The U.S. Government is closed. This site will not be updated; however NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit www.commerce.gov. For the latest forecast and critical weather information, visit www.weather.gov. 

The U.S. government is closed. This site will not be updated; however, NOAA websites and social media channels necessary to protect lives and property will be maintained. To learn more, visit commerce.gov. 

For the latest forecasts and critical weather information, visit weather.gov.

Scientists are investigating habitats for key reef-associated fishes in the Flower Garden Banks NMS

Scalloped hammerhead swims over a reef with little yellow fish swimming aroundNCCOS-funded scientists are investigating habitat requirements and connectivity for key reef-associated fishes in the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (FGBNMS) and surrounding areas, including scalloped hammerhead sharks.

In 2023, five white sharks (Carcharadon carcharias) were detected in FGBNMS. This was the first confirmation of this species within the boundaries. https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/project/determining-habitat-requirements-and-connectivity-for-reef-fishes-in-the-gulf-of-america/