Department of Fisheries Oceanography

“Collapse, recovery and collapse of an important fishery”

Alex Hansell

Research Fishery Biologist, NEFSC

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

3:00 – 4:00 pm

SMAST E 101-102 and via Zoom

Abstract:

Georges Bank is a shallow plateau off the coast of New England that has supported productive fisheries for centuries. One of these fisheries targeted yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea), which at its peak caught over 30,000 mt a year. However, over the last 100 years the stock has fluctuated, with periods of high abundance (1970s and 2000s) and low stock size (1990s and 2020s). A previous review published twenty years ago documented the collapse of the stock in the 1990s and subsequent recovery in the 2000s, hypothesizing the major reason for recovery was bilateral science and successfully coordinated management intervention. Unfortunately, by the time that review was published, the stock had started to decrease again and collapsed in the 2010s. Here, we update empirical indicators of spatial distribution and growth for Georges Bank yellowtail as well as apply a state-space stock assessment model that includes process error and environmental effects on annual recruitment. Results suggest that the stock has spatially contracted on the Bank, fish are smaller with less variation in size, and recruitment has decreased in recent years due to low stock size and increasing water temperature. These results give insight into an iconic New England groundfish stock, as well as, provide a unique opportunity to study the fluctuations of a stock through multiple periods of recovery and collapse.

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Join Zoom Meeting

https://umassd.zoom.us/j/93758230260

Meeting ID: 937 5823 0260

Passcode: 426839

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For additional information, please contact Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

Department of Estuarine and Ocean Sciences

“Advancements in fisheries conservation using technology and chemistry “

John Mohan

Fisheries Scientist

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

12:30 – 1:30 pm

SMAST E 101-102 and via Zoom

Abstract:

Effective fisheries conservation remains challenging due to overfishing and complex population structure of highly migratory species. Sharks and tunas migrate across international management regions and are captured, either accidentally as bycatch, or intentionally in commercial or recreational fisheries. Developing technology that can decrease shark bycatch and refining chemical tracer methods to elucidate population structure of fished stocks, will enhance fisheries conservation. Here, case studies will highlight the testing of shark bycatch technology and the application of natural chemical tags in migratory fish to support sustainable management and fisheries conservation.

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Join Zoom Meeting

https://umassd.zoom.us/j/97440069270

Meeting ID: 974 4006 9270

Passcode: 428029

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For additional information, please contact Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

Department of Fisheries Oceanography

“What does successful ecosystem-based management look like and how do we know when we are successful?”

Janne Haugen

Postdoc with IBSS Corp in support of NEFSC

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

3:00 – 4:00 pm

SMAST E 101-102 and via Zoom

Abstract:

Understanding what successful ecosystem-based management (EBM) looks like is essential for evaluating whether management objectives are being met. Linking performance measures to these objectives is therefore crucial for assessing progress. Although EBM holds promise for improving social, economic, and ecological outcomes, its implementation has been challenging, and its effectiveness unclear. One key difficulty lies in developing performance measures that are systematic, integrated, and adaptable to the diverse contexts and ocean-use sectors within an ecosystem – without becoming overly complex or difficult to implement. A semi-quantitative assessment framework that integrates transdisciplinary performance measures for ocean-use sectors, marine ecosystem status, management and tradeoffs, and human dimensions can help assess the effectiveness of EBM strategies. The framework measures performance across categories and synthesizes how well EBM is performing by tracking a multitude of indicators in each category. Case studies, utilization, and impacts of the framework will be discussed as well as how performance measures move management forward.

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Join Zoom Meeting

https://umassd.zoom.us/j/93758230260?pwd=OHJ5UDloQkZZaCtXcTlBNlR6Qm0rQT09

Meeting ID: 937 5823 0260

Passcode: 426839

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For additional information, please contact Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

Department of Estuarine and Ocean Sciences

“From Methane to Microplastics: Developing Next Generation In Situ Instrumentation “

Beckett Colson

Research Engineer, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

12:30 – 1:30 pm

SMAST E 101-102 and via Zoom

Abstract:

Marine and freshwater processes have global impacts but are challenging to observe due to the range of spatial scales, environmental conditions, and temporal variability. In the Chemical Sensors Laboratory (CSL) at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, we develop in situ instrumentation to reveal these processes by making continuous measurements directly in the environment. These instruments can deliver unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. This seminar will focus on two instruments we have recently developed: (1) SAGE for measuring deep-sea methane and carbon dioxide, and (2) Scout for quantifying microplastics in waterways. SAGE uses laser spectroscopy with a membrane inlet to quantify dissolved methane and pCO₂, and a hollow-core fiber absorption cell to minimize dead volume and achieve a time response of only four minutes. SAGE has been deployed in a variety of deep-sea environments, from hydrothermal vents to cold seeps and mud volcanoes. Scout uses electrical impedance to detect, size, and count microplastics in a continuous water flow. It uses the unique electrical characteristics of microplastics to distinguish them from naturally occurring particulates. Scout has been used locally for surface water measurements, and we are developing a next generation suitable for use on autonomous and underwater platforms. With continued improvements to these instruments, we aim to unlock more avenues for scientific inquiry and collaboration.

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Join Zoom Meeting

https://umassd.zoom.us/j/97440069270?pwd=L2Z1bDZESTFCKzJYZWduYVhWenYvZz09

Meeting ID: 974 4006 9270

Passcode: 428029

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For additional information, please contact Callie Rumbut at c.rumbut@umassd.edu

The Department of Fisheries Oceanography is hosting Tasha O’Hara, Research Biologist at the Coonamessett Farm Foundation, for a seminar on “Addressing dynamic environmental challenges through cooperation and innovation”. This seminar will take place April 9th from 3-4 in SMAST East 101-103, but a Zoom option is available as well! 

Abstract:

Benthic surveying is crucial for understanding marine ecosystems and developing sustainable resource management strategies. While traditional sampling methods provide valuable biological data, they often face challenges like gear escapement and overfilling. To overcome these limitations and address emerging environmental concerns, innovative, non-extractive surveying tools are increasingly necessary. The HabCam v3 Habitat Mapping Camera system integrates imaging and environmental sensor data to capture real-time information, enabling marine assessments without disturbing fragile ecosystems. This non-invasive technology plays a key role in cooperative research efforts, including Atlantic sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) stock assessments and benthic ecosystem surveys in offshore wind sites across New England waters. By leveraging advanced technologies on commercial platforms, researchers, industry members, and fishing communities can strengthen collaboration and build trust in shared scientific endeavors. This talk will highlight HabCam’s optical work conducted by CFF during annual stock assessments and provide an overview of ongoing offshore wind cooperative research and its benefits.

The Department of Estuarine and Ocean Science is hosting Trish Atwood, Associate Professor at Utah State University & Leader of the Aquatic Ecology and Global Change Lab, for a VIRTUAL seminar on April 9th! She will be speaking about her work on“Managing and Protecting Marine Carbon: A New Challenge for Marine Conservation”. This seminar will be held on Zoom from 12:30-1:30, but streaming will be available in SMAST East 101-103.

Abstract:

The ocean is a critical reservoir of carbon, storing vast amounts both in marine life and in seabed sediments. However, human activities—particularly certain types of fishing—pose significant threats to this carbon stock. This talk explores how fisheries, especially those involving bottom trawling and large-scale biomass extraction, contribute to the loss of marine carbon. Bottom trawling disturbs carbon-rich sediments, potentially releasing stored carbon into the water column and atmosphere. At the same time, the removal of fish biomass represents a direct extraction of organic carbon that would otherwise remain part of the marine carbon cycle. By examining the mechanisms through which fisheries impact carbon storage, this presentation highlights the urgent need to integrate carbon conservation into marine management strategies. Protecting seafloor habitats and reducing high-impact fishing practices could play a pivotal role in climate mitigation efforts, offering a powerful, nature-based solution for maintaining ocean health and planetary stability.

The Department of Fisheries Oceanography will be hosting Raquel Bryant on Wednesday, April 2 from 3-4.  Bryant, Assistant Professor at Wesleyan University will be discussing “Ocean storytelling with fossil foraminifera” Please join us for this seminar in SMAST East 101-103 or online via Zoom!

Abstract:

Foraminifera are unicellular, marine organisms that boast one of the most complete and extensive fossil records of any organism – living or extinct. Their pervasiveness in marine sediments and rocks from throughout the Phanerozoic make them excellent storytellers about Earth’s past oceans. Among foraminifera, or forams for short, there are varieties that live at the top of the water column amid primary producers and at the seafloor within or above the sediment. Through the life of a foram, they grow their tests (shells) by adding chambers and take on distinct shapes, sometimes depending on the ambient environmental conditions. Thus, their assemblage structure and morphology through geologic time can be used to reconstruct paleoenvironments and interpret paleoceanographic change. In this talk, I present examples of the storytelling power of forams from the Late Cretaceous (~100 – 66 million years ago) Western Interior Seaway and from a new project studying the glaciation of Greenland through the Neogene (~23 – 2.5 million years ago) based on sediments recovered during International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 400.

The Department of Estuarine and Ocean Sciences will be hosting Brian Yellen on Wednesday, April 2 from 12:30-1:30. Yellen, MA State Geologist and Research Asst. Prof UMass Amherst, will be discussing “The Importance of Sediment to Northeast Salt Marshes and Threats Posed by Regional Decline in Coastal Sediment Supply.” Please join us for this seminar in SMAST East 101-103 or online via Zoom!

Abstract:

Coastal environments such as salt marshes, shellfish flats, and beaches depend on a continuous supply of sediment to adjust to rising sea levels. For several years, a UMass Amherst based team has been focusing on assessing (1) the dominant sources of sediment to the New England coast, (2) how sediment contributes to salt marsh accretion, and (3) how humans may be reducing coastal sediment supplies in the Northeast US. In this talk, I will first illustrate the relationship between sediment supply and the ability of salt marshes to build vertically, a process that is essential to maintaining a platform elevation above rising sea levels. Second, I will show how coastal bluff slumping and erosion contributes to coastal sediment supply. We use lidar differencing to quantify the amount of sediment being added directly from bluff erosion. Finally, I will conclude by making use of a newly developed satellite remote sensing tool to demonstrate that coastal suspended sediment has been declining in the Northeast US. Our team hypothesizes that extensive coastal armoring is partly to blame for observed decreases in coastal suspended sediment, potentially posing added adaptation challenges to threatened coastal habitats like salt marshes.

The Department of Fisheries Oceanography is hosting Elle Keane, Biologist and Tribal Liaison Officer for the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office and Asha Ajmani, Tribal Engagement Coordinator at the Northeast Regional Ocean Council on March 5th. The seminar, “Working with Tribal Nations” will be held in SMAST East 101-103 from 3-4. Please join us in person or on Zoom!

Abstract:

The U.S government and the governments of federally-recognized Tribal Nations have a unique government-to-government relationship set forth in the Constitution of the United States, treaties, statutes, and court decisions. Within this relationship, NOAA Fisheries works with Tribal Nations on a range of issues, including habitat, fisheries management, and endangered species, among others. This seminar will provide an overview of this relationship and NOAA Fisheries’ engagement with Tribal Nations in the Greater Atlantic Region. The Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) is a voluntary forum for Tribal, federal, state and NGO partners to form interagency coordination and cooperation on regional approaches to support balanced uses and conservation of the Northeast’s ocean and coastal resources. Recently, NROC launched a Tribal Caucus to identify Tribal interests and needs, and coordinate Tribal guidance on NROC priorities and the implementation of specific NROC projects. These efforts have led to increased Tribal participation in NROC and the development of work groups and other products responding to identified needs.

The Department of Estuarine and Ocean Sciences is hosting Laurel Schaider on Wednesday March 5 for a seminar on “PFAS in the waters of Cape Cod: What do we know and how can we protect water quality?”. The seminar will take place in SMAST East 101-103 from 12:30-1:30 and is available on Zoom.

Abstract:

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—also called “forever chemicals”—are grabbing headlines every day as global environmental pollutants. Closer to home, PFAS are increasingly being discovered in drinking water, surface waters, and groundwater throughout Massachusetts. Groundwater on Cape Cod is vulnerable to PFAS contamination because of the shallow sand and gravel aquifer and dense development. This presentation will provide an overview of the key concerns about widespread PFAS exposure and health effects. We will discuss major sources of PFAS contamination in groundwater and surface waters on Cape Cod, and present key findings from past and ongoing research to discover the extent of PFAS contamination and implications for human and ecological health.