the most important con- we would expect that if the State Bureau of Ocean Energy Manage- taminants related to oil operations of California wanted to implement ment (BOEM) in understanding are polycyclic aromatic hydrocar- a “Rigs-to-Reefs” program, there potential consequences of offshore bons (PAHs). Several PAHs are would likely be no change, pollu- energy development. probable human carcinogens and tion-wise, in the quality of the offshore environment, which appears Since the underwater portion of many are toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Scientists were able to be pretty good." http://www.usgs. many offshore oil and gas plat- gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3546 forms often provides habitat to a to develop a new, more accurate large number of fishes and in- method of sampling small traces of vertebrates, some stakeholders PAHs that may have been ingested have called for ocean managers to and broken down within the fish. consider a "Rigs-to-Reefs" option Samples were taken from species during the decommissioning phase thought to be most sensitive to of a platform. The findings of this PAH contamination. These spe- study address questions regarding cies, including Pacific sanddab, how the industrial legacy of this kelp rockfish, and kelp bass, also kind of artificial reef may affect tend to be targeted by fishermen. local fish populations.(See related PAH concentrations were either story page 16) very low or undetectable in all fish sampled for this study. Scientists analyzed the amount Rockfishes inhabit oil platforms offshore of contaminants from crude oil "These important results suggest of California. Photo credit: Donna exposure present in three species of two things," said BOEM marine Schroeder, BOEM 21 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Tiny Grazers Play Key USGS scientist and coauthor, Jim Task Force continued from page 15 Grace, emphasized that seagrass Role in Ecosystem Coral Reef Task Force Meeting on habitats are also quite beneficial Health the Global Partnership for Oceans, to people. inspiring ideas about engaging “Not only do these areas serve as more partners outside the Federal, nurseries for commercially impor- State, and Territorial governments. tant fish and shellfish, such as blue The Watershed Partnership Initia- crabs, red drum, and some Pacific tive (WPI) subgroup announced rockfish, but they also help clean plans to bring the watershed our water and buffer our coastal coordinators together at the next communities by providing shore- USCRTF meeting to enhance line protection from storms,” said collaborative use of multiple Grace. “These tiny animals, by resources. They also shared recent Gammarus mucronatus, an amphipod going about their daily business status reports and accomplishments grazer that can promote healthy eelgrass of grazing, are integral to keeping beds. Photo credit: Matthew Whalen, UC addressing land-based sources of healthy seagrass beds healthy.” In Davis (copyrighted) pollution. fact, if not for the algal munching The USCRTF Coral Reef Injury of these grazers, algae could blan- Tiny sea creatures no bigger than and Mitigation Working Group ket the seagrasses, blocking out a thumbtack are being credited continues to develop a guidance sunlight and preventing them from for playing a key role in helping resource for reef managers on coral photosynthesizing, which would provide healthy habitats for many reef impact, avoidance, minimiza- ultimately kill the seagrasses. kinds of seafood. tion, mitigation, and restoration The little crustacean “grazers,” “Coastal managers have been con- from both planned and unplanned some resembling tiny shrimp, are cerned for years about excess fer- impacts. The Climate Change critical in protecting seagrasses tilizer and sediment loads that hurt Working Group discussed develop- from overgrowth by algae. They seagrasses,” said J. Emmett Duffy ing state and territory coral bleach- are helpful in maintaining aquatic of Virginia Institute of Marine ing response plans and adaptation health for native and economically Science and coauthor of the study. strategies to address the impacts of important species. The research- “Our results provide convincing climate change and ocean acidifi- ers found that these plant-eating field evidence that grazing by small cation on coral reefs. animals can be just as important as animals feast on nuisance algae The Fall meeting, hosted by the good water quality in preventing that grow on seagrass that provides U.S. Virgin Islands government, nuisance algae blooms and keeping nurseries for many seafood spe- will be focused on USVI and seagrass beds healthy.” cies. The grazers are also an impor- Caribbean regional issues, the tant food source for other larger This research by Virginia Insti- proposed ESA coral listing and the organisms. tute of Marine Science and USGS Administration’s Tourism Initia- “Inconspicuous creatures often researchers is the first in a series tive. http://www.coralreef.gov/ play big roles in supporting pro- of studies worldwide on seagrass ductive ecosystems. “Think of how ecosystems. vital honeybees are for pollinating http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/ tree crops or what our soils would article.asp?ID=3544&from=rss_ look like if we did not have earth- home worms”, said Matthew Whalen, the study’s lead author who conducted this work while at Virginia Insti- tute of Marine Science (VIMS) At right- Comparison of algae fouling on eelgrass with and without grazers. and is now at the University of Photo credit: Matthew Whalen, UC Davis California, Davis. (copyrighted)

22 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Action Plan continued from page 1 OCEAN.DATA.GOV improve response, containment, plishments and its new plan to im- Ocean.data.gov is a web portal that and support infrastructure and prove our ocean, coasts, and Great includes data, information, and planning in the challenging Arctic Lakes,” said Secretary Jewell. “As decision-support tools for a wide environment. These actions bring stewards of millions of acres of variety of users. Interior leadership together Federal agencies, industry, marine and coastal national parks and support have been instrumen- academia, and international part- and wildlife refuges, as well as tal in developing and contributing ners and rely on completing sci- 1.7 billion underwater acres of the data to, as well as maintaining, the entifically based field or test tank Outer Continental Shelf, the Inte- interagency data framework. By experiments and tests of response rior Department praises President 2015, all Federal non-classified tools for U.S. Arctic marine waters. Obama’s foresight in planning for geospatial data and information These actions are also designed to the management of the oceanic and will be available through: improve resilience to risks associ- coastal treasures that are so impor- Ocean.Data.Gov ated with increased shipping activ- tant to America’s environment U.S. CORAL REEF TASK ity through the Arctic waters. and economy.” FORCE Actions related to renewable The Secretary of the Interior and Interior serves as the co-chair of offshore energy activities include other Cabinet officials are members the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, compiling available and relevant of the National Ocean Council-- (see related story page 15) which climate, water, wind, and weather charged with implementing the includes Federal agencies and State data; environmental models of President’s National Ocean Policy and Territorial members. The Task seasonal and extreme conditions; established by Executive Order Force is undertaking several ac- and other information to support 13457 in 2010. tions in the Implementation Plan, the development of the Nation’s including coordinated projects in coastal and offshore renewable On April 16, the White House, targeted locations to reduce im- energy, including wind, ocean ther- on behalf of the National Ocean pacts of land-based pollutants on mal, and hydrokinetic (e.g., waves, Council, released the final National coral reefs through its Watershed tidal energy) resources. Ocean Policy Implementation Plan Partnership Initiative, creating reef that addresses national priorities Additionally, the plan calls for resilience and adaptive manage- for a strong ocean economy, safety analyzing economic contribu- ment strategies, and developing a and security, coastal and ocean re- tions and impacts (including job reference handbook for managers silience, local decisions and choic- creation) of emerging ocean uses as they assess, mitigate, and restore es, and the science and information on the communities and regions coral reef ecosystems. needed to inform society in pri- dependent on marine and coastal orities and support decisions. The OFFSHORE ENERGY resources. These include renewable Plan was developed with signifi- Interior supports a number of energy, aquaculture, and biotech- cant input from national, regional, offshore energy actions that con- nology. Programs like these require and local stakeholders and the tribute to the national economy Interior to play a leadership role in general public following release and national safety and security as implementing the Plan, supporting of the draft plan in 2012. Interior’s well as ensuring the development regional decisions and supporting Bureaus were actively involved in of these energy sources contributes the larger vision of the National the development of the Plan, and to coastal resilience and ecosys- Ocean Policy: “An America whose are committed to implementing the tem health. Through coordinated stewardship ensures that the ocean, actions within the Plan. Interior approaches, the Plan will help our coasts, and the Great Lakes has over 80 specific actions, sec- streamline the permitting process are healthy and resilient, safe and ond only to National Oceanic and but does not affect any statutory productive, and understood and Atmospheric Administration. or regulatory obligations. Specific treasured so as to promote the well actions related to oil and gas are being, prosperity, and security of Below are a few examples that focused on preventing spills in the present and future generations.” highlight Interior’s role in the Arctic including technological de- broader interagency effort. Read the Implementation Plan: velopments that minimize risk and http://www.whitehouse.gov/oceans 23 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2013 Get Outdoors! The Surfing Bison Visit your ocean, coasts and Great Lakes Are you looking for a place to go fishing? To the beach? Maybe you’re searching for activities to enjoy with your family or friends on your next vacation? Luckily, the Department of the Interior has many affordable opportunities. Some are closer to home than you think. Interior’s Ocean, Coasts and Great Lakes are waiting. Where will you make outdoor memories this summer? Explore these online resources for ideas that will help you enjoy your resources in no time!

Nicole Bransome, DOI Visit one of our ocean and coastal parks and see why these public gems attract over 86 million visitors each year. Eighty-four coastal and marine national parks include coral reefs, kelp forests, glaciers, estuaries, beaches, wetlands, historic forts and shipwrecks. Water recreation opportunities like surfing, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, and family beach adventures, abound. www.nature.nps.gov/water/ oceancoastal/ June 1-9 is National Fishing and Boating week. Visit takemefishing.org, where all the resources you’ll need to get started with fishing are the catch of the day! From the “beginners guide to fishing” to “boating safety” and “how to get a fishing license,” this site, compiled by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation through the U.S Fish and Photo courtesy of Take Me Fishing. Wildlife Service, will have your family out and landing fish in no time. Make sure to check out the list of free fishing days by state and go get your feet wet with fishing for the first time! National Wildlife Refuges are another affordable travel destination. Refuges are in all 50 states, within less than an hour’s drive from most major American cities. They offer a rich variety of recreational choices that include hiking, bird watching, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, photography, hunting, and a host of other outdoor pleasures. Check out an interactive map to help you plan your trip to a coastal wildlife refuge near you: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/

Check out recreation.gov for one stop to help plan your summer fun. The interagency website allows you to search for activities on an interactive map, see ready-made itineraries for destination cities, and make reserva- tions. It includes multimedia and mobile features. Topics include "Day Hikes for Weekend Warriors" and "Car Camping for Beginners." Take a picture and submit it to our “Share the Experience” photo contest. The winning photograph will appear on the 2015 America the Beautiful pass for entrance to federal recreation sites. Other prizes include $15,000 and a chance to be featured on the Interior’s popular social media platforms. For more information: http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/ department-of-the-interior-announces-start-of-2013-share-the-experience-photo-contest.cfm Photo credit: Liza Johnson 24