Explore: Our Ocean

Bringing Ocean Data to Your Fingertips

OceanReports provides analyses of 'ocean neighborhoods' to support ocean commerce, energy development, and conservation.

A coral reef with fish swimming through it

Corals

Coral reefs support more species than any other marine environment and rival rainforests in their biodiversity.

View of the Environmental Data Server (EDS) map

Ocean Data Standards

See how NOAA data standards facilitate research and development and create opportunities for 'big data' projects about our ocean.

Sanctuaries

Protecting Important Marine Ecosystems Around the Nation.

Marine Protected Areas

The majority of marine protected areas in the United States are multiple-use sites, meaning fishing, boating, surfing, diving, and other recreational activities are allowed.

Earth Day and Our Ocean

Ten simple choices for a healthier planet.

Celebrate 30 Days of Ocean in June

Join us as we celebrate and learn about our world ocean during National Ocean Month.

Weird Ocean Phenomena

The ocean may conjure images of beautiful waves, shipwrecks, and marine life. But strange things happen in the ocean as a result of weather and currents.

Common Misconceptions about the Ocean

Misconceptions about the ocean can lead people to the wrong conclusions about conservation, climate change, and marine life. There are quite a few widely accepted ideas about the ocean that are not accurate. Here are the facts behind some common ocean myths. How many do you know?