We're wrapping up Earth Week with this year's theme in mind: Planet vs. Plastics

Here are just a few easy ways you can help reduce plastics that end up in the ocean. You can learn more about marine debris—like plastic—and ways you can help our planet NOAA Marine Debris Program!

#EarthWeek

This week, three #NOAA offices joined forces to support the #ocean exploration mission by completing a small boat transfer of people and supplies off Honolulu as part of the current #Okeanos expedition!

As boating season ramps up, be sure to check out our #WhaleAlertApp to see active whale mgmt & reporting areas, recommended routes, US & Canada shipping lane warnings, more: bit.ly/3xqHJFn. Help reduce vessel strikes by reporting sightings.

Still looking for your sole mate? 👀 In 2018, scientists sorting through images collected by an underwater robot discovered something unusual from images of Santa Lucia Bank. Cuddle huddles! 📷 Image taken by AUV of petrale sole gathered in groups. bit.ly/4b6B4Pg

As our Earth changes, we are studying the impacts of climate on our fisheries. Explore our data and learn how vulnerable different species are to the effects of climate change in our Climate Vulnerability Assessment Tool: bit.ly/48s5uLx

#EarthWeek2024

Thanks to funding through NOAA Habitat, BoriCorps is restoring Puerto Rico's environmental and cultural assets damaged by Hurricane Maria. The program offers young Puerto Ricans paid work experience and training as they restore critical habitat: bit.ly/3Q1boLM
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What happened to all the Alaska snow crabs?

In 2022, the Bering Sea snow crab season had to be cancelled after a mysterious collapse in snow crab populations. Hear how NOAA Fisheries AK cracked this historic case in our latest podcast episode: apple.co/4aRfe2x
#EarthWeek

Today is #RightWhaleDay !

Whales—including North Atlantic right whales—protect our planet with their carbon storing abilities, and we want to protect them too!

Slow down in right whale zones, keep your distance, and report whales in distress: bit.ly/3JAZnqX
#EarthWeek

The season for summer celebrations is right around the corner! 🎉

Unsure what to bring to your next graduation party or potluck? Try this recipe for rich opah chili: bit.ly/3UvT3cl

Pro-tip: If you don't own a meat grinder, ask your fishmonger to grind the opah for you!

More than 50,000 balloons wash up on our coasts every year, threatening marine life and the ocean. 🎈

Commercial fishermen are going the extra (nautical) mile to combat this threat by collecting balloons they see while on the water: bit.ly/4aONPhJ
#EarthWeek

Our Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information about a dead bottlenose dolphin that had injuries consistent with being shot with a firearm. The dolphin was found on West Mae’s Beach in Cameron Parish, Louisiana: bit.ly/3QfcNyK

Commercial fishermen are helping tackle marine pollution, one balloon at a time.

Balloons may be fun for celebrations, but they are a pervasive form of marine debris. Find out how a group of fishermen are combating this threat to marine life: bit.ly/4aONPhJ

#EarthWeek

Earth Day is a time to pause and appreciate our planet. Read a leadership message from our assistant administrator, Janet Coit, where she discusses our work to conserve and recover marine life and ecosystems, and confront climate change: bit.ly/3Ud24FQ
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We're seeking public comment on the proposed incidental harassment authorization of marine mammals related to the Vineyard Wind Offshore Wind Project offshore Massachusetts. The comment period will be open from April 23–May 23, 2024: bit.ly/4aKjEbA

Some Friday fun: baby! whales! 🐋

Right whales Dog-Ear and Skittle were each spotted with a calf in February, bringing the total of new calves for this season to 19.

Meet the moms and their calves: bit.ly/3U2hCht

Sleepy shark, doo-doo doo-doo doo-doo!🎵

The Pacific sleeper shark is an elusive species that lives so deep below the surface, and seen so infrequently, it's hard to study.

Research led by NOAA Fisheries AK brings us one step closer to understanding them: bit.ly/442cYCT