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

Special Feature—Our World Underwater Scholarship at National Parks Spring 2018

Interior Issues Offshore Oil and Gas Energy $60 Million to Promote Revenues to Gulf of Mexico States Fishing and Boating Disbursements will fund important coastal conservation, Funds from taxes on fishing restoration, and hurricane protection projects. equipment and boating fuel. In February, Secretary Zinke announced a $60 million cooperative agreement with the Recreational Boat- ing and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) to help retain and recruit recreational anglers and boaters. See related story, page 7. Zinke also announced $14 million in Boating Infrastructure Grants (BIG), which improve facilities for large transient recreational boats to support water-related outdoor recre- ation and tourism.

Secretary Zinke (center) shares a large check with governors and congressional representatives “Outdoor recreation is a key part of of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Photo credit: Tami Heilemann, DOI our American heritage, and boating and fishing in particular are how many In April, Secretary of the Interior Ryan energy production means less oil Americans enjoy our public waters,” Zinke announced the U.S. Department needed from foreign countries and said Secretary Zinke. “The new of the Interior (DOI) will divide about more jobs for the American people. cooperative agreement with RBFF $188 million among Alabama, Loui- This $188 million will be dedicated to is going to make sure we are reach- siana, Mississippi, and Texas (the oil- coastal restoration and other projects ing new anglers and boaters from all and-gas producing States on the Gulf important to many communities in the of Mexico), and their coastal political Gulf.” subdivisions (CPS). This represents Alabama Governor Kay Ivey said, the first disbursement of funds under “As one of the four Gulf producing Phase II of the Gulf of Mexico Energy States, Alabama will use these funds Security Act of 2006 (GOMESA). The wisely to protect, restore, and provide funds are derived from qualified oil public access to natural resources in and gas leasing revenues on the Outer our beautiful State. I appreciate the Continental Shelf (OCS) and dis- work of Congress, through GOMESA, bursed in accordance with GOMESA to share these revenues with the areas legislation. most affected by Outer Continental “Under President Trump’s America- Shelf activities.” First energy strategy, we’ve increased Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant energy revenue by a billion dollars said, “This funding will help initiate An excited young angler shows off his prize nationally in the first year alone, catch with Dr. Mike Millard at the USFWS projects to improve our water quality Northeast Fishery Center Kid’s Fishing Day, which creates more funding for and enhance the blue economy of our important conservation projects in the Lamar, PA. Photo credit: USFWS Gulf,” said Secretary Zinke. “Offshore See Energy Revenues page 4 See Fishing and Boating page 4 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2018

Connect to Images and Multimedia via Social Media In This Edition LIKE us on Facebook: Offshore Energy Revenues...... 1 https://www.facebook.com/USInterioroceanscoastsgreatlakes/ Promoting Fishing and Boating...... 1 Offshore Energy Permits...... 3 Improving Safety Offshore...... 3 Domenech Takes on DOI’s Oceans Program...... 4 Protected Places for Puffins...... 5 Restoring Injured Resources...... 6 Herring Restoration Plan...... 7 BIG Program and RBFF Agreement...... 7 Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Lease...... 8 Massachusetts Offshore Wind...... 8 MarineCadastre.gov Award...... 9 Microplastics—Marine Debris...... 10 Discover Oregon Coastal Treasures.... 11 in the Yucatan...... 12 Can You Walk to Safety?...... 14 A Razorbill lands among puffins. Photo credit: Rosie Walunas, USFWS Coastal Barrier Resource Maps...... 15 See related story, page 5. Once in a Lifetime Experience...... 16 NEWSWAVE is a quarterly newsletter from the Department of the Interior Early Signs of a Stronger Coast...... 18 featuring ocean, Great Lakes and coastal activities across the Bureaus. Don’t Let It Loose!...... 19 Visit us online: https://www.doi.gov/pmb/ocean/newswave Aquatic Invaders...... 20 Hurricane Floodwaters...... 21 Editor: Ann Tihansky (USGS) Saving the Birds from Crazy Ants...... 22 Technical Editor: Rebekah Davis (USGS); Layout: Suzanne Roberts (USGS) eDNA-Tracking Great Lakes Contributors: Darci Palmquist (USFWS) Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Invasive Aquatic Species...... 23 DOI Marc Romano (USFWS) Council Lionfish and Unicorns...... 23 Tami Heilemann (DOI) Ivan Vicente (USFWS) Katasha Cornwell ( Rosie Walunas (USFWS) Department of Menacing Mussels...... 23 Liza Johnson (DOI) Tanya Joshua (DOI, OIA) Samantha Whitcraft (USFWS) Transportation) Protecting Reefs...... 24 Jason Kirkey (DOI) Bart Wilson (USFWS) Aldaron Laird and others 39th U.S Coral Task Jamie K. Reaser (DOI) Jed Wright (USFWS) (Historical Atlas of Meeting...... 24 Hilary Smith (DOI) USGS Humboldt Bay and Eel Coastal Technical Assistance...... 26 BOEM Murulee Byappanahalli River Delta) (USGS) Rory Stansbury (Island Rescuing Cold Turtles...... 30 Marjorie Weisskohl (BOEM) BSEE Heather Dewar (USGS) Conservation) Wounded Nature...... 30 NPS Pam Fuller (USGS) Kevin Richards (Hawai‘i Nutrients in the Everglades...... 31 Jamie Hoover (NPS) Paul Hershberger (USGS) Emergency Management The Surfing Bison...... 32 Charles Morris (NPS) Jamie Jones (USGS) Agency) USFWS Heidi Koontz(USGS) LCC Network Subscribe or Contribute to Samantha Brooke (USFWS) Marisa Lubeck (USGS) Jake Emmert (Moody NEWSWAVE! Isaac Burke (USFWS) W. Scott McBride (USGS) Gardens Aquarium) If you have any questions, Christopher Eng (USFWS) Matt Neilson (USGS) Scott Comings (The Nature Meredith Nevers (USGS) Conservancy) comments, or want to receive Holly Freifeld (USFWS) Susan Guiteras (USFWS) Jeff Peters (USGS) David Brankovits (WHOI) NEWSWAVE by email, contact: John Pohlman (USGS) Cole Goco (illustrator) Ann Tihansky: [email protected] Ryan Hagerty (USFWS) Jennifer Koches (USFWS) Dorothy F. Sifuentes (USGS) Jay Amberg (photographer) For more information, contact: Robby Kohley (USFWS) Andrea Toran (USGS) HP Hartmann Liza Johnson, Ocean, Great Lakes Stefan Kropidlowski (USFWS) Nate Wood (USGS) (photographer) and Coasts Coordinator David B. Ledig (USFWS) Thierry Work (USGS) Carl Johnson (photographer) NOAA Greg Lasley (photographer) Office of Policy Analysis, Roy W. Lowe (USFWS) Ilana Nimz (USFWS) American Littoral Society Jacob Pohlman 1849 C Street, NW, Mail Stop 3530 Zack Toyle (American Littoral (photographer) Washington, D.C. 20240 Tom MacKenzie (USFWS) Joe Milmoe (USFWS) Society) David Smith (photographer) Telephone: 202–208–1378 Lauri Munroe Hultman Ayla Fox (The Coastal Shaun Wolfe (photographer) [email protected] (USFWS) Institute-URI)

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New Review Process for Offshore Energy Permits By BSEE In March, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) implemented a new quality-assurance process for reviewing and assessing its permitting systems to help make offshore energy operations more responsible and efficient. The goals of the new process are to reflect permits and inform best practices for future offshore energy permitting. “We owe it to the American people to ensure that our permit processes are efficient and decision-making practices are consistent,” said Scott BSEE implemented a new quality-assurance process to increase safety and reliability of offshore Angelle, BSEE Director. “Taking energy operations. Photo credit: BSEE these actions now will promote BSEE’s effective monitoring of permit review and assess permitting pro- involve permit reviews and on-site processes and provide an avenue to cesses used within BSEE for consis- visits, as applicable. progress towards overall improve- tency, timeliness, and efficiency. Care- ments such as decreased processing Read the press release: https://www. fully selected teams of BSEE staff delays.” bsee.gov/newsroom/latest-news/ will complete this quality-assurance statements-and-releases/press- The new directive, issued by BSEE’s process by developing assessment releases/bsee-implements-new- Office of Offshore Regulatory Pro- plans and completing assessments that quality-assurance grams, requires BSEE to periodically

Secretary Zinke Moves Forward to Improve Safety Offshore In March, Secretary Zinke it's done safely,” Secretary Zinke them to scrutiny to determine where announced new initiatives, includ- told the CERAWeek attendees. “As improvements are needed.” ing risk-based inspections and more part of the Trump administration’s Since his arrival in 2017, Angelle time for physical inspections, to push for safety in energy develop- has called for BSEE to embrace a strengthen the Federal offshore oil ment, we are working hard to do our process of change management. and gas inspection program. Zinke’s job smarter and ensure industry is “The six initiatives we are announc- announcement at the 2018 CER- exploring and producing safely.” ing today are an important set of AWeek® conference coincided with BSEE inspectors started doing risk- steps that will keep pace with the the U.S. offshore’s largest oil pro- based inspections in March as part increased offshore oil gas and pro- ducing year on record for the U.S. of the Bureau’s overall inspection duction, ensure safety, and protect offshore, totaling 629 million barrels strategy. This specialized inspection the environment,” Angelle stated. during 2017. protocol involves analyzing continu- “They will also help BSEE become CERAWeek is an annual energy con- ous trend data to focus on perfor- a more efficient agency, something ference organized by IHS Markit® mance issues. the American taxpayers expect and in Houston, Texas. The 37th annual BSEE Director Scott Angelle deserve.” CERAWeek conference was held explained, “I want BSEE’s programs Read more: https://www.doi.gov/ from March 5 to 9, 2018. and processes to be the best in the pressreleases/secretary-zinke-moves- “One of the pillars to responsible world, and I’m not afraid to subject forward-improve-safety-offshore energy development is ensuring

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Energy Revenues continued from page 1 Fishing and Boating continued from page 1 Gulf coast. I am grateful to Secretary ages to get out on the water. The BIG Zinke and everyone else who made grants help ensure that those new this disbursement a reality.” recreationists, as well as those who Louisiana Governor John Bel have enjoyed these activities for years, Edwards said, “This revenue stream experience improved access to fishing is one we have planned our coastal opportunities with safer and more program around, and we are happy user-friendly recreational boating to finally be able to put it to use to facilities.” help address our land loss crisis. A “The Recreational Boating and Fish- Secretary Zinke swears in Doug Domenech healthy coast is absolutely essential ing Foundation, in partnership with (at left) as the Assistant Secretary for Insular to a healthy oil and gas industry in the Secretary of the Interior, the Areas on September 18, 2017. Photo credit: Tami Heilemann, DOI Louisiana, as well as our economy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, State overall. The dedication of these funds natural resource agencies, and indus- Domenech Takes on to address our coastal issues is the try stakeholders has increased fishing smartest investment we can make.” participation by nearly 20 percent over DOI’s Oceans Program Senator John Neely Kennedy (R–LA) the past 10 years,” said Glenn Hughes, By Tanya Joshua (OIA) and Ann Tihansky said, “More of Louisiana’s coast dis- American Sportfishing Association’s (USGS) appears every day. I am glad to finally (ASA) Vice President of Industry On February 1, Secretary Zinke see these GOMESA dollars coming Relations. “ASA is very pleased that signed Secretarial Order no. 3361, in. This money will help us restore our RBFF’s grant was renewed for another expanding the functions and respon- beautiful coast so that we can continue five years, ensuring that there are a sibilities of the Assistant Secretary to provide oil, natural gas and seafood many programs and campaigns to for Insular Areas Doug Domenech to the rest of the Nation.” recruit, retain and reactivate anglers.” to include the Office of International Texas Governor Greg Abbott said, “The role of RBFF and the work Affairs and the Ocean, Great Lakes, “We look forward to using these funds they do helping Americans get on and Coastal Program (Oceans Pro- for projects that reinforce our con- the water, which in turn supports the gram), which was previously under servation and restoration efforts, and conservation and restoration of our the Assistant Secretary for Policy will allow generations of Texans to Nation’s aquatic resources, has an Management and Budget. The new enjoy. As the State of Texas contin- incredibly positive and lasting impact expanded portfolio will now be called ues to recover from the damage and on the recreational boating and fishing the Office of the Assistant Secretary devastating flooding that impacted industries,” said Thom Dammrich, for Insular and International Affairs. 240 miles of Texas coastline, we are President of the National Marine Domenech also serves as the Sec- grateful for the GOMESA funds that Manufacturers Association. “We retary’s appointee to the Advisory will help strengthen and restore the applaud the Department of the Interior Council of the Conservation Trust of State’s vibrant coastal region.” for recognizing RBFF’s significant Puerto Rico. The DOI Office of Natural Resources contribution to outdoor recreation, “This realignment is part of the Revenue (ONRR) manages and and we look forward to continuing to Department’s overall efforts to ensures payment of revenues owed support their efforts on behalf of the reorganize for the next 100 years and for energy and natural resources 142 million Americans who go boat- improve mission achievement,” said development on the OCS and Federal ing each year.” Secretary Zinke. “By elevating the and Tribal lands. On average, ONRR Read more: https://www.doi.gov/ profiles of all three of these compo- collects more than $10 billion of non- pressreleases/secretary-zinke- nents within Interior, we aim to renew tax revenue annually. Details about announces-60-million-cooperative- and strengthen U.S. strategic interests, revenue-sharing allocations and dis- agreement-promote-fishing-and- strengthen relationships and policies bursements for fiscal year (FY) 2017 boating for U.S. oceans, Great Lakes, and were published in April on the ONRR coastal communities, and enhance website: https://www.onrr.gov collaboration globally on behalf of the Read the press release: https://www. American people.” doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-issues- Illustration Learn more: https://www.doi.gov/asiia 188-million-energy-revenues-fund- credit: conservation-and-storm-prep Cole Goco

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Protected Places for Puffins By Ann Tihansky (USGS) Few other seabirds call as much of the Pacific home as do the puffins. National parks and USFWS National Wildlife Refuges provide important areas for breeding and protecting these truly remarkable birds. Nicknamed “sea parrots” or “clowns of the sea,” the Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) and the Horned Puffin Fratercula( corniculata) are iconic species of the north Pacific coasts. Their bright, A trio of Horned puffins perched at Alaska Maritime NWR. Photo credit: USFWS bold markings and striking colorful bills make them undeniably attractive birds. They only live in the Northern Hemisphere and are members of the Alcidae family (or alcids) that consists of seabirds that can both fly and swim with their wings. The Tufted Puffins have blonde head plumes, an orange bill, and snow-white mask against its dark body plumage. The Horned Puffin is Close look at the Horned Puffin. Photo credit: A pair of Tufted Puffins at the Alaska Maritime Rory Stansbury, Island Conservation NWR. Photo credit: Ilana Nimz, USFWS distinguished easily by its mostly yel- low bill with orange tip. The Horned Puffin receives its name from the horny projections that extend above its eyes. During winter, the bills and feet of puffins fade to dull shades of their summer colors. Every spring, their beaks and feet turn a colorful orange in preparation for the breeding season. Puffins spend their winters on the Tufted Puffin in flight. Photo credit: Ilana open ocean, chasing fish and inverte- Nimz, USFWS brates by ‟flying” underwater, hun- dreds of feet below the waves. To nest, The parents take turns feeding the A Tufted Puffin at home on the rocky cliffs they use their bills and sharp-clawed hatchlings, called pufflings, a diet of on Hawadax Island in the Bering Sea, Alaska, part of the Alaska Maritime NWR. Photo feet to dig in soil and rocky crevices almost entirely small fish. Although the adults feed mostly on anchovies credit: Marc Romano, USFWS to create a nesting burrow that extends and other small fish, they also can eat several feet in length and is lined with https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Oregon_ squid, octopus, crabs, zooplankton, feathers and grass to cushion the one Islands/wildlife_and_habitat/tufted_ and jellyfish. egg that the female lays inside. Some- puffin.html times, building a nest can take a whole Among all alcids, Tufted Puffins are Read the fact sheet: https://www. breeding season, so puffins often use the most latitudinally distributed, fws.gov/refuges/about/pdfs/ the same burrow year after year. They ranging from Japan to the U.S. west FactSheetTuftedPuffin.pdf usually don’t breed until five years coast. Pictures: https://www.flickr. old, and may live up to 20 years in the Learn more: https://www.nps.gov/kefj/ com/photos/islandconservation/ wild. learn/nature/puffins.htm sets/72157635407502583/

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Restoring Injured Resources By USFWS You know that old adage, if you have lemons, make lemonade? The Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program (NRDAR) does basically the same thing by making the most of any sour situation. When oil and other - ous substances harm fish, wildlife, and other natural resources, the USFWS, along with other Federal, State, and Tribal partners, act as trustees for natural resources in these claims. Trustees work with the respon- sible party to identify which natural resources are injured, determine the Photos clockwise from top: extent of the injuries, recover damages A sea turtle drenched in sludge is picked up from the responsible party, and plan by a USFWS employee. Photo credit: NOAA and complete restoration activities to An oiled cormorant (Phalacrocoracidae sp.) on mitigate the injuries. This program has the rocky shore of Prince William Sound after put more than $13.5 million on the the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989. Photo credit: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council ground for the benefit of the American people after public lands were affected Brown pelican being rinsed after extensive cleaning at the Theodore Oiled Bird negatively. Rehabilitation Center in Alabama. Photo In 2017, nearly 400 river miles and credit: Tom MacKenzie, USFWS 3,500 acres were made better for fish, Two rehabilitated brown pelicans (Pelecanus wildlife, and the public. Some exam- occidentalis) are released into the wild after ple projects in coastal areas include being relocated to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas in June 2010. Photo credit: habitat restoration along the Gulf of USFWS Mexico coast (Deepwater Horizon oil spill), Termination Point in Alaska’s Prince William Sound (Exxon Valdez oil spill—25 years later), Aramburu Island in San Francisco Bay (Cosco Busan oil spill), and 2017 hurricane response in Puerto Rico.

The primary goal of the NRDAR Program is to restore injured resources to Oil spill response actions near a drill site on benefit the American people. Read the 2017 NRDAR Program’s accomplish- May 27, 2010. Photo credit: Tom MacKenzie, ments report: https://www.fws.gov/ecological-services/es-library/pdfs/NRDAR- USFWS FY2017-Report.pdf

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Herring Restoration The “BIG” Program and RBFF Agreement Plan RBFF Agreement Like the BIG Program, the RBFF Addressing Long-Term Sport Fish Restoration and agreement is funded through the Effects of theExxon Valdez Oil Boating Trust Fund Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund. In FY 2017, this trust fund Spill Nearly $10 million will be awarded provided $349.4 million in sport fish By Paul Hershberger (USGS) competitively for 10 projects in seven restoration funds to States, insular States under the BIG Program Tier II areas, and the District of Columbia Nearly 30 years ago, on March 24, subprogram. The USFWS also will to conserve, protect, and enhance 1989, 10.8 million gallons of crude release $4 million to fund 33 projects fish, wildlife, their habitats, sport oil were spilled when the oil tanker, in 23 States, commonwealths, and ter- fishing, and recreational boating Exxon Valdez, struck Bligh Reef, ritories under the BIG Tier I subpro- opportunities. Alaska. The spilled oil inundated areas gram. States and their partners will Since 1998, RBFF has spearheaded where adult Pacific herring were pre- provide more than $16 million in non- innovative national outreach and paring to spawn, so herring (Clupea Federal matching funds toward these education programs to promote pallasii) that spawned as eggs during projects. These grants are awarded on fishing and boating and to educate the spill largely failed to recruit into an annual basis. the public on its conservation the adult population. The spawning benefits. RBFF was selected as the Funding for the BIG Program comes biomass declined from 120,000 tons grant recipient because of this (in 1989) to 30,000 tons (in 1993), from the Sport Fish Restoration and extensive experience and proven Boating Trust Fund. Since 2000, the which resulted in severe curtailment success in marketing, outreach, BIG Program has awarded $194 mil- of commercial fishing. The herring and education. The cooperative lion to projects for large transient stock still have not recovered; less agreement implements the National recreational boats, including the than 10,000 tons returned in 2017. Outreach and Communications Plan construction of more than 5,000 berths (NOCP), which was established to Pacific herring are important in marine for boaters across most States and address declining trends in fishing ecosystems of the North Pacific Ocean U.S. territories. and boating participation. because they are an essential source BIG Program funds support a wide RBFF’s work has affected many of food for larger fish, seabirds, and variety of infrastructure features that levels; for example, RBFF launched marine mammals. Herring also are add to the safety and enjoyment of its 60 in 60 campaign in 2016, which economically important because they America’s waters. These features seeks to reach 60 million anglers are commercially fished for food include restrooms, bulkheads, day in 60 months. The Association of and bait. Because herring have not docks, dinghy docks, transient slips, Fish and Wildlife Agencies, which represents all 50 States, several rebounded after more than 25 years, mooring buoys, floating docks and Federal agencies, and industry, and because of the importance of fixed piers, dockside water supplies, herring, the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill has embraced this campaign and marine fueling stations, and naviga- is working with RBFF to reach this Trustee Council began an ambitious tional aids such as channel markers. ambitious goal. In addition, First multidisciplinary effort to restore the Learn more about the BIG Pro- Catch Centers are being piloted herring resources. See related story, to bring angling skills to new page 1. gram: https://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/ subpages/grantprograms/big/big.htm participants. Several of these will be A team of USGS scientists are design- on DOI lands in Pennsylvania and Full list of projects and funding ing a 20-year Integrated Herring Texas (including at the John Heinz here: https://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/ Restoration Plan (IHRP) to better National Wildlife Refuge [NWR], Subpages/GrantPrograms/BIG/BIG_ Laguna Atacosa NWR, and Inks Dam understand chemical, physical, and Funding.htm National Fish Hatchery). biological processes that control her- ring abundance and recruitment. The Read more about RBFF: https://www. IHRP extends across scientific dis- takemefishing.org/ ciplines and institutional boundaries Press release: https://www.fws.gov/ with partners from the United States news/ShowNews.cfm?ref=secretary- and Canada. zinke-announces-$60-million- cooperative-agreement-to- Read more: https://wfrc.usgs.gov/ promote-&_ID=36225 newsletter/Issue6.1January2018.pdf Photo credit: USFWS

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Results of Gulf of Proposed Sale for Wind Energy Off Mexico Region-Wide Oil Massachusetts Coast and Gas Lease Sale Would Offer Nearly 390,000 Acres By BOEM In April, Secretary Zinke announced the proposed lease sale for two addi- In March, Joe Balash, Interior Assis- tional areas offshore Massachusetts, totaling nearly 390,000 acres, for com- tant Secretary for Land and Minerals mercial wind energy leasing. Management, announced that the Gulf of Mexico Lease Sale 250 gener- “The Trump Administration supports an all-of-the-above energy policy and ated $124,763,581 in high bids for using every tool available to achieve American energy dominance. The 148 tracts covering 815,403 acres in proposed sale area has tremendous offshore wind energy potential and the Federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. responsible development of it continues to play a big role in the Administra- In total, $139,122,383 in bids were tion’s America-First Offshore Energy Strategy,” said Secretary Zinke. “This submitted by 33 companies. The sale area represents the Department’s willingness to listen to stakeholder feed- supports President Donald J. Trumpʼs back, including the fishing community, and make the right adjustments.” America-First Offshore Energy Strat- The proposed sales are “the result of extensive work with our partners in egy. Money received from OCS leases the Commonwealth and with a broad community of engaged stakeholders, are directed to the U.S. Treasury, including fishing communities,” said Interior Counselor for Energy Policy, Gulf coast States, the Land and Water Vincent DeVito. “Together, we identified areas that can support a large-scale Conservation Fund, and the Historic commercial wind project, while minimizing the impacts to fishing habitats, Preservation Fund. marine species, and other uses of the OCS.” “Today’s lease sale is yet another “This Administration’s bold vision for our energy future is reflected in its step our Nation has taken to achieve commitment to a diverse energy portfolio,” said BOEM Acting Director economic security and energy domi- Walter Cruickshank. “We have come a long way, and I look forward to nance,” said Balash. “Today’s results working with all of our partners and stakeholders in achieving a balanced will help secure high-paying offshore approach to offshore wind development.” jobs for rig and platform workers, sup- port staff onshore, and related industry Renewable energy, including offshore wind, is part of the Administration’s jobs, while generating much needed commitment to ensuring an energy-secure future. As of April, BOEM has revenue to fund everything from con- awarded 13 commercial offshore wind leases with wind energy leases off servation to infrastructure.” every State from Massachusetts to North Carolina. Lease Sale 250 was the second off- BOEM will host a public seminar to describe the auction format, explain shore sale held under the 2017–22 the auction rules, and demonstrate the auction process through meaningful National OCS Oil and Gas Leasing examples. Learn more and submit comments here: https://www.boem.gov/ Program. In total, 10 region-wide Massachusetts/ lease sales (two each year) are sched- Read the press release: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/ uled for the Gulf of Mexico, where trump-administration-proposes-sale-wind-energy-massachusetts-coast resource potential and industry inter- est are high, and oil and gas infra- structure is well established. The sales biologically sensitive resources, rate for other leases was 18.75 percent will include all available blocks in the mitigate potential adverse effects on to reflect current hydrocarbon price Western, Central, and Eastern Gulf of protected species, and avoid potential conditions and the marginal nature of Mexico Planning Areas. conflicts associated with oil and gas remaining Gulf of Mexico shallow development in the region. water resources. “Today’s sale is a continuation of our all-of-the-above energy strategy,” said Additionally, the Bureau of Ocean See all terms and conditions for the Vincent DeVito, Counselor to the Sec- Energy Management (BOEM) sale in the Final Notice of Sale infor- retary of the Interior for Energy, “and included appropriate fiscal terms that mation package: http://www.boem. will result in responsible development consider market conditions and ensure gov/Sale-250/ of American energy resources.” taxpayers receive a fair return for use Read the press release: https:// of the OCS. The royalty rate for leases www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior- Leases issued because of this sale in less than 200 meters of water depth included stipulations to protect announces-results-gulf-mexico-region- was 12.5 percent, whereas the royalty wide-oil-and-gas-lease

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MarineCadastre.gov of the President, and Cabinet-level The MarineCadastre.gov team is and independent Federal agencies, so working continually to increase access Receives Champion of this recognition is significant. to data through data and map services. the Year Award The authoritative data at MarineCa- The services are designed to deliver data without replication and directly By Marjorie Weisskohl (BOEM) dastre.gov are fundamental to sup- porting decisions about developing from the source. MarineCadastre. Hearty congratulations to our BOEM gov supports several complementary and NOAA colleagues who manage offshore energy resources, using OCS sand and gravel for shore protection, efforts, including Digital Coast, Data. the MarineCadastre.gov website. The gov, and Geoplatform.gov. You are Federal Geographic Data Committee nourishing beaches, doing wetland restoration projects, and coordinating encouraged to use these data map ser- (FGDC) selected them to receive the vices in your mapping initiative. 2017 Doug D. Nebert National Spatial and planning ocean efforts. This effort Data Infrastructure (NSDI) Champion is a partnership between BOEM and MarineCadastre.gov provides data, of the Year Award this summer. NOAA’s Office for Coastal Manage- maps, and tools that are used by stake- ment, with support from many other holders to address national issues in MarineCadastre.gov team members Federal, State, and regional data the areas ranging from energy infra- that were recognized included BOEM providers. structure planning to national defense. colleagues Christine Taylor (Ster- MarineCadastre.gov not only complies ling), Frank Pendelton (Pacific), Josh “The collaboration between BOEM and NOAA to build and manage this with Section 388 of the Energy Policy Wadlington (OREP Sterling), and Jim Act of 2005 but also is providing the Fulmer (retired); NOAA colleagues extraordinary platform has had a huge, positive impact on the ability of our geospatial framework needed for the Dave Stein, Mark Finkbeiner, Cindy broader marine spatial planning initia- Fowler (retired); Adam Bode, Jesse agencies, and others active in manag- ing ocean resources, to carry out their tive called for in the National Ocean Brass, Nikki Brock, Lindsay Good- Policy. If you have data useful for win, Daniel Martin, Caitlyn McCrary, missions,” said BOEM Acting Direc- tor Walter Cruickshank. “MarineCa- marine planning, please contact the Jodie Sprayberry, Megan Treml, and team at [email protected] Anna Verrill. dastre.gov has changed the way we do business for the better, and we greatly Read the press release: https://www. The FGDC is a 32-member inter- appreciate the team’s dedication in boem.gov/Managing-GIS-Mapping- agency committee composed of repre- serving the Nation.” for-Ocean-Uses/ sentatives from the Executive Office

What is MarineCadastre.gov? https://marinecadastre.gov/ MarineCadastre.gov was developed through a partnership between NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management and BOEM. MarineCadastre.gov is an integrated marine information system that provides data, tools, and technical support for ocean and Great Lakes planning. MarineCadastre.gov was designed specifically to support renewable energy siting on the U.S. OCS but also is being used for other ocean- related efforts.

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Microplastics—Marine Debris in Ocean, Great Lakes, and Coastal Parks By Jamie Hoover (NPS) A project partnership between the National Park Service (NPS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin- istration (NOAA), and Clemson University discovered microplastics and microfibers on 37 NPS beaches in 35 national parks, monuments, seashores, and recreation areas. Microplastics are plastic or other synthetic materials that are less than 5 millimeters in size, whereas micro- fibers originate from materials such as polyester, rayon, and cotton. Both types of marine debris damage coastal habitats and pose risks to animals and humans from ingestion and potential toxic contamination. All beach samples, even in remote areas of Alaska, contained microplas- tics and microfibers, and the largest were at beaches in the Great Lakes and Pacific Islands. Microfibers were more prevalent overall and made up 97 percent of the debris by count. A single sample was collected at each site to provide a snapshot of the microplastic distribution along the U.S. coasts. Additional sample sites would be needed to more accurately measure the total abundance and dis- tribution within a given park. The NPS and NOAA recommenda- tions for reducing microplastic pollu- tion include joining beach cleanups, reducing and recycling plastic use, and reducing the amount of laundry to decrease the number of fibers entering rivers and the ocean. See the story map: https://nps.maps. arcgis.com/apps/MapJournal/index. html?appid=9b064e09473c4f7f9c85e 1fb8316698b#detail Read the report: https://marinedebris. noaa.gov/reports/quantification- microplastics-national-park-beaches Infographic credit: NOAA

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Apps Help YOU The award-winning, mission-driven app developer, Discover Nature Apps, Discover Oregon designed the three apps, which include a GPS-guided nature-based scavenger hunt, allow users to post and view field notes and photographs, and provide Coastal Treasures users the opportunity to share their experiences on social media. The apps are By USFWS free; simply search for “Discover Nature Apps” on iTunes or the Google Play Store. Ushering in an era of digital engage- This YouTube video ment and fun for the millions of smart demonstrates the features and device-carrying visitors to Oregon’s functionalities of spectacular coast, the USFWS, in the Discover Nature partnership with its Friends Groups, Apps platform: has launched three interactive, place- https://www. based game apps. The interactive youtube.com/watch apps are designed to teach visitors ?v=TgqEe1vYUE8&fe about the diverse seabirds, marine ature=youtu.be mammals, rocky shore habitats, and creatures that make the Oregon coast such a vibrant and wondrous ecologi- cal system. To play the games, users must be at the respective location. Individuals within a group can compete against one another, or families can opt to work together as a team. Beyond the games, the app offers opportunities for users to capture and post photographs of their discoveries that include field notes such as where Tufted Puffins Crook Point kelp beds adjacent to the Oregon Rocks offshore from the Crook Point unit or Sunflower Sea Stars (Pycnopodia Islands NWR. Photo credit: David B. Ledig, of Oregon Islands NWR are magnets for helianthoides) are sighted. The dis- USFWS seabirds. Photo credit: Roy W. Lowe, USFWS coveries, notes, and photographs are viewable in a digital photo gallery that will be accessible worldwide. “With these apps, we can reach exponentially more coastal visitors and residents with a fun and interac- tive experience that leaves them with a greater awareness and appreciation of Oregon coast’s seabirds and their habitats,” said Dawn Harris, Visi- tor Services Manager for the Oregon Coquille Point sunset, Oregon Islands NWR. Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) soak up the Coast NWR Complex. “Until now, Photo credit: Roy W. Lowe, USFWS sun on a beach in the Oregon Islands NWR we’ve been limited in the ways we complex. Photo credit: Roy W. Lowe, USFWS can deliver the information we know Rock Awareness Program. “While they’ll value in a way that’s both com- nothing beats a personal interpreter, of the February 1999 New Carissa oil pelling and entertaining.” the Discover Haystack app fills a spill near Coos Bay, Oregon, which “There’s nothing like this on the vital gap giving people of all ages killed an estimated 2,465 seabirds and Oregon coast, and it will serve as a another avenue to learning through waterfowl along the coast. See related powerful tool for us to engage the technology.” story, page 5. public and enlist their support for Funding for these apps came from a Plan your visit: https://www.fws.gov/ marine conservation,” said Samantha special fund created to benefit seabird refuge/Oregon_Islands/visit/plan_ Ferber, Coordinator for the Haystack species that suffered in the aftermath your_visit.html

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Cave Diving in the Yucatan Peninsula By Andrea Toran (USGS), John Pohlman (USGS), David Brankovits (WHOI), Jake Emmert (Moody Gardens) Dive Safety Officer (DSO) Jake Emmert from Moody Gardens Aquarium entered a flooded coastal cave beneath the tropical forest of the Yucatan Peninsula through a small open-water pool, locally known as a . Cave diving scientists John Pohlman (USGS) and David Branko- vits (USGS/Woods Hole Oceano- graphic Institution [WHOI]) used the Cave passage and diver within a section of the Ox Bel Ha cave system where the current study entrances to access a vast network of was done. The guideline seen alongside that provides a continuous route to the passages where they are investigating surface is one of many safety standards the divers follow. Photo credit: HP Hartmann. ecosystem dynamics and groundwater quality in this rapidly developing use techniques that had been used layers consisting of freshwater fed by region. The USGS-led team installed previously by deep-sea submer- rainfall and saltwater from the coastal a variety of devices specifically gence vehicles to be able to study the ocean. This subterranean estuary designed to sample and collect data in environment. complex covers an area about the size this extreme environment to test the “The opportunity to work with an of Galveston Bay, the seventh largest hypothesis that the ecosystem deep international team of experts has been surface estuary in the United States. within the caves uses methane as a a remarkable experience for me,” The freshwater part of the caves food resource. said David Brankovits, who did the and the sinkholes, which are used Read more: https://www.usgs.gov/ research during his Ph.D. studies at to access the caves are important center-news/usgs-scientists-lead- TAMUG. “Finding that methane and sources of freshwater for communi- investigation-tropical-subterranean- other forms of mostly invisible dis- ties throughout the Yucatan. Methane estuaries-yucatan-peninsula solved organic matter are the founda- in the caves forms naturally beneath tion of the food web in these caves the jungle floor and migrates down- In the underground rivers and flooded explains why cave-adapted animals ward, deeper into the water and caves. caves of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, are able to thrive in the water column Normally, all the methane formed in where Mayan lore described a fan- in a habitat without visible evidence soils migrates upward, towards the tastical underworld, scientists have of food.” atmosphere. discovered a cryptic world. The study was done in the Ox Bel This sets the stage for the bacteria and Here, methane and the bacteria that Ha cave network of the northeastern other microbes that form the basis for feed off it form the lynchpin of an Yucatan, which is described as a sub- the cave ecosystem. The microbes eat ecosystem that is similar to what terranean estuary because the flooded the methane in the water and other has been discovered in deep ocean cave passages contain distinct water cold seeps and some lakes, accord- See Cave Diving page 13 ing to recent research by Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG), the USGS, and a team of collaborators from Mexico, The Netherlands, Swit- zerland, and other U.S. institutions. The research, done by scientists who are trained in cave diving as well as other expertise, is the most detailed ecological study ever for a coastal cave ecosystem that is always under- Ox Bel Ha cave system cross section. Caves within a karst subterranean estuary are filled with water. In fact, the scientists had to separated fresh (green), brackish (gray), and saline (blue) waters.

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Cave Diving continued from page 12 dissolved organic material that the freshwater brought with it from the surface. The microbes then fuel a food web that is dominated by crustaceans, including a cave-adapted shrimp spe- cies that obtains about 21 percent of its nutrition from methane. “The processes we are investigating in these stratified groundwater systems are analogous to what is happening in the global ocean, especially in minimum zones where deoxygen- ation is a growing concern,” says John Pohlman, a USGS biogeochem- ist whose work from the early 1990s motivated the research. “Although accessing these systems requires specialized training and strict adher- ence to cave protocols, relative to the complexity of an Ox Bel Ha Cave Project Field Team Members (left to right): David Brankovits (TAMUG), oceanographic expedition, the field Jake Emmert (Moody Gardens), John Pohlman (USGS), and Francisco Bautista De La Cruz programs we organize are simple and (Speleotech). Photo credit: Jacob Pohlman, public domain economical.” Cave diving in the Yucatan Peninsula with USGS! One surprising finding was how important the dissolved organic mate- Dive Safety Officer (DSO) Jake Emmert from rial like methane was to the caves’ Moody Gardens Aquarium enters a flooded food web. Prior studies had assumed coastal cave beneath the tropical forest of the Yucatan Peninsula through a small that most organic material that feeds open-water pool, locally known as a cenote. the microbes of caves came from Cave diving scientists John Pohlman (USGS) vegetation and other detritus in the and David Brankovits (USGS/WHOI) use tropical forest that washed into the these entrances to access a vast network caves from the . However, of passages where they are investigating ecosystem dynamics and ground water deep within the caves, where the study quality in this rapidly developing region. was done, little of that surface debris Photo credit: USGS is present, so the microbes depend on methane and the other dissolved Cave diving scientist David Brankovits from the USGS and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Jake Emmert, Moody Gardens Aquarium, recover the OctoPiPi (OPP) water organics percolating downward sampling device designed and engineered by Emile Bergeron (USGS). The OPP collects through the ceiling of the caves. samples across a chemical interface where bacteria entrain methane—a dissolved gas— Read more: https://www.usgs.gov/ into the food web. The OPP is powered by compressed gas and is able to collect pristine samples separated by a little as 1 inch. Conducting science in this harsh environment safely news/mexico-s-yucatan-peninsula- and effectively requires advanced training, meticulous planning and nerves of steel. Photo reveals-a-cryptic-methane-fueled- credits: Science in the Extremes ecosystem-flooded-caves Recently featured in “Science in the Extremes,” you can watch the video highlighting the cave-diving scientists at work, see footage of the troglodites (cave dwelling creatures), and hear the scientists discuss their research. Watch the episode here: https://www. This work was featured on “Science in the Extremes.” Watch the video: https://www.youtube. facebook.com/ScienceInTheExtremes/ com/watch?v=NHxKqsGShDc&index=7&list=PL6uC-XGZC7X78bfEdFHiVU5ox0h9-OZnu videos/345769579245733/

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Can You Walk to Safety? Map of the community of Lāʻie on the northeast shore Tsunami Risk in Coastal Areas of Oahu. The colors show By Nate Wood (USGS), Jamie Jones (USGS), the extreme evacuation Jeff Peters (USGS), and Kevin Richards zone, which is based on two Aleutian earthquake (Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency) scenarios. The yellow-to-red Distant tsunami waves that strike color ramp shows how fast coastlines hours after they are gener- someone must move to get ated elsewhere may seem like easy to high ground in less than things to avoid because of the amount 15 minutes, which is the threshold at which State/ of time (usually hours) to evacu- county people think people ate. However, they create logistical will start getting into their challenges to emergency managers cars during an evacuation. because evacuees are more inclined Map credit: USGS to use vehicles instead of walking to safety. But with too many cars on the road, traffic gridlock can substantially delay evacuation time, resulting in individuals not getting to safety before the tsunami waves arrive. Transpor- tation and emergency planners lack the regional information and tools to determine where successful pedes- trian evacuations are possible and therefore where vehicle use could be discouraged. To help address this demand, U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) research- ers collaborated with the Hawai‘i Emergency Management Agency to model pedestrian evacuations from distant tsunami threats that could affect Oahu, Hawai‘i. The USGS modeling was done using the USGS Pedestrian Evacuation Analyst, which is a geographic information system (GIS)-based tool that can estimate how much time it may take for someone to travel on foot out of a Getting stuck in traffic gridlock during tsunami evacuation can prevent individuals from hazardous area. Geospatial data that getting to safety before waves arrive. Photo credit: USGS characterize land cover, elevation, waterbodies, roads, and buildings to evacuate and how many of them targeted shuttles. Armed with this new were used to create maps of pedestrian could realistically do it in less than information, emergency managers can travel times to safety out of two differ- 15 minutes. develop tsunami outreach efforts and ent tsunami-hazard zones, one based The study helps emergency manag- evacuation messaging across a region on historical data from past tsunamis ers to understand whether they should that can help people reach safety the that have affected Oahu and another recommend evacuations on foot or next time a tsunami hits. considered to be the probable maxi- by car in each community. Results Read more about the study: https:// mum tsunami based on two Aleutian of the study suggest that foot-based www.sciencedirect.com/science/ earthquake scenarios. Population evacuations could reduce potential article/pii/S2212420918302863 data for residents, employees, hotel traffic issues across Oahu for the Access the USGS Pedestrian Evacu- visitors, and at-risk facilities (like historic evacuation zone, but traffic ation Analyst: https://geography. schools and medical centers) were management plans may be warranted wr.usgs.gov/science/vulnerability/ used to estimate the number of people for the probable maximum event in tools.html in each community that would need some communities, such as the use of

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Revising Coastal Barrier Request for Public Review and Comments Resource Maps The draft revised boundaries for 148 CBRS units are available for public review By Ivan Vicente (USFWS) and comment at https://www.fws.gov/cbra/maps/Hurricane-Sandy-Project. html. We invite you to review the proposed boundaries and provide input Coastal barriers protect many main- to the USFWS during the 120-day public comment period that will close on land communities from storm surges July 10, 2018. You may submit written comments by one of the following while providing vital habitat to many methods: fish and wildlife species. Coastal bar- rier ecosystems are not only home to Electronically: Go to the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations. essential natural resources, but also gov. Search for FWS-HQ-ES-2018-0004, which is the docket number for this notice. Then, click on “Comment Now!” to fill out the comment form. protect public safety and investments of coastal. Undeveloped coastal bar- By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail or hand-delivery to: Public Comments riers and wetlands absorb effects of Processing, Attn: Docket No. FWS-HQ-ES-2018-0004; Division of Policy, hurricanes and storm surges. A recent Performance, and Management Programs; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; study indicated that coastal wetlands 5275 Leesburg Pike, MS: BPHC; Falls Church, VA 22041–3808. helped avoid $625 million in direct flood damages during Hurricane Sandy. To remove the Federal incentive to develop these biologically important, highly dynamic, and storm-prone areas, Congress enacted the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) in 1982. The CBRA and its amendments designated relatively undeveloped coastal barriers along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, USVI, and Puerto Rico coasts as part of the The CBRS data desktop/mobile viewer. Use this mapper to view the existing CBRS Coastal Barrier Resources System boundaries. This mapper can be used to help property owners, stakeholders (local, State, (CBRS) and made these areas ineligi- and Federal), and others determine if properties or project sites may be affected by ble for most new Federal expenditures CBRA. Please read the data disclaimer and use constraints. The proposed revisions to the and financial assistance for roads, boundaries can be viewed at https://www.fws.gov/cbra/maps/Hurricane-Sandy-Project- wastewater and potable water systems, Batch-1.html. The website also contains information on how to submit public comments and participate in virtual public meetings to be held through webcast and teleconference. disaster assistance, and subsidized flood insurance, which saves taxpay- addition are on public lands or parks, planning coastal infrastructure proj- ers millions of dollars in spending. and the remainder are on private ects, habitat conservation efforts, and The CBRA does not prohibit develop- lands. flood risk mitigation measures. ment and it imposes no restrictions on development done with non-Federal After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, the Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/ (private, State, or local) funds. DOI provided $5 million through the cbra/maps/Hurricane-Sandy-Project. Disaster Relief Appropriations Act html On March 12, the USFWS released of 2013 to modernize and revise the proposed revisions to the boundaries Read about the Hurricane Sandy official maps of the CBRS along the of the John H. Chafee CBRS, modify- Remapping Project: https://www. North Atlantic coast. The changes to ing areas in Delaware, Massachusetts, fws.gov/cbra/documents/Sandy/ these maps will improve compliance and New Jersey, and designating a Hurricane-Sandy-Fact-Sheet-3-5-18. with the CBRA, will be based on new unit in New Hampshire. pdf more reliable data, and will include The proposed revisions for 148 units new qualifying areas to the CBRS. Read the press release: https:// (112 existing units and 36 proposed Modernizing the maps is a good www.fws.gov/news/ShowNews. new units) are designed to fix techni- government effort that will make cfm?ref=service-announces-proposed- cal mapping errors and add qualifying the CBRS data more accessible and changes-to-coastal-barrier-resources- areas to the CBRS. More than 50 per- user-friendly for user ranging from system-in-&_ID=36231 cent of those structures proposed for public officials to developers that are

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Once in a Lifetime 99 dives, and visited 10 NPS units, SCUBA equipment, including which allowed him to explore the a 65-pound Pelican case full of Experience at diverse submerged NPS resources. underwater camera equipment. Kelly Moore, NPS Diving Officer at National Parks Shaun shared his OWUSS intern- Channel Islands National Park, told By Shaun Wolfe ship experiences and images in him to get ready for the summer of a his final report and blog. See more During his summer as an Our lifetime. The internship is an incred- pictures and read the blog: https:// World-Underwater Scholarship ible and unique opportunity for any blog.owuscholarship.org/author/ Society® (OWUSS) intern, Shaun young SCUBA diver to explore a swolfe/ Wolfe was on 24 flights, did variety of underwater career paths, as well as contribute to NPS Read the final report:http:// projects. The NPS Submerged owuscholarship.org/sites/default/ Resources Center (SRC) also files/intern/final_report/Wolfe_ provided him with all the NPS_FinalReport_2017.pdf

A school of small jacks swims quickly by a coral head at Virgin Islands National Park, U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).

Nothing makes Shaun feel quite as cool as putting on a NPS !

For more than 30 years, the OWUSS has offered a variety of experience-based internships. The OWUSS summer internships are offered for a 1- to 3-month period and are directed primarily at college undergraduates and graduating seniors. Internship recipients receive a grant to help cover travel, housing, and living expenses. Learn more: http://owuscholarship.org/internships The NPS sponsors a research internship with the SRC through OWUSS. Typical projects through this position work with leading archaeologists, underwater photographers, and scientists in the NPS and other Federal and State agencies. Specific work projects are determined on the basis of interests of the intern as well as the needs of associated projects. The 2017 NPS Research Intern was Shaun Wolfe. Shaun Wolfe is a master’s candidate at the Bren School of Environmental Science and Management at University of California, Santa Barbara focusing in Coastal Marine Resources Management.

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One of the hidden gems of the NPS is Ofu Island in the National Park of American Samoa. NPS staff are removing a renegade fishing net, preventing it from causing additional harm Green turtles are perhaps the most in the park. popular park residents in the ‘ai‘opio (traditional fish trap wall) at Kaloko- Honokohau National Historic Park, HI. Park Diving Officer, Shelby Moneysmith, spears an invasive lionfish at , FL, as part of the NPS efforts in controlling this invasive species.

The Taino people were some of the first to inhabit many Caribbean islands and you can still see petroglyphs like these at Virgin Islands National Park, USVI.

The Kelp Forest Monitoring Program at Channel Islands National Park, CA, is one of the most complex natural resource monitoring programs that The economy of the colonial-era Virgin NPS runs. Here, Islands was based on sugar and rum (its a park diver by-product), powered by slavery. This is an uses a full face old piece of machinery at a sugar mill ruin mask system to in Virgin Islands National Park, USVI. communicate his survey results with a topside Shaun was lucky enough support team to visit Virgin Islands that is recording National Park, USVI, just the data. before Hurricanes Maria and Irma hit St. John The moat and seawall and damaged the park's around Fort Jefferson at natural resources and Dry Tortugas National Park, island infrastructure. His FL, was built to protect the photos of soft in fort from intruders. Now, the park like this one it affords the fort some were likely some of the protection from hurricanes last taken before the and big . hurricanes came. All photos by Shaun Wolfe

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Early Signs of a Stronger Coast—Storm Protection, Recreation, and Wildlife By Darci Palmquist (USFWS) Hurricane season starts on June 1, but, as we saw this past winter, hurricanes aren’t the only game in town. Power- ful Nor’easters battered the East coast over and over, bringing heavy rain or snow, strong winds, and high storm surge. This “wild” Nor’easter season, as The Weather Channel called it, was unusual in the quantity and intensity of the storms. If Mother Nature has anything to teach us, it’s that nothing is certain. Between Nor’easter season (Septem- ber–April) and hurricane and tropical storm season (June–November), it looks like we now need to be on storm View of the project at Prime Hook NWR. Photo credit: Bart Wilson, USFWS watch most of the year. agricultural areas because of flood- ing from recent Nor’easters. Fishing, In an age of such extreme crabbing, birding, hiking, and other uncertainty, a wise response is recreational opportunities also have to build a stronger coast. improved. Restoration Project 2018 marks five years since Hurricane Withstands Powerful Sandy-funded restoration and resil- Nor’easters ience work began up and down the Atlantic coast. Since then, dozens of By Zack Toyle (American Littoral Society) projects have been completed, and at A new box culvert at Wreck Pond in many sites the USFWS is now mov- coastal New Jersey is improving water ing on to the monitoring phase. We quality and fish passage and reduc- are looking to see how these restora- ing flood risk to nearby communities. tion projects do under future storms; Despite numerous Nor’easters this what benefits they provide to wildlife, winter, Wreck Pond did not overflow habitats, and people; and if they are into the surrounding neighborhoods, sustainable over time. A welcome surprise was the formation of an so no properties were damaged. The Monitoring will last many years, and extensive system of Sabellaria vulgaris reefs American Littoral Society is on site it’s too early to say if we’ve achieved in the intertidal zone, which provides great to monitor fish passage, and hopes our goal of resilience. But we’re feeding habitat for fish and helps dampen to see big numbers of herring—both already seeing some promising results wave energy. Photo credit: Susan Guiteras, alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) and USFWS at many project sites after this rough blueback (Alosa aestivalis)—this season of Nor’easters. year, now that restoration is complete. of acres of open water into healthy Historically, river herring migrated Here are three success stories: stands of salt marsh grasses and into Wreck Pond by the hundreds, Recovery at Prime Hook NWR the first piping plover Charadrius( traveling up its tributaries to spawn. melodus) nests. The restored marsh By Susan Guiteras (USFWS) Restoration involved installing a box will buffer private property and public culvert designed to reduce flooding Beach and marsh restoration at Prime infrastructure such as roads from of the pond, improve water quality, Hook NWR in Delaware has produced storm surge. Already, residents of the and allow for fish to pass through to incredible results in just two years, adjacent communities have benefited, spawning grounds. including transforming hundreds with no road closures or effect on See Stronger Coast page 19

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Stronger Coast continued from page 18

Don’t Let It Loose! Never release pets, animals, or plants into the wild. Find a good place that will take your unwanted pet. Learn more: http://www.dontletitloose.com/ Economic damages from invasive Wreck Pond during a 2017 winter storm. Despite heavy rainfall in a relatively short period, the species worldwide totals more than communities around Wreck Pond faced minimal flooding. Photo credit: Jay Amberg $1.4 trillion—five percent of the global economy. A Restored River Runs Free Native fish and wildlife populations By Isaac Burke and Lauri Munroe Hultman face many dangers when exotic plants (USFWS) and animals are introduced. Never Restoration of the 34-mile Pawcatuck release pets, animals, or plants into the River to its natural state is helping wild (places such as rivers, streams, wildlife and people in Rhode Island, lakes, or storm sewers). Releasing where commercial fishing and water- animals and plants can have unin- related recreation contribute billions tended, yet very serious, consequences of dollars to the local economy. when they reproduce and compete The Sandy-funded project included with native flora and fauna. Invasive removing White Rock and Bradford species threaten our Nation’s economy dams and repairing the Potter Hill fish and environment and affect agri- ladder. Now fish can pass up the river culture, recreation, tourism, infra- unimpeded for the first time in cen- structure, human health, and natural turies. Early surveys in 2017 docu- ecosystems. Find a good place that An alewife named “Samantha” was caught mented shad, blueback herring (Alosa and tagged during the 2016 sampling and will take your unwanted pet. aestivalis), and alewife (A. pseudo- recaptured in 2017 on her return to Wreck See this related story on PBS News- harengus) above the site of the former Pond to spawn. Photo credit: American Hour: http://to.pbs.org/2ow8AKa White Rock Dam, which was once Littoral Society all but impassable. Monitoring in the The flying invaders in spring of 2018 using telemetry will the photo are carp. Four provide better numbers of fish pas- Asian carp species (Silver [Hypophthalmichthys sage. Restoration of the river also molitrix], Bighead is leading to more recreation oppor- [H. nobilis], Grass tunities, especially for paddlers and [Ctenopharyngodon wildlife enthusiasts, and reduced risk idella], and Black Carp of flooding to nearby communities. [Mylopharyngodon See related story, page 32. piceus]) are ravaging the Mississippi, Ohio, and Illinois River systems by consuming microscopic organisms that are important to native fish species. Photo credit: Ryan Hagerty, USFWS

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Aquatic Invaders— species on Western lands, includ- ing the threat that invasive mussels Protecting What pose to Western waterbodies,” said Matters the Western Governors’ Association (WGA). “Addressing a threat of this By Jason Kirkey and Hilary Smith (DOI) magnitude requires leadership, inno- The estimated damage from invasive vation, and coordination at all levels species worldwide totals more than of government.” $1.4 trillion—five percent of the global economy. Invasive species are DOI requested $11.9 million in among the top threats facing native FY 2018, including an additional fish and wildlife populations and the $3.4 million for the Bureau of Rec- lands and waters of the Nation. Scott Cameron speaking at the Congressional lamation to expand on these and to Reception and Agency Fair as part of NISAW. support Federal, State and Tribal National Invasive Species Awareness Photo credit: DOI efforts to prevent, contain, and control Week (NISAW) is an annual event invasive mussels. designed to help identify at “The Department of the Interior, local, State, Tribal, regional, inter- Read the press release: https:// national, and national scales. DOI our sister Federal agencies, our www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior- is a lead partner for NISAW-related State and local government releases-report-fight-against-invasive- events across the Nation. As part of counterparts, and private land mussels owners need to collaborate NISAW, Scott Cameron spoke at the The Digital Makerspace is an online Congressional Reception and Agency to effectively address this platform for posting information on Fair, highlighting the progress made threat,” —said Scott J. some of the worst invasive species in the fight against invasive zebra and Cameron, Principal Deputy problems and inspiring technology quagga mussels, and DOI's formal Assistant Secretary for Policy, innovators to solve them. Read more: release of the progress report: https:// Management, and Budget. https://www.doi.gov/invasivespecies/ www.doi.gov/sites/doi.gov/files/ technology-innovation uploads/safeguarding_the_west_ progress_report_february_2018_final. • The USFWS, National Marine Learn more: https://www.nisaw.org/ pdf Fisheries Service, and Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission are In 2017, DOI spent $8.6 million to leading planning efforts to expedite address invasive mussels nationwide. Endangered Species Act Section Currently (2018), DOI, in coopera- 7 consultations to ensure a quick tion with other Federal, State, and response if invasive mussels are Tribal partners, is working on more detected. than four dozen actions to address invasive mussels including preventing • The Bureau of Reclamation the spread of the species to uninfested launched a competition seek- waters and containing and controlling ing innovative, cost effective and environmentally sound solutions to them where they are established. remove invasive mussels from large Highlighted Actions Addressing reservoirs, lakes, and rivers. Invasive Mussels “I am pleased to share progress made • Federal, State, Tribal, and non- on honoring those commitments,” governmental groups are working said Secretary Zinke. “There is more together to strengthen watercraft work to do, and Interior is commit- During the meeting, the National Invasive inspection and decontamination ted to continuing our efforts. With the Species Council (NISC) Secretariat released programs at infested waters. busy boating season approaching, it a new publication that highlights invasive species success stories across the Federal • In the Pacific Northwest, the USGS, is imperative that we are vigilant in government that was written by New York Pacific States Marine Fisheries taking measures to prevent the spread Times bestselling author, Jennifer Holland Commission, and Columbia River of invasive mussels and other aquatic (pictured above) and released during Basin partners are mobilizing to invasive species.” NISAW. Read more: https://www.doi.gov/ improve regional coordination of invasivespecies/protecting-what-matters- "Western Governors remain com- monitoring efforts. stories-success mitted to the fight against invasive Photo credit: Jamie K. Reaser, DOI

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Hurricane Floodwaters Spread Non-Native Freshwater Plants and Animals Combined USGS Tools Track Dispersal By Matt Neilson, Pam Fuller, Heather Dewar (USGS) Non-native freshwater plants and animals capable of disrupting living communities and changing the land- scape may have been spread into new water bodies by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Maria, and Nate. Storm surge and flooding can help expand and distribute non-native aquatic species through connected watersheds, back- flow upstream from impoundments, increased downstream flow, or created freshwater bridges. The invasive Giant Apple Snail is just one of hundreds of non-native aquatic species that might have migrated to new areas because of flooding during the 2017 hurricane season. To help land managers find and manage these flood-borne newcomers, scientists at the USGS have created four online maps (https://nas.er.usgs.gov/viewer/ Flooding/). These “storm tracker” maps allow users to see the potential spread of any of 226 non-native aquatic plant and animal species during the 2017 hurricane season and can help natural “USGS’s stream monitoring showed resource managers develop a watchlist of potential new species. Top map shows potential that as the rivers carried Hurricane spread of channeled apple snail. Bottom hows potential spread of sailfin armored catfish. Map Harvey’s floodwaters downstream, credits: USGS a freshwater area developed along the Gulf Coast in parts of Texas and Louisiana,” Fuller said. “Normally the Gulf acts as a saltwater barrier that blocks freshwater species from mov- ing along the coast. But that barrier was temporarily gone, and freshwater aquatic species could move into new habitats.” “Land managers have been respond- ing to all sorts of hurricane impacts,” At left: Channeled apple snail laying an egg mass, which typically contains between 200 and Fuller said. “It’s hard for them to 600 bright pink eggs. Photo credit: Katasha Cornwell, Florida Department of Transportation. survey all the places where flooding or At right: These are some of the sailfin catfish species that have been introduced from South storm surge occurred. Our results can America and likely escaped from fish farms or aquarium release. Sailfin suckermouth catfishes (Pterygoplichthys spp.) can survive mesohaline conditions for extended periods of time, help them concentrate on areas where allowing for the use of estuarine and coastal areas for dispersal. non-native aquatic species are most likely to appear.” See Hurricane Floodwaters page 22

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Hurricane Floodwaters continued from page 21 Houston’s Buffalo-San Jacinto water- “The U.S. Geological Surveyʼs Flood shed. With help from floodwaters of and Storm Tracker maps are terrific Hurricane Harvey, it may have been tools we now have available to help able to spread to other watersheds determine the spread of aquatic inva- around Galveston Bay. Large popula- sive fish, wildlife and plants caused tions of this non-native species can by major storms like the hurricanes cause canal and river banks to erode we had last fall," said John Galvez, or fail, so the species’ spread has the who leads the Peninsular Florida Fish potential to exacerbate ongoing Gulf and Wildlife Conservation Office for Coast marsh erosion. the USFWS. ‟The county-by-county Read more: https://www.usgs. maps are helping us make better deci- gov/news/usgs-tracks-how- sions about where to target surveys hurricane-floodwaters-spread- Kasia Kelly (USGS) uses a long-poled sampler and identify ways to eliminate the non-native-freshwater-plants- to collect and filter water from Lake Michigan in search of round goby eDNA. Inset: A close invaders before they get a foothold in and-animals?utm_source=dlvr. it&utm_medium=facebook&utm_ up of an invasive round goby. At Indiana new areas.” campaign=usgs%20news%3A%20 Dunes National Lakeshore, the round goby USGS maintains the Nonindigenous biology inhabits breakwaters and nearshore areas where their abundant population has edged Aquatic Species database, the Nation’s out native species. Photo credit: USGS most complete record of freshwater plant and animal species found outside their native range. The research- Saving the Birds from Crazy Ants ers used the nationwide database to By USFWS identify all the non-native plant and animal species found at storm-flooded On an far, far away, sites. Then they modeled the height 750,000 square miles from any- of the floodwaters to identify places where, Johnston Atoll NWR is one where floodwaters overtopped the of the only rat free, safe nesting barriers separating water bodies. The places for seabirds and shorebirds storm trackers show where lakes, in the Pacific Remote Islands—until rivers, streams, and other waterways the yellow crazy ants invaded. merged, giving aquatic species the More than 15 species of birds rely Yellow crazy ants swarm a red-tailed tropic opportunity to spread. on the refuge for safe nesting sites, bird. Photo credit: Stefan Kropidlowski, USFWS The Hurricane Harvey tracker was the including three species of boobies, first map set of its kind, putting USGS sooty terns, greyback terns, red- hydrologic data and information into tailed and white-tailed tropic birds, a context that “gives us a realistic greater frigatebirds, and several picture of whether a particular spe- species of shorebirds. The only other cies may have been introduced into residents of the island are small new watersheds by Harvey’s flooding, teams of USFWS staff and volun- and where that introduction may have teers who have been working to save taken place,” said Fuller. “The U.S. the birds from these ants since 2010 Fish and Wildlife Service is using it to as part of a USFWS project. decide where to conduct field surveys These teams, called Crazy Ant Strike Crew of CAST XIV. Photo credit: USFWS at national wildlife refuges in Texas Teams, are at the refuge for six and Louisiana.” months at a time. Each new team Watch this video to see what life is like on this remote island: https:// The sailfin armored catfishPtery ( - builds on the eradication efforts of previous teams to work towards a www.facebook.com/USFWSPacific/ goplichthys sp.), a South American videos/585163518514936/ species sold in the aquarium trade goal of completely eradicating yel- as “Plecos,” is a good example that low crazy ants. Since 2010, the ants Learn more about this program: shows how storm tracking helps have been reduced by more than http://usfwspacific.tumblr. monitor species dispersal. Fuller said 98 percent. com/post/171441288590/ one species has been documented in do-you-have-what-it-takes

22 NEWSWAVE • Spring 2018 eDNA-Tracking Great Lionfish and Unicorns Lakes Invasive Aquatic By Heather Dewar (USGS) Species On March 27, this orangespine uni- By Meredith Nevers (USGS), Murulee Byap- cornfish (Naso lituratus), a popular panahalli (USGS), and Charles Morris (NPS) and venomous aquarium fish native Environmental DNA (eDNA) tech- to the Indo-Pacific region, was spot- nology has the potential to expand ted and removed from the Florida the frequency and coverage of tradi- Keys National Marine Sanctuary at tional invasive monitoring techniques Molasses Reef. It is the fourth known This orangespine unicornfish was removed record of such a fish in U.S. waters. from the Florida Keys National Marine because it is a much more efficient Sanctuary at Molasses Reef. Photo credit: method for determining if invasive USGS and Reef Environmental USGS species are present. Aquatic organisms Education Foundation (REEF) have shed bits of their eDNA into water- worked together for more than a decade to detect and quickly remove non- bodies where scientists can collect native marine fishes from Florida waters. water samples, extract bits of eDNA Scientists acknowledge the importance of early detection and rapid response and then match them with known in part because of lessons learned from the lionfish, a destructive marine species-specific DNA. A perfect invader first reported off south Florida in 1985. match signals presence of the invader, Watch the NPS “Outside Science (inside parks)” video from Biscayne allowing resource managers to initi- National Park to learn about the effects of invasive lionfish and research ate appropriate actions. In the Great needed to manage them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VESetYrGK5w Lakes, researchers from the USGS and the NPS are developing field Learn more about the non-native orangespine unicornfish:https://nas.er.usgs. applications for eDNA to monitor and gov/queries/factsheet.aspx?SpeciesID=2553 quantify populations of aquatic inva- sive species that threaten Great Lakes Menacing Mussels coastlines and waterways. The round By Heather Dewar (USGS) goby fish (Neogobius melanostomus) is one Great Lakes invader of interest. Invasive Zebra (pictured) and quagga mussels are collectively called dreis- Round gobies are slowly making their senid mussels and are causing a range way into tributaries and waterways in of substantial ecological and eco- large numbers, and resource managers nomic effects that continue to increase are concerned they will soon outcom- as they spread across North America. pete native fish species like sculpins. Dreissenids affect industrial and The Great Lakes Science Center and municipal infrastructure and recre- Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore ational water users, and they severely Zebra mussels from Lake Huron. Photo credit: are using eDNA testing to monitor USGS how far round gobies have spread. alter aquatic ecosystems. This will help answer more intricate The USGS has been doing dreissenid questions like how recently an invader mussel control and rapid response was present, or how close the invader research in the Great Lakes and might be. Upper Mississippi River basins for This technology also is a valuable several years including evaluating the tool for detecting rare and endangered application of targeted molluscicides, species because it can detect small assessing the effects of molluscicides populations or organisms without hav- on nontarget species, and developing ing to capture or handle them. genetic tools for dreissenid mussel detection. Learn more: http://journals.plos.org/ A display of invasive zebra mussels shows plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal. In support of this effort, the USGS how they can propagate and foul propellers pone.0191720 evaluated genetic markers for dreis- and clog pipelines. Photo credit: USFWS senid mussel early detection and is See related stories, pages 19–24. working to improve eDNA sampling Read more: https://nas.er.usgs.gov/ and analysis protocols. queries/FactSheet.aspx?speciesID=5

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Protecting Coral Reefs The 39th U.S from Invasive Species Task Force Meeting By Heidi Koontz, Marisa Lubeck, and Thierry By Liza Johnson (DOI) Work (USGS) U.S. Coral Reef Task Force According to a new USGS study at (USCRTF) co-chairs Doug Domenech the remote Palmyra Atoll NWR in the (Assistant Secretary for Insular and Central Pacific, researchers deter- International Affairs, DOI) and Rus- mined that removing shipwreck debris sell Callender (Assistant Administra- helped reduce the proportion of an tor for the National Ocean Service, invasive anemone known as coralli- NOAA) convened the 39th USCRTF morph (CM) in infested areas from 21 meeting in Washington, D.C., from to 14 percent. February 20 to 23. Marshall Critch- CMs are a type of invasive anemone field (Advisor to the Assistant that typically thrives in coral reefs that Secretary, DOI/Fish, Wildlife, and have been degraded by environmental Parks) opened the business meeting or man-made disturbances. CMs can on behalf of DOI, where he spoke spread rapidly in coral reefs that have about his passion for coral reefs and been degraded by environmental or associated ecosystems that he learned man-made disturbances. about while growing up in Florida. The structure of corallimorphs (CMs) look More than 180 attendees gathered very similar to the corals they invade. The In 2007, USGS scientists discovered for the meeting, including those from the CM infestation expanding and arrows in the lower image point to mouths of individual CMs. Each CM mouth is Federal, State, and territorial govern- smothering otherwise pristine coral surrounded by a corona of tentacles. Photo ment agencies, Congressional offices, reefs in an area near a shipwreck at credits: Thierry Work, USGS research/academic institutions, and Palmyra Atoll NWR in the Central nongovernmental organizations. Pacific. The infested area had more often sunk deliberately to promote than tripled by 2011, prompting the diving or recruitment sites for reef The Watershed Partnership Initiative USFWS to remove the wreckage organisms, but our study provides (WPI) Working Group held a work- in 2013. Coral reefs can experi- a cautionary note for such practices shop to support developing imple- ence phase shifts where they quickly in tropical marine systems.” Control mentation plans for the three priority transition from coral-dominated to a efforts such as removing shipwrecks watersheds (Guanica, Puerto Rico; uniformity of other organisms, typi- and applying chlorine may help West Maui, Hawai‘i; and Faga‘alu, cally algae. The Palmyra Atoll NWR mitigate the damaging effects of CMs American Samoa) and sustainable is a unique case where a transition on valuable coral reefs in the Central financing for the future. The WPI from corals to CMs occurred. Starting Pacific Ocean. Working Group held a local site visit in 2007, USGS scientists and part- “Scaling up the control methods tested to learn about the Baltimore Water- ners surveyed the CM-infested coral in our study might provide hope that front Partnership, which is focused on reef before and after removing the the Palmyra corallimorph could be restoring the water quality in Balti- shipwreck. contained or possibly eradicated,” more Harbor and creating an oppor- tunity to educate visitors. Through a The study marks the first time that Work said. “Coupling these methods with shipwreck removal could poten- walking tour, the WPI learned about shipwreck removal was shown to have the collaborative efforts and support beneficial effects for reef recovery tially help control infestations at other sites.” among city officials, Federal agencies, from the invasive species. and local nonprofits. After the tour, the “Coral reefs are home to a signifi- The USGS partnered with the Univer- participants toured behind-the-scenes cant diversity of marine life, provide sity of Hawai‘i, Bigelow Laboratory at the coral reef and shark exhibits in valuable economic and environmental for Ocean Sciences, the USFWS, and the National Aquarium. services to millions of people, buffer The Nature Conservancy on the new study. The Climate Change Working Group shorelines from erosion and waves met with members of the WPI Work- and can serve as a resource for the For more information about this ing Group and the U.S. All Islands development of new medicines,” said research, please visit the USGS Coral Reef Committee (AIC) to Thierry Work, USGS scientist and the National Wildlife Health Center web- lead author of the study. “Ships are site: https://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/ See Coral Reef Task Force page 25

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focused on different aspects of resil- ience of corals to stressors, such as high sea surface and disease, and discussed how more resilient corals can be used in resto- ration projects. Dr. Mike Beck from The Nature Conservancy presented on his research in partnership with the USGS and the University of Califor- nia Santa Cruz, funded partially by DOI’s Doug Domenech (center) co-chaired the 39th USCRTF meeting in February 2018 at the the DOI Office of Insular Affairs, on Main Interior Building, Washington, D.C. Photo credit: Liza Johnson, DOI the role that coral reefs play in coastal Coral Reef Task Force continued from page 24 with recovery from the 2009 earth- protection, applying a rigorous value to flood protection benefits of coral brainstorm ways that their working quake and tsunami. The panelists summarized observed damages and reefs to nearby shorelines, and how group can support other USCRTF this information can be used to inform activities and priorities. The Enforce- triage efforts to date. A speaker from Force Blue, a nonprofit that unites coastal management and coral reef ment Working Group identified broad restoration efforts. enforcement-related challenges for the Special Operations veterans with which the group may be able to the world of coral reef conservation, The meeting concluded with action assist. They discussed sharing lessons discussed a partnership with NOAA items to support coral reef restora- learned across the jurisdictions from on their recent restoration missions tion initiatives, local capacity build- the State of Florida at the fall 2017 in Florida and Puerto Rico. A Federal ing, continuing to fulfill the current meeting. Emergency Management Agency USCRTF work plan priorities, and representative discussed their hazard developing products or trainings to Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo mitigation program as it pertains to support the States, Territories, and (Guam) addressed the USCRTF and natural infrastructure. Commonwealths in addressing local meeting attendees and highlighted the issues. importance of coral reefs to Guam’s The second panel focused on the economy, including their role in the role that coral reefs play in hazard The 40th USCRTF meeting, hosted by livelihood of Guam’s people, reducing mitigation and risk reduction, as well the Territory of American Samoa, is effects from storms, and fishing. Con- as long term coral recovery efforts. scheduled for August 13–16, 2018. gresswoman Bordallo also announced The speakers discussed how future Visit http://coralreef.gov for more that she is preparing to introduce a resilience can be built into coral reef information on the USCRTF. reauthorization bill for the Coral Reef restoration projects. Three speakers Conservation Act this year. The AIC proposed a new focus area for the USCRTF: using adapted corals to restore reefs. The USCRTF mem- bers support this new focus area and requested that the Steering Commit- tee present a resolution for decision at the next meeting. The AIC also reported on a variety of on-the-ground activities in each of the coral reef jurisdictions, their capacity building efforts through the Coral Management Fellowship, and their strategic plan implementation. The USCRTF hosted two panels for the business meeting. The first panel focused on recent hurricanes in the During the walking tour, Casey Merbler, Project Manager at the Healthy Harbor Initiative, Caribbean and South Atlantic, as well discussed the role of Mr. Trashwheel in removing debris from Baltimore Harbor and raising as American Samoa’s experience awareness about water quality. Photo credit: Liza Johnson, DOI

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USFWS Provides Vital Technical Assistance By Christopher Eng (USFWS) The USFWS Coastal Program is a voluntary, partnership-based, habi- tat conservation program. Working on public and private land, locally based field staff provide technical and financial assistance to willing part- ners to conserve fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Learn more: https://www.fws.gov/coastal/ Technical assistance is the cornerstone of the Coastal Program’s conserva- tion approach. It allows us to have a broader effect on conservation by facilitating evidence-based deci- sions, refining conservation plans and In Alaska, the Coastal Program provided technical assistance to The Great Land Trust (http:// policies, and improving the science of greatlandtrust.org/) and Eklutna, Inc. (https://www.eklutnainc.com/) by prioritizing habitats for restoration. conservation in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Photo credit: Carl Johnson

“Technical assistance is what we do to understand a problem A site visit to a National Coastal Wetland Conservation and develop a . It is also Grant Program project the work we do to evaluate the with the Columbia Land success of our actions, which Trust (https://www. improves future conservation columbialandtrust.org/), in Willapa Bay, Washington. efforts,” Photo credit: Samantha —said Mark Secrist, Coastal Brooke, USFWS Program.

Advancing Conservation plants and animals. In support of this Program along with the Wildlife Res- Priorities effort, we prepared a brochure that toration and Sport Fish Restoration explains the importance of island Program. Annually, this grant program Our technical assistance can advance conservation and highlights sev- distributes $18–20 million to States the priorities within our agency and eral successful restoration projects applying to conserve wetlands and among other Federal agencies. As a with specific biological outcomes: uplands that provide important coastal community-based conservation pro- https://www.fws.gov/coastal/pdfs/ habitat for fish and wildlife, as well as gram, we can also deliver these priori- FinalIslandRestorationBrochure.pdf recreational opportunities for people. ties to States and local communities when there are shared interests. Helping State Conservation Our field staff work with State agen- cies and other partners to identify and Recognizing the importance of island Our strategic work plans that guide develop high-quality conservation ecosystems and their vulnerability our conservation activities are influ- projects and prepare competitive grant to invasive species, the USFWS enced by State and community priori- applications. Our headquarters and and Island Conservation adopted an ties. By providing technical assistance regional staff review, rank, and make Island Restoration Memorandum of to States and communities, we are recommendations for funding to DOI Understanding. The memorandum helping to deliver on-the-ground con- and USFWS leadership. promotes the removal of invasive servation. We co-manage the National species for the benefit of native island Coastal Wetland Conservation Grant See Technical Assistance page 27

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Technical Assistance continued from page 26

“The success of our National Coastal Wetland Conservation Grant application was possible by the incredible assistance by the Coastal Program. We were able to permanently protect 170 acres of habitat in Richmond County, Virginia. The project also fulfills a conservation priority for the What is Technical Photo credit: Samantha Whitcraft, USFWS Rappahannock River Valley Assistance? National Wildlife Refuge,” capture and tag manatees so that —said Estie Thomas, Virginia Technical assistance consists of scientists can study their movements planning and design activities in the Gulf of Mexico. Outdoors Foundation. that support habitat conservation, whether or not it leads directly to We provide technical assistance to a specific habitat improvement other USFWS programs (for example, Helping Community project. Planning and design is the Endangered Species, National Fish Conservation process of developing strategies and Passage, and Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs) and partners We provide technical assistance to priorities, creating tools and resources, and planning projects to support (for example, land trusts, State local communities seeking to imple- agencies, and private landowners) conservation. ment habitat conservation that is to achieve shared conservation important to them. Our assistance In Alabama, the Coastal Program objectives. We are required to be fosters environmental stewardship and provides technical assistance involved substantially in a project enables communities to contribute to by working with Dauphin Island for that project to receive Program conservation. Sea Laboratory (http://www. funding, and our technical assistance disl.org/), Sea to Shore Alliance is one way that we can have that In Michigan, local communities are (http://sea2shore.org/), and others to involvement. helping with the recovery of the endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly. We train volunteers to record dragon- In Hawai‘i, we are working with fly locations, evaluate invasive species NOAA and Malama na Honu (http:// Technical Assistance threats, and identify potential restora- malamanahonu.org/) to train local Examples tion sites. They also are evaluating volunteers to document the loca- • Habitat assessments habitat for the endangered piping plo- tion and behavior of Hawaiian green ver and eastern massasauga (Sistrurus turtles. This information will improve • Conservation prioritization catenatus catenatus; a rattlesnake) — a our understanding of sea turtle ecol- • Conservation planning and species considered for listing under ogy and support the recovery of this design the Endangered Species Act. The federally threatened sea turtle. information gathered resulted in the • Restoration monitoring restoration of over 400 acres of wet- • Environmental disaster response land and upland habitat. • Policy development • Grant administration • Assessment protocols and tools • Capacity building and training • Conservation education and stewardship Once thought to be extinct, the endangered Hine’s emerald dragonfly was rediscovered in Illinois in 1988. Additional populations In Hawai‘i, local communities are helping to were later found Michigan, Missouri, and monitor the recovery of green sea turtles. Wisconsin. Photo credit: Greg Lasley, Flickr Photo credit: NOAA See Technical Assistance page 28

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Technical Assistance continued from page 27 Supporting the NWR System Through our technical assistance, we can advance the mission and priorities of the NWR System (https://www.fws. gov/refuges/). In addition to assistance on NWRs, we can deliver the mis- sion and priorities to the surrounding communities. The North Florida Refuge Complex includes the St. Marks NWR, St. Vin- cent NWR, and conservation ease- ments in Georgia and Florida. The complex protects nearly 95,000 acres of habitat for wildlife. The restoration of White Slough on Humboldt Bay NWR began in 2015. When completed in 2020, the project will restore salt marsh among other habitats. Map credit: USFWS We provided technical assistance by doing a small mammal survey, which helped to develop a species list for the complex. This information supports the refuges’ comprehensive conserva- tion plans, and informs management Comparison of salt marsh coverage and public-use decisions. from 1870 to 2005 In California, Humboldt Bay has lost in Humboldt Bay, 90 percent of its tidal salt marshes. To California. Image credit: Aldaron Laird reverse this trend, the Humboldt Bay and others, Historical NWR is restoring White Slough — a Atlas of Humboldt Bay salt marsh that was historically and Eel River Delta drained and diked for agriculture, and later managed as a freshwater wetland. We provided technical assistance by doing a topographic survey and preparing the restoration design that will restore 41 acres of tidal salt marsh. We also worked with partners to acquire the regulatory permits and additional project funding, including a $1,000,000 National Wetlands Con- servation Grant Program award. Building Restoration Capacity In the Advanced Stream Simulation Design Course, participants learn to design road-stream crossings that maintain fish passage, support stream processes, and improve public safety. We have a broad impact on conserva- Photo credit: Jed Wright, USFWS tion through our capacity building among partners and communities. Through this type of technical assis- The Coastal Program provides technical tance, we are helping communities to assistance by developing and instructing make better decisions and implement stream assessment and restoration courses. more successful restoration projects. Photo credit: Joe Milmoe, USFWS Land use changes are affecting our Nation’s rivers and streams. These See Technical Assistance page 29

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Technical Assistance continued from page 28 changes have resulted in the loss of aquatic and riparian habitats due to erosion, sedimentation, and pollut- ants. To better balance the needs for conservation and development, we create resources and training courses that improve the science and delivery of stream conservation. This type of assistance allows us to On Laysan Island, the Coastal Program provided technical assistance for the translocation (left) and monitoring of critically endangered Nihoa millerbirds (right). Photo credits: Holly Freifeld have a broader effect on conservation and Robby Kohley, USFWS by enhancing people’s knowledge of stream functions, and improving restoration planning and design. For example, we estimate that participants from one stream assessment course will cumulatively use their training on 60 restoration projects and 30 miles of stream annually. Monitoring for Success We evaluate the success of our con- servation by monitoring the outcomes of our actions. We also help partners to monitor their conservation actions. Through this type of technical assis- tance, we can improve the science and delivery of conservation. In the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, we are working with the NWR Sys- tem, American Bird Conservancy, and others to translocate critically endan- gered Nihoa millerbirds (Acrocepha- The Coastal Program provides technical assistance by facilitating critical links among partners lus familiaris kingi) from Nihoa Island planning and implementing restoration in response to environmental disasters, such as the to Laysan Island. The translocation Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Photo credit: USFWS creates a second population of Nihoa millerbirds to reduce their risk of Responding to a catalyst for coordinating landscape- extinction and restore the ecology on Environmental Disasters scale restoration along the Gulf Coast. Laysan Island, where a closely related See the report: https://www.fws.gov/ Whether it is an oil spill, hurricane, or millerbird species went extinct. southeast/pdf/gulf-vision-document. other environmental disaster, we sup- pdf Our technical assistance includes plan- port the USFWS’s response through ning for the translocation and moni- our technical assistance, including toring for biological outcomes. The damage assessments, restoration plan- monitoring shows a robust increase in ning, and coordination. Nihoa millerbirds on Laysan Island. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill was A study on this project suggests that catastrophic to the Gulf coast region. translocation may be useful model To coordinate a strategic response, the for the recovery of other endangered USFWS published the “Vision for a species. Learn more: http://www. Healthy Gulf of Mexico Watershed.” sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ We were instrumental in the develop- S0006320716301872 ment of this vision that articulates the conservation priorities and serves as

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Rescuing Cold-Stunned Wounded Nature— Sea Turtles Working Veterans By Heather Dewar (USGS) Partner with South The of cold-blooded Carolina’s Coastal sea turtles slows down when water Program temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so much so that they are By Jennifer Koches (USFWS) unable to swim or even lift their heads USFWS’s South Carolina Coastal above the water to breathe. Without Program is one of 24 partnership- warmth or human intervention, they driven programs across the Nation. drown. With 2,876 miles of coastal shore- This winter, on the Florida panhandle, line (measuring outer coast, offshore a team of volunteers and wildlife islands, sounds, bays, rivers, and experts braved the icy cold shores of creeks), South Carolina has the 11th St. Joseph Bay to rescue cold stunned longest coastal shoreline in the United turtles. An estimated 1,000 cold- States. Oyster reefs are a vital part of stunned sea turtles were rescued in these coastal ecosystems, providing early January in what is believed to USGS scientist Margaret Lamont carries a important benefits to water qual- have been Florida’s second-largest cold-stunned green sea turtle from the mud ity through filtration while the reef flats of St. Joseph Bay. Photo credit: USGS mass cold-stunning event of the 21st structure protects adjacent saltmarsh, century, according to USGS research Kempʼs ridleys (Lepidochelys kem- which provides foraging habitat for biologist Margaret Lamont. Most of pii), threatened loggerheads (Caretta birds and spawning habitat for fish the turtles rescued were threatened caretta), and one endangered hawks- and shellfish, supporting marine life green turtles (Chelonia mydas), but bill (Eretmochelys imbricata). By from tiny crustaceans and amphipods the teams also brought in endangered January 19th, a rented house where to sportfish and larger predators. Lamont and two scientists did their The USFWS’s Coastal Program research was full of turtles, inside and partners with the South Carolina outside. They were released as soon as Department of Natural Resources conditions warmed up. (SCDNR) through the South Carolina “I’m very happy with how we’ve been Oyster Restoration and Enhancement able to minimize the mortality to the (SCORE) program. This key partner- animals,” said Lamont, who has been ship engages community volunteers studying sea turtles in Florida since to work with scientists to restore and 1995. “And I’m very proud of how monitor oyster habitat along the South everyone has come together to get it Carolina coast. Volunteers recycle done. I’m especially proud of the vol- and bag oyster shells, construct oyster unteers who are out here in the cold reefs, collect spat (juvenile oysters), and mud, doing exhausting work for no reward and often no recognition.” Padre Island National Seashore Divi- sion of Sea Turtle Science and Recov- ery studies Kemp’s ridley and other sea turtles at Padre Island National Seashore and in the Gulf of Mexico. Keep up with their sea turtle work here: https://www.facebook.com/nps. pais.seaturtles/ Read more: https://www.usgs.gov/ South Carolina Coastal Program built oyster Scientists and volunteers use nets to scoop news/florida-scientists-volunteers- reef providing erosion control for property in the immobile sea turtles out of St. Joseph Bay Beaufort County. Photo credit: USFWS before transporting them to safety. Photo rescue-about-1000-cold-stunned-sea- credit: USGS turtles See Wounded Nature page 31

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Wounded Nature continued from page 30 Understanding Nutrients in Everglades’ Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation By W. Scott McBride and Dorothy F. Sifuentes (USGS) The USGS has released a new study looking at relations between phos- A canal through the sawgrass of the phorus concentrations and hydrologic Everglades. Photo credit: LCC Network The crowd gathers to receive instructions conditions to help make informed reaching the Everglades ecosystem and from Wounded Nature—Working Veterans decisions about water management. CEO, Rudy Socha (at left), for the day’s causing the growth of undesirable and cleanup and oyster build. Photo credit: Phosphorus is important because the nuisance plant species. USFWS Everglades ecosystem in Florida, To address this issue, the Seminole naturally evolved as an oligotrophic and monitor water quality and reef Tribe is working with the U.S. Envi- (nutrient-poor and low levels of phos- progress. These sites also serve as ronmental Protection Agency to phorus) environment, which resulted research platforms for monitoring develop a numeric phosphorus crite- in endemic plant species that are and improving success for restoration rion for waters entering and exiting the adapted to very low nutrient condi- activities. Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reserva- tions. Changes to the hydrology, plus tion (BCSIR) in the central part of the A new partnership that further new sources of phosphorus (P), have Everglades. The USGS, in cooperation enhances the work of SCORE is greatly increased the nutrient load Wounded Nature—Working Vet- with the Tribe, and the South Florida Water Management Dis- erans, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded by veterans, that provides veterans trict, are using water quality and (and nonveterans) an opportunity to ero other hydrologic data to better dichare make a real environmental difference. understand sources and transport of the excess nutrients.

Wounded Nature—Working Veterans in miiram er iter organizes and completes coastal clean- Phohor or orthohohor,

ichare, in cic feet er econd Read more: https://pubs.er.usgs. ate ups in South Carolina, focusing on the EXPLANATION gov/publication/ofr20181014 large issue of marine debris in coastal WFEED, discharge 81°30' 81° 80°30' BCS06, orthophosphorus communities. Since 2014, by partner- WWEIR, total phosphorus LAKE BCS06, total phosphorus ing on coastal cleanups, the coastal S OKEECHOBEE areas are cleaned up, and oyster reefs EXPLANATION are constructed by volunteers. Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation Big Cypress National Preserve In March, USFWS Coastal Program Everglades Agricultural Area Everglades National Park staff joined in on the 2018 St. Pat- Water conservation areamer rereent the nmer deination of each P rick’s Day cleanup of Drum Island in Stormwater treatment areasmer rereent the26°30' nmer deination of each Charleston Harbor. Dozens of com- Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge munity and agency volunteers assisted Holey Land Wildlife Management Area Miccosukee Tribe of Indians Alligator Alley Reservation in the event removing 32 cubic yards C-139 annex of debris from the island. They also Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area created more than 130 linear feet of Above: Graph oyster reef along the shore where it showing the relation between discharge W will reduce erosion from boat traffic and phosphorus and encourage regrowth of saltmarsh concentrations. vegetation. At right: Map of various land classification areas Learn more: 26° https://www.fws.gov/southeast/ near the Big Cypress Seminole Indian 0 10 20 MILES our-services/coastal-conservation/ Reservation (shown in 0 10 20 KILOMETERS http://score.dnr.sc.gov/ red). in figure. http://woundednature.org/ Image credits: USGS

31 The Surfing Bison A River Runs Free in Rhode Island Photo credit: USFWS

Pawcatuck River Videos By Isaac Burke and Lauri Munroe-Hultman This video series shows the Pawca- (USFWS) tuck River from formation to restora- The Pawcatuck River in Connecticut tion. The river has been a bountiful and Rhode Island is coming back to resource because of its plentiful wild- life. Collaborative efforts to remove life and clean water for many genera- dams and restore the flow has many tions; however, dams, pollution, and benefits. Even with a few projects still overfishing pushed fish populations waiting in the wings, recent surveys dangerously low, creating a ripple documented shad, blueback herring, effect that weakened the entire ecosys- Part 1: The History of the Pawca- and alewife above the site of the tem. Fish passage projects supported tuck River: https://www.youtube. former White Rock Dam, which was by the USFWS and other conservation com/watch?v=fbcJwkMkphc once all but impassable. See related partners are beginning to restore that story, page 19. ecosystem by repairing fish ladders and removing dams, returning much of Visit this StoryMap: https://fws.maps. the river to a natural flow and improv- arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html? ing the safety of the watershed for all. appid=03173cda0f5f4f05ace9aa0622 4ad792

Part 2: Restoring the Watershed: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=WviFpV0Q8Ms

Photo credit: Ayla Fox, The Coastal Institute-URI 32