NOAA Fisheries has released the final versions of the 2010 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports (SARs). You can access the 2010 reports, as well as past SARs, online at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/region.htm Highlights of the 2010 reports: _Alaska__ Reports_ In the Alaska region, 23 reports were revised. Most revisions included updates of abundance and/or mortality estimates. None of the updates resulted in change of status of a stock. A new SAR for an unidentified stock of narwhal has been added in the Alaska region. _Atlantic Reports_ SARs for 17 Atlantic Stocks were updated (9 strategic and 8 non-strategic) and 4 Gulf of Mexico stocks (2 strategic and 2 non-strategic). The updates included revised abundance and/or mortality estimates for these stocks, and one update resulted in a modified status of a stock (long-fined pilot whale is now considered strategic). Seven stocks of Atlantic coastal bottlenose dolphins previously grouped into a single report were split into separate reports. Three stocks of coastal bottlenose dolphins previously grouped into a single report for Northern Gulf of Mexico Coastal were split into separate reports. Two previously separated stocks of Gulf of Mexico, Bay, Sound, and Estuary stocks of bottlenose dolphins were combined into a single stock (Sarasota Bay/Little Sarasota Bay). A new SAR is included for a Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands stock of sperm whales in the Caribbean Sea. _Pacific Reports_ In the Pacific region, SARs were revised for 51 stocks, and 12 SARs were added. Abundance estimates were updated for 41 stocks, and these updates did not change the status of most stocks; the status of the short-finned pilot whales stock was changed from strategic to non-strategic. The former Hawaii stock of spinner dolphin was renamed as the Hawaii pelagic stock, and five new near-shore stocks of spinner dolphins were identified in the Hawaiian Exclusive Economic Zone. The SAR for the Hawaii stock of bottlenose dolphin was renamed the Hawaii pelagic stock, and four new near-shore stocks were identified. American Samoa stocks were added for spinner dolphins, false killer whales, and rough-tooth dolphins; the status of each of the three new American Samoa stocks is unknown. There was substantial revision of the SAR for the Pacific Islands Stock Complex of false killer whales, including stock identity and range, a newly recognized fishery, proration of incidental mortality and serious injury among stocks and fisheries, and abundance estimates for animals south of the U.S. EEZ around Hawaii. Best Regards, Jonathan Shannon -- Jonathan Shannon NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr Outreach Specialist * (301) 427-8431 * New phone number jonathan.shannon@noaa.gov