Ocean and Coastal Highlights

Hurricanes pose numerous hazards to coastal communities and ecosystems. A new USGS comprehensive webpage shares a broad range of expertise and resources about storm-related hazards and research for decision makers, emergency responders, resource managers and communities. When a hurricane is threatening US coastal areas, the site will provide specific information about that storm.

Investments in long-term monitoring and science related to the management of wild fisheries can pay dividends in creating intact and richly diverse habitats that are the foundation for sustainable and resilient fisheries. Learn more about fish; where they go, what they eat, and why, through the weekly program, ‘Fish of the Week’ produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Cutting edge science at the USGS helps conserve and restore our nation’s fisheries and their habitats. From recovering endangered species, see recent news on the Okaloosa darter, to helping fish migrate upstream, and eliminating impacts from invasive species, the USGS is a key player and partner in our ocean, Great Lakes and coastal areas.

People love the beach as much as birds do. But some human activities pose threats to birds that need to rest, eat and raise their young. New videos in English and Spanish help raise awareness so that we can share the beach and allow shorebirds to thrive.

The Department of the Interior’s “blue portfolio” plays a crucial role in the country’s economy and conservation efforts. Secretary Deb Haaland shared the importance of the Department’s work in her opening remarks for Capitol Hill Ocean Week today. She touted Interior workforce’s efforts to conserve and restore coastal and ocean resources and the contributions that recent strides to expand offshore wind development will have on the country’s economy.

The ocean connects the world in a way that no other natural resource does. As we celebrate Ocean Month, the Department of the Interior recognizes the broad responsibility we have for maintaining healthy ocean and coastal resources, and the impact our work has around the globe.

 In celebration of June as Ocean Month, we met with Secretary Deb Haaland to hear her thoughts on DOI’s important stewardship role for our blue portfolio. Read more in DOI’s NEWSWAVE on page 1.

This annual photo issue celebrates with images of our diverse national ocean and coastal treasures. This year images illustrate some of the ways we apply scientific expertise for wise stewardship of the national resources entrusted to us. Take a look.

Nearly $1 million in funding was approved for Tribal youth will support natural resources and environmental management training. These projects also will be restoring an estimated 1,000 acres of wildlife habitat along the Gulf of Mexico coastline. Read more in DOI’s NEWSWAVE on page 1.

In February 2021, Texans came together to rescue unprecedented numbers of sea turtles that were cold-stunned by the unusually cold winter conditions. Read about the enormous rescue initiative and DOI’s turtle conservation efforts in DOI’s NEWSWAVE.