Natalie Jennings presented a research update to the joint NEFMC Habitat PDT and MAFMC FMAT groups on Tuesday January 7 about the ongoing research project in the Great South Channel Habitat Management Area on Nantucket Shoals. The project is in collaboration with commercial surfclam vessels, captains, and crews with extensive knowledge of the area. Multibeam sonar and drop camera still imagery is being collected to characterize the benthic habitat of a 60 km2 sample area. The presentation consisted of a brief overview of the project’s past including work that was accomplished from 2020-2022. Natalie also presented data analysis thus far and preliminary findings from the first surveys completed at the end of summer and beginning of fall 2024. Data collection will continue through the end of summer 2025 when final analysis will be completed.

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During the 2024 field season, HabCam v3 completed 22 days at sea, covering over 1,400 nm of continuous benthic monitoring from the mid-Atlantic through the southern portion of George’s Banks. The HabCam completed the second year of its multiyear system upgrade being newly outfitted with updated cameras, LED strobes, housings, and a front-facing sonar system. Over the last two years, PIs have worked with local engineers to integrate new internal components, develop new software, and purchase upgraded equipment to ensure the longevity and reliability of this long-term program.

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Read more about our HabCam project here.

Dr. Liese Siemann gave a presentation to the National Academies Standing Committee on Offshore Wind Energy and Fisheries about CFF's Department of Energy project focused on using non-lethal methods to survey wind farms. This research project is designed to evaluate the impacts of offshore wind development on commercial fish species and benthic habitats and communities using a suite of state-of-the-art non-extractive survey tools. Surveys will be conducted before, during, and after wind farm construction to provide data on changes in commercial fish and marine invertebrate abundance and distribution. Project survey tools include CFF's towed off-bottom optical survey vehicle, HabCam v3, an open cod-end video trawl operated by the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth School of Marine Science & Technology (SMAST); and anchored and on-call ropeless stationary camera systems. CFF will also be working with Kitware, Inc. to develop automated detector models for important commercial fish species. Fieldwork for the project begins in spring 2025.

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1. In June 2024, CFF completed data collection for its ongoing project, Seasonal Survey for the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery on the Eastern Part of Georges Bank. 

This grid-based survey focuses on evaluating seasonal changes in the distribution and abundance of various species. Data is gathered using two scallop dredges, one equipped with a 45-mm mesh net extending from the skirt to the clubstick, designed to retain smaller animals that might otherwise escape while towing at commercially representative speeds.

2. Understanding Impacts of the Sea Scallop Fishery on Loggerhead Sea Turtles

Two tagging trips occurred during this funding cycle to deploy a total of 23 tags. The first set of tags were deployed in early June 2023 during an offshore trip within the southern Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB) aboard the F/V Kathy Ann. Across four days at sea, our research team deployed 15 tags. 

Then in late winter of 2024 near Cape Hatteras, NC aboard the F/V Salvation, we conducted the second tagging trip. Combined, tagging efforts added ~3,300 days of tracking data, which is similar to previous years, to monitor the health and condition of sea turtles that overlap scallop grounds, and we collected critical temperature through depth data to help evaluate scallop survival in the MAB. All work conducted under ESA permit 23639.

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VIEW ALL FINAL REPORTS

In July 2024, Coonamessett Farm Foundation was awarded funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to conduct a two-year pilot study that will examine the utilization of electronic monitoring (EM) in the United States sea scallop dredge fishery. The study, which is led by Dr. Andrew Corso and Justin Potter, includes the support of fishermen located in Massachusetts and New Jersey that primarily operate in portions of Georges Bank and the Mid-Atlantic Bight. 

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CFF has partnered with Saltwater, Inc. to manage equipment installations and oversee EM data review procedures. There are currently six federally permitted fishing vessels that have been outfitted with EM systems. Each vessel participant is responsible for operating cameras on at least 21 days at sea per year. Upon landing, trip and sensor data including temperature/depth profiles are submitted to the Saltwater team for processing and review. CFF and Saltwater hope that this pilot study will reduce management costs and improve data quality, ultimately catalyzing the adoption of EM within the entire sea scallop fishery in some capacity.

Are you familiar with the phrase “You are what you eat?” Well, it turns out sea turtles are no exception! To understand the feeding behaviors and habits of Kemp’s Ridley, Green, and Loggerhead sea turtles, CFF is using the scientific technique of stable isotope analysis (SIA). This technique examines unique chemical signatures in the turtles’ tissues, which can be traced to the food they eat and the places they feed. By analyzing skin and scute samples collected at sea from Massachusetts down to North Carolina, and from necropsies of diseased, cold-stunned sea turtles recovered in Massachusetts, this research helps us gain valuable insights into these turtles’ foraging patterns and movements.

While previous research efforts published by CFF have used remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to observe the feeding behavior of Loggerhead turtles in this region, this study builds on the efforts of scientists using SIA to examine the feeding habits of sea turtles in the region. You can find our publications on turtle feeding behavior on our website under here. 

We would like to acknowledge and thank our collaborators on this research effort: Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary, NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, F/V Kathy Ann with Viking Village Fisheries, and Captain Charlie Locke on the F/V Salvation. 

This work was conducted under ESA Permit #23639, permit #60415D and permit #22218

We are pleased to announce the publication of a new research study co-authored by Coonamessett Farm Foundation (CFF) research scientist Samir Patel in Endangered Species Research - Regional variation in leatherback dive behavior in the northwest Atlantic. This study explores the movement patterns and dive behaviors of leatherback sea turtles in key foraging areas of the northwestern Atlantic. By examining how these behaviors are influenced by environmental factors, such as sea surface temperature, the research provides critical insights into leatherback ecology and highlights areas of conservation concern. 

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​Learn more about our other published literature 

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CFF was awarded through the 2024 Sea Scallop Research Set-Aside (RSA) Program to execute four major research initiatives, supporting sustainable fisheries and ecosystem health in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions! These projects span both biological research and technical innovations that provide critical data for yearly stock assessments, fishery management decisions, and bycatch reduction.

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The projects awarded include: An Optical Assessment of Sea Scallop Abundance and Distribution in Select Areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Georges Bank, Understanding the Impacts of the Atlantic Sea Scallop Fishery on Loggerhead Sea Turtles, Seasonal Survey of the Scallop Fishery on the Eastern Portion of Georges Bank, and Tension in the Air: Using a tensiometer to assess dredge fullness and loss during haul back comparing the 5-row and extended-link apron dredge configurations. 

Thank you to our industry partners for making this possible! 

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At the end of October, 2024, CFF Fisheries Technologist, Farrell Davis led a presentation on the topic of Sea Scallop Enhancement Research in New England at a two-day workshop in Providence, RI organized by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Commercial fishermen, aquaculturists, fishery managers, and scientists from around the world gathered to discuss the current state of knowledge with scallop enhancement.

In consideration of long-term sustainability of the resource due to recognized impacts of climate change and the heightened concerns with offshore wind development along U.S. East Coast, stock enhancement techniques such as spat collection, hatchery rearing, and scallop transplanting are being investigated as methods to support or increase production for the sea scallop fishery.​

Read more about our Scallop Enhancement Project

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Congratulations to the Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman's Alliance  (CCCFA) on their grant from MTC to create this program to provide free fishing gear sensors to commercial fishermen. This data helps plan fishing expeditions and helps scientists improve ocean forecasts & our understanding of ocean changes. We at CFF look forward to expanding the eMOLT program to our fishing partners. 

Our team spent the afternoon at MA Seafood Day at the State House in Boston on October 16, 2024, which celebrates the state's vibrant local fishing industry and features delicious seafood from local vendors.  This event also served as a platform for valuable dialogue, bringing together state legislators, local fishermen, industry organizations, and community members. These conversations fostered greater understanding of the challenges facing the fishing industry, as well as the importance of sustainable practices and supporting local businesses. 

Coleman graduated from the University Massachusetts Amherst in 2023, with a B.S. in Environmental Science, with a focus on Fisheries Management and a minor in Natural Resource Conservation. While in college, he worked in the lobster industry in Kittery, Maine, where his interest in marine sciences and the commercial fishing industry broadened.

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Post graduation, he worked for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands Crab Program and deployed on Catcher/Vessels and Catcher/Processors out of Dutch Harbor and the surrounding islands, observing for the King and Tanner crab fisheries. Coleman was hired by CFF as a Seasonal Research  Technician and has assisted on several long-term projects including Sea Scallop Enhancement Research and HabCam. Survey and Sea Scallop Enhancement.

Victoria Kvilhaug is the legal intern for Coonamessett Farm Foundation, Inc. for the summer of 2024. Victoria graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. As an undergraduate student, Victoria worked in a research laboratory studying the coloration and ultraviolet reflectiveness of Tanager birds. She used software to create 3D models of the Tanager birds from 360° photographs of the specimens.

Following graduation from UMass Amherst, Victoria enrolled in law school at the University of Massachusetts School of Law in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. It was through her experience as an undergraduate researcher that Victoria learned the importance of intellectual property and patent law in scientific research and developed an interest in pursuing these fields in law school.

Victoria completed her first year of law school at UMass Law earning a position among the top 15 students in her class by Grade Point Average (GPA). She also completed a data privacy law course in Lisbon, Portugal in May 2024, was invited to be a member of the Law Review and has accepted a Teaching Assistant position for Civil Procedure during the 2024-2025 academic year. Victoria is looking forward to the year ahead as a second-year law student.
Victoria grew up hearing about the scallop industry as the granddaughter and niece of scallop fishermen/captains/vessel owners. She also spent several summers in high school and college painting FVs Concordia and Contender. Her experience with the scallop fishing industry and undergraduate courses such as marine biology and ecology have given her a strong background for the legal internship position. During her time at CFF, Victoria has worked on researching and developing a white paper for Atlantic sea scallop resource enhancement methods. Victoria’s research and experience at CFF has provided her with valuable knowledge about the fishing industry’s regulatory process and the importance of maintaining a sustainable fishery for the future of the industry.

The first deployments of pop‐up satellite archival tags on black sea bass (Centropristis striata) 

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Investigating leatherback surface behavior using a novel tag design and machine learning 

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Red snapper excavate sediments around artificial reefs: observations of ecosystem-engineering behavior by a widely distributed lutjanid

Read Article

CFF is leading a collaborative research and outreach project to evaluate and promote modifications of baiting practices in the dogfish gillnet fishery with members of the Cape Cod commercial fishing community. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill had a large impact on great shearwaters and other seabird species, and reducing incidental mortality experienced at sea can help restore these injured species.

Based on conversations with fishery managers and commercial fishermen, it seems likely that shearwater bycatch spikes when fishermen put bait out as their gillnets are being deployed and the nets are near the surface. Anecdotal evidence suggests that baiting nets before or after setting may increase target catch while minimizing shearwater bycatch.

Field trials will test this hypothesis by collecting data on target catch and seabird bycatch using traditional fisheries data collection methods and videography. The results of this project will be shared broadly through direct engagement with fishermen and used to promote voluntary adoption of seabird bycatch reduction strategies.

We are delighted to share with you that our Gear Conflict Report has officially been released on our website and is now available for public sharing and dissemination. This project, funded in 2023, was led by CFF staff members, Liese Siemann, Ph.D., Halley Myers, Victoria Oriole, and Justin Potter.

Gear Conflict Project Scope

To support the effort to develop on-demand ropeless fishing as a strategy for reducing commercial fixed-gear fishery impacts on critically endangered North Atlantic right whales, we used the expert knowledge of commercial fishermen to offer potential solutions for minimizing gear conflict between fixed-gear fishermen and between fixed- and mobile-gear fishermen.

Document - Utilizing the expert knowledge of commercial fishermen to develop solutions for minimizing gear conflict if on demand ropeless fishing is adopted as a strategy to reduce fishery impacts on North Atlantic right whale​

Join us this Wednesday (2/28) for an unforgettable evening at Aquatic Brewing! Our Science Night is back and we're excited to have CFF's research biologist, Natalie Jennings, as our guest speaker. Her presentation will delve into The Great South Channel Habitat Management Area Benthic Survey, where we explored the benthic habitats of Nantucket Shoals aboard the F/V Seafox through our surfclam project. Despite its challenging conditions, we were able to collect valuable data on habitat characteristics, species presence, and surfclam catch.  So mark your calendars and stop on by Wednesday night to see how we accomplished this goal! 

But that's not all - Aquatic will also have their taproom open from 4-8 pm and delicious snacks available for purchase. Don't forget to stop by our donations table where you can sponsor a scallop.  See you there!​

We have exciting news to share! The New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center will be screening the 2014 documentary, Sustaining Sea Scallops on Friday, February 16 at 7pm.

The event will take place at the New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park auditorium at 33 William Street in Downtown New Bedford. Doors open at 6:30pm If researchers are interested in attending there will be a Q & A session after the show.

We hope to see you there!

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We are thrilled to welcome our newest member, Alison Myers, to the CFF team! With a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from the University of Rhode Island, Allie's passion for conservation has taken her on an incredible journey. From her time in the Peace Corps as a Coastal Resource Management specialist in the Philippines, to her certification as a North Pacific Groundfish Observer and subsequent observing experience in trawl, longline, and pot gear operations aboard numerous vessels in Alaska, to her contributions in the Long Island Sound Trawl survey while working for the State of Connecticut, and recently, as an Aquatic Ecology Monitor at Cape Cod National Seashore in Truro, Massachusetts, where she performed a comprehensive study on horseshoe crabs, Allie's expertise is vast and impressive. Beyond her professional pursuits, Allie finds joy in hobbies like backpacking, reading, and ocean swimming. We are lucky to have her on the team and can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.​

Happy Monday everyone! The start of a new week calls for some exciting news and we couldn't be more proud to share it with you all. CFF Senior Biologist, Dr. Samir Patel, and co-authors recently had their peer-reviewed article published in Endangered Species Research. The article, titled, "Key issues in assessing threats to sea turtles: knowledge gaps and future directions," dives into the latest research on sea turtles - Through integrating expert knowledge on the key contemporary threats sea turtles face with current literature, the co-authors outline knowledge gaps in our understanding of the impact of key threats and identify how targeting future research and the involvement of emerging technologies could help assist those gaps, further encouraging informed conservation planning. 

If you’re interested in staying up to date with the latest turtle research relevant to this topic, be sure to also follow  @Fuentes_MMPB on Twitter and @mtrecgroup  on Instagram! Let's spread the word and continue to educate ourselves about the incredible wildlife that surrounds us. 🌎

where those things are shared. 

We are extremely proud to congratulate CFF Research Associate Ryan Munnelly and his co-authors on their recent success! As winner of an Editor's Choice Award from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Journal of Marine Science, their article, “Applications and analytical approaches using imaging sonar for quantifying behavioural interactions among aquatic organisms and their environment” has been recognized for its outstanding quality and interest. This research has transformative impacts, as it provides a meta-analysis of 155 studies that delivers a unique insight into the value of imaging sonars for the future of underwater exploration.

A huge congratulations to all involved - this is a tremendous achievement!

Last Thursday, CFF Project Manager / Research Associate, Dr. Andrew Corso and his fiancé Kharis Schrage, a PhD candidate at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, led a round of trivia questions at Aquatic Brewing’s Trivia Night. It was a fantastic night of beer, pizza, prizes, and (some) polar-themed questions!

This was the true kicker for the Science and Beer night at Aquatic Brewing this Wednesday, December 16. This has been an excellent event in the past and we’re excited to hear Dr. Andrew Corso and Kharis Schrage presenting their theme on Polar Express: A discussion of the fauna of the Arctic and Antarctic waters. All are encouraged to attend. The taproom will be open from 4-6pm and the presentation will begin at 6pm. We'll see you there!

In October, CFF scientists had a great trip for our Seasonal Survey project on board the F/V Beiningen. Thanks to the captain and crew of the vessel for making this trip happen and all their hard work at sea. This ongoing project continues to collect fishery and biological data about sea scallops and other commercially important species

on Georges Bank.

CFF staff member and Senior Marine Biologist, Dr. Samir Patel, was recently featured in the Provincetown Independent's article, "Warmer Waters Put Sea Turtles on Collision Course With Humans" by Georgia Hall. In his interview with this local news source, he provides insight into the effects of rising temperatures on sea turtle migration in the North Atlantic Ocean, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to fishing pressures. Dr. Patel's expertise in turtle behavior and marine resource surveys is invaluable in understanding the impacts of climate change on our marine ecosystems.

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Introducing Andrew Corso! Andrew is CFF's newest member, working as a Research Biologist. He is also a project manager for the marine surveys and offshore wind project. Andrew received his Ph.D. in Fisheries Science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in 2023. Andrew’s doctoral research was focused on the diversity and impacts of climate change on Antarctic fishes. During his Ph.D., he also created several outreach programs, completed a sub-concentration in Marine Policy with a focus on aquaculture law, and taught an undergraduate course on marine bioinspiration. Andrew is excited to contribute to the responsible development of offshore wind while preserving ecosystem health and promoting positive stakeholder relationships.