Ocean and Coastal Highlights

Introducing this new NEWSWAVE feature, Secretary Haaland shares highlights of the work DOI is doing to bolster our Blue Portfolio.

A new report by BOEM and NOAA includes a complete inventory of WW2 shipwreck sites off the coast of North Carolina, that will help us manage our historic properties as we plan offshore activities.

USFWS Chesapeake Bay Field Office hosts fellows with the Roger Arliner Young (RAY) Diversity Fellowship. The RAY Fellowship is a two-year position dedicated to creating opportunities for emerging leaders of color who are passionate about engaging in conservation and clean energy.

The Atlantic Marine Bird Cooperative has published a report with a plan to address marine debris impacts on birds, which include entanglement, entrapment, ingestion and degraded nesting habitat.

As we continue to learn more about restoring wetlands, we continue to innovate ways to build back better wetlands. Heavy equipment operators are vital to restoring wetlands as these new designs rely on experienced maintenance action teams. Restoring Dusky Marsh at Basket Slough National Wildlife Refuge showcases this history and the skills that continue to evolve.

The Fall 2021 issue shares articles demonstrating many ways DOI is addressing coastal resilience. One example is the Coastal Resilience Workshop where 400 Federal employees came together to share their expertise. Hosted by the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (SOST), DOI joined other key Federal agencies to coordinate in addressing a range of coastal resilience needs.

Nicole Yamase is the first Pacific Islander to descend 36,000 feet underwater to the Challenger Deep in the Mariana Trench. She took several items with her on this historical expedition including an autographed flag of the Federated States of Micronesia and badges from the mission. She donated these items to the Interior Museum to commemorate the deep sea dive and the historical achievement.