It makes good economic sense to fund NOAA as their 2023 annual budget was $6.8 billion, yet fisheries alone have an estimated annual economic impact of over $400 billion. This impact is just the Fisheries side of NOAA with no weather/atmospheric benefits noted.  

Last Thursday an estimated 600 to 880 NOAA employes received layoff notices, most were employees classified as probationary, meaning they were hired recently or had recently been promoted to a new position. Officials responsible for the layouts refused to provide the media with details on the number of employees that received layoff notices. 

NOAA is responsible for a broad range of research and data supporting agriculture, fisheries, aviation, transportation, marine, weather forecasting (tornadoes, hurricanes, wild fire conditions) and energy sectors. It’s mission (visit Our mission, values and vision | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) is “to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.”  

After layoffs were announced last Thursday in an NRP story Janet Coit, Chief of NOAA Fisheries under the Biden administration (and Rhode Island resident), said NOAA cuts could “hollow the ability of NOAA Fisheries. It raises the question, she says: “How do you support the growth of our seafood sector while simultaneously eviscerating the agency that’s responsible for sustainable management and many other aspects of supporting our seafood sector?” 

Last Wednesday, Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island took to the Senate floor to defend NOAA, its work, employees and budget. Senator Reed said, “Mr. President, my key topic this morning is to speak about the tremendous value that NOAA—the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration—provides the American people.  Destroying NOAA… would be an enormous blunder that would hurt our economy, hamper innovation, and increase the risks to American lives and property. The fact is that NOAA accounts for just one-tenth of 1 percent of the Federal budget. Yet it is delivering information and research that are absolutely vital to our economic prosperity.” 

To see Senator Reed’s complete comments supporting NOAA and their efforts in the region and nation, visit the Congressional Record at CREC-2025-02-26-senate.pdf or see the video at ‘An Enormous Blunder’: Jack Reed Warns Against Cutting NOAA Funding. 

Your support of NOAA and the fishing community is much appreciated. 

 Cape Cod Salties 

Annual Open House 

The Cape Cod Salties (CCS) Sportfishing Club held their annual open house Wednesday, Feb. 26 at the Yarmouth, MA Senior Center. Over 100 people attended the event with fifteen saltwater research and fishing related organizations displaying information and answering questions at tables.   

Jonathan Ungerland, CCS President said, “This is our second annual open house, a great tradition growing with area organizations and members making them aware of our work in the community advocating for fisheries.” Groups participating in the event included MA Division of Marine Fisheries, UMass Striped Bass Research Team, Cape Cod Trout Unlimited, Cape Downwinders, Waquoit Bay Fish Company, Save Our Bay MA. Barnstable Association of Recreational Shellfishing, Friends of Bass River, Ocean Conservancy. Rhode Island Saltwater Anglers Association,  WHOI - Seagrant, and Riverview Bait and Tackle. 

Congratulations Cape Cod Salties for another successful year serving the fishing community on the Cape. 

 New England Saltwater 

Fishing Show this weekend 

The New England Saltwater Fishing Show is this weekend Friday, March 7 to Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The Show features tackle, rods, reels, lures, electronics, charter guides, boats, motors, accessories, clothes and much more. 

Visit www.nesaltwatershow.com for the seminar updates and information on the show. Children 11 and under admitted free and on Sunday, March 9, Family Day, all women are admitted free. Adults who enter the show can register to win a Free Fishing Charter Trip with Capt. Connor MacLeod of Tall Tailz Charters for up to six people. You can purchase raffle tickets for three custom rods donated by Ralph Craft of Crafty One Customs, with the rods displayed at the RISAA membership booths. Tickets at the door are $15.  

Where’s the bite? 

Cod. Party boat fishing and a few smaller charter boats continue to fish for cod south of Cape Cod and off Rhode Island waters. Visit Fishing Machine Charters, Pt. Judith, RI at www.fishingmachinecharters.com; www.islandcurrent.com and www.francesfleet.com.Fishing. Full day rates for party boat vessels are generally $130 to $135 per adult and around $80 for those under 12 years old.  

Freshwater fishing. Check ice conditions with local cities and towns to make sure ice is safe for fishing or skating. For stocked ponds in Massachusetts visit Mass Wildlife at Trout stocking report | Mass.gov. The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) stocked thirteen waterways last  week for updates visit Designated Trout Waters | Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management. 

Dave Monti holds a master captain’s license and charter fishing license. He serves on a variety of boards and commissions and has a consulting business focusing on clean oceans, habitat preservation, conservation, renewable energy, and fisheries related issues and clients. Forward fishing news and photos to dmontifish@verizon.net or visit www.noflukefishing.com.