Top must-read Pacific Islands stories of 2024
by NOAA Fisheries 8 Feb 15:06 GMT
A Bryde's whale photographed in the Mariana Archipelago © NOAA Fisheries / Adam Ü (NOAA Fisheries MMPA-ESA Permit #14097)
We’ve shared many great stories throughout 2024. Among these stories are our staff favorite reads of 2024.
Favorite Stories
Monk seal pup debuts in Waikiki on Lei Day
Hawaiian monk seals make the headlines every year, and this pupping season was no different. Thirteen-year-old Kaiwi (RK96) gave Waikiki a Lei Day surprise when she birthed her sixth pup on the popular Kaimana Beach. Another celebrity mom on O'ahu, Rocky, also made headlines when she birthed her 15th pup at Sand Island State Recreation Area. Her pup 'Ili'ili is the first recorded pup born at Sand Island.
Hey, Google: Find this new whale sound
In 2014, an Oregon State University autonomous seaglider survey in the Mariana Archipelago heard a new sound: a mechanical-sounding whale vocalization. They called it a "Biotwang." NOAA scientists use long-term passive acoustic recorders to monitor the health and status of marine mammal populations. In the North Pacific, they have captured more than 500 TB of data, or almost 200,000 hours of recordings. We were able to identify that Bryde's whales are the source of the new whale call in the western North Pacific, while working with Google to use Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to analyze the immense passive acoustic monitoring datasets.
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U.S. leads Pacific Tuna Commission Action on Climate Change and Rebuilding Plan for North Pacific Striped Marlin
The United States led efforts to address climate change and ensure continued stability for North Pacific striped marlin at this year's annual Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission meeting. Our efforts also helped establish the first-ever set of binding crew labor standards adopted in an international regional fisheries management organization.
On deck with Observer 0001 — Looking back 30 years
This year the Pacific Islands Region Observer Program recognized a major milestone: celebrating its 30th anniversary. Observer 0001, Tonya Wick, took us back to where it all began, sharing her experiences on how the program has evolved.
Meet two sea turtle biologists stewarding conservation on their home islands
Tonya isn't the only trailblazer we featured in 2024. Don't miss these turtle conservationists: Alphina Liusamoa in American Samoa and Josefa Muñoz in Guam. As stewards of their home islands, they're helping lead the way for local sea turtle research and protection.
Hawaii Coral Reef Assessments Complete for 2024
In 2024, our scientists continued collecting long-term, high-quality data on the coral reef communities of Hawai'i. They built upon previous surveys dating back to 2005 for the main Hawaiian Islands, and to 2000 for the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. This important data paints a picture of coral reef health over time. It helps inform scientists, resource managers, and communities so we can best work together to preserve the reef for the future.
Decades of Insights: Monk Seal Researchers Share Unique Perspectives
The Hawaiian monk seal was designated as endangered in 1976 due to its rapid historical decline. NOAA researchers began a monitoring program in the early 1980s to assess their population in the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Since then, many people have contributed to the slow and steady Hawaiian monk seal population growth we see today. However, two Hawaiian monk seal researchers have seen it all. Brenda Becker and Thea Johanos share their respective journeys and work in support of one of the most endangered seal species in the world.
Sampling open ocean Eddies in the Central North Pacific Ocean
Come along for the ride! This year, a team of scientists set out to sample open-ocean eddies—rotating masses of water in the ocean—and fronts on the NOAA Ship Oscar Elton Sette. For oceanic top predators like tuna, eddies are potential hotspots for their prey—meaning tuna and other predators may seek out eddies as foraging grounds. The samples and data collected during this expedition will advance our understanding of the ecosystem that supports tuna, other pelagic predators, and protected species like whales. Efforts like this progress us toward Ecosystem-Based Fisheries Management and further NOAA's mission of stewardship of the nation's ocean resources and their habitat.
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From past patients to new moms
During annual summer Hawaiian monk seal monitoring and assessment field camps, researchers work to support seal protection and recovery. In addition to tagging pups, counting seals, gathering observational data, they also provide life-saving interventions to increase seal survival. Successfully rescuing and caring for injured seals requires a collective effort with many dedicated partners and resources. Earlier this year, we confirmed two Hawaiian monk seals, who were rescued and rehabilitated by NOAA staff and partners, are now first-time moms!
Mariana Trench Marine National Monument receives final management plan
NOAA Fisheries, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands released the final management plan and environmental assessment for the Mariana Trench Marine National Monument.