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Strategic Objective

Foster healthy and sustainable marine resources, habitats, and ecosystems through improved management and partnerships. (NOAA)

Strategic Objective

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Natural Resources and Environment

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Overview
Progress Update

Overview

The ocean economy contributes more than $250 billion annually to the Nation’s economy, supports approximately 44 million jobs in coastal counties, and enhances diverse ocean-based communities. The many economic, social, and environmental benefits that ocean ecosystems provide are jeopardized by global demands for seafood and energy, coastal development, increased tourism and recreational use. Threats from climate change, ocean acidification, coastal wetland loss, and other environmental stressors are even more ominous. They threaten human health and the domestic

Progress Update

The Department of Commerce (DOC), in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, has determined that performance toward fostering healthy and sustainable marine resources, habitats, and ecosystems is making noteworthy progress.

Many actions associated with the three key strategies supporting this objective have led to significant improvements in our marine ecosystems. For example, seven stocks were removed from the overfishing list and four stocks are no longer listed as overfished (see Current Fishery Statistics No. 2013). For the first time in 19 years, and only the second time ever, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) was able to de-list a species listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to recovery: the eastern population of the Steller sea lion. Moreover, the final rule establishing the Sanctuary Nomination Process was published in June 2014. This process addresses the growing interest from communities, state and tribal governments, members of Congress, and non-governmental organizations in the establishment of new and expanded marine sanctuaries.

FY 2014 Accomplishments include:

Strengthen capabilities to assess and monitor fish and protected resources (NOAA)

NOAA developed the first methodology to rapidly assess the vulnerability of U.S. marine fish stocks to changing climate and ocean conditions. The Fish Stock Climate Vulnerability Assessment methodology uses information on climate and ocean conditions, species distributions, and life history characteristics to help fisheries managers and scientists identify which species are most vulnerable or adaptable to climate change impacts.
NOAA has begun a stock assessment prioritization process. The aim of the prioritization process is to provide an objective framework to help guide regional decisions about which stocks are in need of assessment, and the level at which these assessments should be conducted.

Improve recovery of listed species through innovative partnerships (NOAA)

Fish returns in the Columbia River Basin were at or near record levels and endangered Snake River sockeye salmon returns to Redfish Lake in Idaho were the best since 1955. While favorable ocean conditions play a role in the large returns, fish passage improvements directed by NOAA and its partners allowed fish stocks to take advantage of these improved conditions.
NOAA announced in August 2014 that it will use Endangered Species Act (ESA) designation to provide additional protections to 20 species of coral, all of which have been listed as threatened. NOAA is collaborating with partners on conservation measures and recovery strategies for the newly listed corals, building from approaches that have shown success elsewhere, and is working to ensure that these efforts complement the requirements of the ESA.

Enhance place-based conservation (NOAA)

NOAA announced the selection of six new Habitat Focus Areas under the NOAA Habitat Blueprint. These focus areas span the country from the Pacific Islands, to the Great Lakes and the North Atlantic. The activities planned and already underway in each of these areas aim to improve habitat for the benefit of both commercial and recreational fisheries, protected species, and coastal communities.
NOAA completed the draft management plan to expand the Hawaiian Island Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary from a single species focus to an ecosystem approach.

Next Steps in FY 2015:

Q1FY15

Produce regionally specific electronic monitoring implementation plans.
Complete selection of Habitat Blueprint Focus Areas and form associated implementation teams for Alaska, South Atlantic, and Caribbean regions.

Q2FY15

Plan, stage and begin a cetacean and ecosystem survey of the entire California Current (West Coast Marine Mammal Survey).
Expand and share protected resource modeling and assessment tools on a nationally available host site.
Working with partners (states, other Federal agencies), finalize the recovery plan for elkhorn and staghorn corals.
Complete revision of Memorandum of Understanding establishing joint jurisdiction of sea turtles under ESA between the National Marine Fisheries Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Complete NEPA related scoping for Hawaii National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) Designation Process.

Q3FY15

Test the Protocol for fish Stock Assessment Prioritization.
Improve fish and protected species survey capabilities with advance sampling technologies.
Complete a programmatic ESA Section 7 consultation with the Army Corps of Engineers on permitting docks in the Columbia River, WA.

Q4FY15

Assess vulnerability of fish stocks to climate change.
Identify tools and best practices for accessing protected species climate vulnerability.
Complete NOAA's in-water oyster reef habitat restoration activities in Harris Creek, MD.
Conserve and restore habitat for endangered coho salmon, threaten Chinook salmon, and steelhead trout within the Russian River CA Habitat Focus Area.
Work with partners (state, other Federal agencies, NGOs) to develop a management plan for monk seals in the Main Hawaiian Islands to coordinate involvement of stakeholders.
Increase the acreage of coastal, marine, and Great Lakes area designated for long-term protection by 4,239,646 acres with the finalization of three national marine sanctuary boundary expansions (e.g., Thunder Bay, Gulf of the Farallones, and Cordell Bank national marine sanctuaries).

Other Notes/Information:

This strategic objective includes an Agency Priority Goal (APG): By the end of FY2015, confirm overfishing has been eliminated on all 21 domestic stocks that were identified as subject to overfishing as of June 30, 2013 using catch data relative to overfishing limits (OFLs).

The goal of this measure is to show that by implementing rigorous limits on annual catch, the U.S. can end and prevent overfishing. This is a key step to ensuring the sustainable management of our nation’s fisheries. Federal fishery management is based on the concept of maximum sustainable yield, which is the largest long-term average catch that can be taken from a stock under prevailing environmental and fishery conditions.

As of September 30, 2014, final fishing year 2013 catch estimates are available for 13 of the 21 stocks. Catch did not exceed the OFL for 11 of those 13 stocks, meeting our target for FY 2014. NOAA applied a combination of management measures to prevent overfishing of these stocks, including: size limits, trip limits, gear restrictions and seasonal closures. Final fishing year 2013 catch estimates for the remaining 8 stocks are expected by January 1, 2015.

In the 2013 fishing year, catch exceeded the OFL for two stocks, Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish and South Atlantic speckled hind. The Gulf of Mexico gray triggerfish overage was due to high recreational catch. To mitigate this overage and reduce the chances of the 2014 OFL being exceeded, NOAA shortened the 2014 recreational fishing season. The South Atlantic speckled hind overage resulted from a very small amount of landings of this stock, contrary to regulations that prohibit retention and landing. The OFL is not specified, therefore the ACL, which is set at zero, is used in the APG as a proxy for the OFL. As retention of South Atlantic speckled hind is already prohibited, there will be no additional management action as a result of the overage.

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Strategic Goals

Strategic Goal:

Ensure communities and businesses have the necessary information, products, and services to prepare for and prosper in a changing environment

Statement:

Ensure communities and businesses have the necessary information, products, and services to prepare for and prosper in a changing environment

Strategic Objectives

Foster healthy and sustainable marine resources, habitats, and ecosystems through improved management and partnerships. (NOAA)

Statement:

Foster healthy and sustainable marine resources, habitats, and ecosystems through improved management and partnerships. (NOAA)

Description:

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FY 14-15 Priority Goal: Confirm elimination of Overfishing

Statement:

By September 30, 2015, the Department of Commerce will confirm the elimination of overfishing on all 21 U.S. domestic stocks identified as subject to overfishing as of June 30, 2013 by comparing catch data relative to overfishing limits (OFLs).

Description:

The purpose of this goal is to show that by implementing rigorous limits on annual catch, the U.S. can end and prevent overfishing. This is a key step to ensuring the sustainable management of our nation’s fisheries. Federal fishery management is based on the concept of maximum sustainable yield, which is the largest long-term average catch that can be taken from a stock under prevailing environmental and fishery conditions. A stock that is subject to overfishing has a fishing mortality (harvest) rate higher than the rate that produces maximum sustainable yield. The amount of catch equivalent to this harvest rate is the overfishing limit (OFL).

The Magnuson-Stevens Act is the primary law that governs how fisheries are managed in U.S. federal waters. When the Magnuson-Stevens Act was reauthorized in 2007, it mandated that annual catch limits (ACLs) be put in place for all federally managed domestic fish stocks, with certain exceptions. ACLs are set at a level below the OFL to account for scientific uncertainty and to reduce the risk of overfishing. ACLs are in place for all fish stocks as required by the Magnuson-Stevens Act. These catch limits should keep catch below the OFL and prevent overfishing on these stocks. Preventing overfishing should increase the long-term economic and social benefits of the nation’s fisheries.

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Improve preparedness, response, and recovery from weather and water events by building a Weather-Ready Nation. (NOAA, Census)

Statement:

Improve preparedness, response, and recovery from weather and water events by building a Weather-Ready Nation. (NOAA, Census)

Description:

Weather affects almost every endeavor in the Nation. Major industries and small businesses alike depend on weather, water, and climate information to make informed decisions and plan for the future. Extreme events are becoming the norm. Winter storms, flooding, drought, hurricanes, wildfires, extreme temperatures, and tornados can cost lives and billions of dollars in damage. The steep increases in damaging weather-related events and associated societal impacts highlight the growing importance of weather, water, and climate information. Urbanization, migration to coastal communities, and a growing population also increasingly put people and businesses at greater risk.

A Weather-Ready Nation is about building community preparedness in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events. The Department will continue its critical role in protecting the lives, property, and the economy by providing valuable weather, water, and climate products and services. This role will be expanded to embrace collaboration and seek new ways to create value beyond traditional forecasting activities. Delivering enhanced weather, water, and climate information will help communities and businesses to be ready, responsive, and resilient. Refining how the information is shared and ultimately used will make the U.S. that much more weather ready.

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FY 14-15 Priority Goal: Improve Forecasting Accuracy and Lead Times for Severe Weather

Statement:

By September 30, 2015, the Department of Commerce will improve its overall weather forecast model accuracy to 9 days which will enable more accurate, consistent, longer lead time for specific weather event forecasts and warnings.

Description:

Major weather events demonstrate the importance of hazard preparedness and response in the United States. Improved weather forecast accuracy, combined with enhanced decision support services, allow emergency management and the American public more time to prepare for high-impact weather events. This enables protection of life and property and enhancement of the U.S. economy.

A key way to measure improvements in model performance is to examine how far into the future Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) guidance demonstrates skill. Model output ceases to have useful skill at predicting the weather at longer forecast lengths. Large scale weather patterns that affect the local weather that each of us experience on a daily basis, are driven by features in the mid-levels of the atmosphere. During the past 20 years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) National Weather Service (NWS) has seen its ability to provide useful predictions of future high-impact weather events extend from 6 days to 8 days.

This goal focuses on improving the Global Forecast System model 2013 that currently has useful skill at forecasting the mid-levels of the atmosphere across the globe out to 8.0 days. Upon completion of forecasting upgrades over the next two years, the NWS expects to extend this out to 9 days.

Improving global weather prediction facilitates improvements to regional, local scale models that provide accurate information about the formation and movement of high impact storms in the right place at the right time. Knowing with a good level of confidence that the storm is coming 5 days in advance enables for significantly improved response. Evacuations from hurricanes require 3 full days, and thus accurate, consistent forecasts 4-7 days in advance are invaluable to people who have to make these critical decisions. Increased lead time means lives saved and property protected. NWS will also continue efforts to support the use of improved weather forecast data by emergency managers through better impact-based decision support services. Achieving this priority goal will allow NWS to predict farther into the future and enable the American public to make the right choices when extreme weather threatens.

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Enable U.S. businesses to adapt and prosper by developing environmental and climate informed solutions. (ITA, ESA, NIST, NOAA)

Statement:

Enable U.S. businesses to adapt and prosper by developing environmental and climate informed solutions. (ITA, ESA, NIST, NOAA)

Description:

To survive and flourish, businesses must be able to adapt to the changing environment by balancing environmental, social, and economic concerns. When businesses adopt processes and solutions that recognize the importance of the environment and climate, the results can include cost savings and new commercial products and services that improve profitability and competitiveness. At the same time, the positive power and reach of business and markets will further our shared environmental, social, and economic goals for the health of the Nation.

The Department is uniquely equipped to develop and provide new environmental and climate informed services that help businesses enhance their value. The Department’s capabilities in this area span a range of activities that help create new businesses, improve competitiveness, promote environmental goals, and provide important environmental information for decision making. Ultimately, the Department’s programs in this area can be leveraged to empower US companies and foster environmental and climate business solutions that benefit the Nation.

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Strengthen the resiliency of communities and regions by delivering targeted services to build capacity. (NOAA, NIST, EDA)

Statement:

Strengthen the resiliency of communities and regions by delivering targeted services to build capacity. (NOAA, NIST, EDA, Census)

Description:

Many U.S. communities face significant environmental changes, natural disasters, or economic disruptions. They need plans to reduce the effects, adapt to future changes, and support long-term recovery efforts. A key component of these plans should be actionable information to aid in managing risk and in developing and evaluating options to adapt to and mitigate future environmental and economic change. The Department has been an essential source of information needed to invigorate communities, ecosystems, and economies.

The Department will strengthen community-based resilience efforts. It will promote preparedness, protect critical public resources, support science and research germane to preparedness and resilience, and ensure that federal operations continue to serve citizens in a changing climate. The means to these ends will be building on a strong scientific foundation and decades of engagement with interagency, academic, and private sector partners.

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Advance the understanding and prediction of changes in the environment through world class science and observations. (NOAA, NIST)

Statement:

Advance the understanding and prediction of changes in the environment through world class science and observations. (NOAA, NIST)

Description:

In order to meet the needs of communities and businesses in a changing environment, comprehensive and integrated observations and an improved understanding of the Earth system are needed. To make this improved understanding useful to society, it must be employed in models and applications that are used in planning and decision making.

The Department has a tremendous diversity of world-leading capabilities supporting the research, development, and observations required for state-of-the-art models and applications critical to national well-being. NOAA’s Five-year Research and Development Plan will advance innovative research that pushes the boundaries of scientific understanding, integrates information across scientific disciplines, and transitions new information and technology into improved products and services. NOAA will strive to modernize observation systems of satellites and ships and maintain core observation system infrastructure. Also, NIST is working to develop reliable, internationally-accepted measurement standards and methodologies that are the basis for future-generation measurement and monitoring capabilities. The Department will continue to work closely with its scientific partners to advance R&D to support the lives and livelihoods of the Nation’s citizens.

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