NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce. It focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere. Established in 1970, NOAA plays a key role in understanding and managing the environment and natural resources.
Here are some of NOAA's primary functions and areas of responsibility:
Weather Forecasting and Warnings: NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather forecasts, warnings for severe weather, and other weather-related information to ensure the safety of the public and the protection of property.
Climate Research: NOAA conducts research on climate trends and changes. This includes monitoring atmospheric conditions, studying long-term climate patterns, and providing data that can be used to make predictions about future climate conditions.
Marine and Coastal Resource Management: NOAA manages marine fisheries, protects marine habitats, and works to sustain populations of various marine species. The organization is involved in the conservation and management of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Ocean Exploration: NOAA is involved in exploring the world's oceans, mapping the seafloor, and discovering marine life and underwater geological formations. This contributes to our understanding of oceanic processes and marine biodiversity.
Environmental Monitoring: NOAA operates a network of satellites and observation systems to monitor environmental conditions on Earth. This network provides critical data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and the study of natural phenomena.
Research and Education: NOAA conducts and supports research to enhance our understanding of environmental issues. It also offers educational programs and resources to promote environmental literacy and encourage careers in science and technology.
Emergency Response: NOAA provides essential data and services during natural disasters and emergencies such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and oil spills, offering guidance and support for response and recovery efforts.
NOAA's work is critical for disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, and scientific research, influencing a wide range of sectors including agriculture, transportation, commerce, and public health.
NOAA's headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, but it has numerous laboratories, research facilities, and operational centers across the United States and its territories. NOAA partners with other government agencies, international organizations, and private sector entities to achieve its mission and objectives.
government
- Phone: 206.553.5749
- Web: www.noaa.gov
- Fax: 206.553.4340
Locations
NOAA News
Thoma-Sea Marine Wins Deal to Build Pair of NOAA Oceanographic Ships

NOAAās effort to recapitalize its aging fleet of research ships took a major step forward today with the U.S. Navyās award of a $178,082,877 contract to Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors LLC, Houma, La., for the detailed design and construction of two new oceanographic ships.NOAA is acquiring the vessels through an agreement with the Naval Sea Systems Command, a leader in building, providing and procuring large research ships for the nation's research fleet.The first shipā¦
Reiss Named Director of NOAA's Ocean Prediction Center

NOAA has selected Arthur John āA.J.ā Reiss, as the director of NOAAās Ocean Prediction Center (OPC) in College Park, Maryland. OPC provides marine forecasts and critical decision support services for mariners, ensuring the safety of lives and vessels at sea by alerting to hazards like hurricane-force winds and high seas.āThe nationās maritime shipping industry is a $2.1 trillion economic activity for the U.S.ā¦
NOAA to Order New Research Ships in 2020

The U.S.' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said it expects to award contracts for the construction of two new oceanographic ships by the end of the year. Once in service, the new large oceangoing, multi-mission research vessels will support missions ranging from general oceanographic research and exploration to marine life, climate and ocean ecosystem studies, NOAA said.āWhen completedā¦
US Funds $30 million for Coastal Flood Protection

The U.S. government's oceans and waterways agency will provide $30 million to improve coastal resilience, officials said, aiming to reduce the impacts of worsening storms, flooding and rising seas in nearly half of U.S. states.Grants through the program are designed to restore or expand coastal wetlands, dunes, reefs, mangroves and barrier islands that are key to coastal protection, said the Nationalā¦
Hurricane Dorian Builds, Aims for Bahamas, Florida

Hurricane Dorian took aim at the Bahamas and the Florida coast on Thursday, spurred on by warm Atlantic waters as it threatens to strengthen into a dangerous Category 3 storm.Dorian earlier sideswiped the Caribbean without doing major damage but is expected to strengthen and slam the Bahamas and the southeastern United States with rain, strong winds and life-threatening surf over the next few days, the Miami-based National Hurricane Center said in an advisory.U.S.
July: Earth's Hottest Month Ever Recorded

According to the latest monthly climate report from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), July 2019 was hottest month on record for the planet and Polar sea ice melted to record lows.Much of the planet sweltered in unprecedented heat in July, as temperatures soared to new heights in the hottest month ever recorded. The record warmth also shrank Arctic and Antarctic sea iceā¦
NOAA: $2.7M for Marine Trash Studies

NOAA announced a total of $2.7 million in grants supporting 14 projects to address the harmful effects of marine debris on wildlife, navigation safety, economic activity, and ecosystem health. With the addition of non-federal matching contributions, the total investment in these marine debris projects is more than $5.2 million.The grants, selected competitively from 82 community-based marine debris removal and research proposals received this year, are spread across 10 U.S.
NOAA Increases Odds for 'above-normal' Hurricane Season

The end of El Nino could boost Atlantic hurricane activity.August 8, 2019 NOAA forecasters monitoring oceanic and atmospheric patterns say conditions are now more favorable for above-normal hurricane activity since El Nino has now ended. Two named storms have formed so far this year and the peak months of the hurricane season, August through October, are now underway.Flooding is always a significant threat during tropical cyclones.
NOAA Intros New OceanReports Tool
A new web-based interactive tool for ocean mapping and planning created by NOAA and the Department of the Interiorās Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, will giveā¦
California: Encouraging Ships to Slow Down
The partners in an initiative to cut air pollution and protect endangered whales announced results from the 2018 program and recognized the 12 shipping companies that participatedā¦
Hurricane Michael Bears Down on Florida
Hurricane Michael is expected to strengthen today in the Gulf of Mexico, with the Florida panhandle directly in its dangerous path.Thousands of local residents in Wakullaā¦
Coast Guard, NOAA to Include Navigation Rules in U.S. Coast Pilot

The U.S. Coast Guard and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have teamed up on a consolidated publication that will help mariners save time and money. The Coast Guard Office of Navigation Systems and NOAA Office of Coast Survey will incorporate the amalgamated International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) and the Inland Navigation Rules into NOAAās U.S. Coast Pilot publications. The U.S.
NOAA Honors MOL
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is pleased to announce that the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Channel Islands National Marineā¦
NOAA Releases Final Ocean Noise Strategy Roadmap
NOAA has released its final Ocean Noise Strategy Roadmap, which will guide the agency in more effectively and comprehensively managing ocean noise effects on marine life during the next decade.
NOAA Aid to Protect Marine Mammals
NOAA Fisheries awarded nearly $3 million in grants to support the conservation and recovery of protected marine species through stranding response and marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation.
NOAA Engineers a Better Current Sensor for Mariners

Navigating into seaports is now safer and more efficient for mariners thanks to improved NOAA technology that ships rely on to give them information about currents. The Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) developed a more reliable, cost-saving version of a current sensor system that can now be placed at more remote locations along navigation channels. The updated Acousticā¦
Art Anderson Associates Wins 5-year NOAA Deal
Art Anderson Associates informs it has been awarded a five year Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) for program and project management as well as other services supportingā¦
NOAA Orders Research RHIB from Willard
Willard Marine, Inc.was awarded a contract by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to produce a 20ā08ā rigid hull inflatable boat for the Pacificā¦
NOAA Declares Whale Deaths an āUnusual Morality Eventā

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has declared the recent deaths of 30 large whales in the western Gulf of Alaska an "unusual mortality event," triggering a focused, expert investigation into the cause. An unusual mortality event is a stranding event that is unexpected, involves a significant die-off of a marine mammal population and demands immediate response. Since May 2015ā¦
Art Anderson Associates Awarded 5-year NOAA Contract
Engineering services firm Art Anderson Associates has been awarded a five-year blanket purchase agreement for naval architecture and engineering design servicesā¦