NOAA's National Ocean Service

An official website of the United States government.
Here's how you know we're official.

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure websites use HTTPS

A small lock or https:// means you’ve safely connected to a .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Heartless or hopelessly romantic?

This Valentine’s Day season, you may be wondering whether undersea creatures can give their hearts away on the most romantic of holidays. While some may be seen as heartless others have more hearts than you might expect!

COASTAL SCIENCE

An aerial perspective showing a rainbow oil sheen surrounding the grounded fishing vessel Eileen Rita in open water.

Safeguarding coasts from pollution: A look back at 2025

Last year, NOAA scientists and responders supported 167 maritime emergencies, ranging from oil spills and chemical releases to grounded vessels and large-scale marine debris events.

RESPONSE AND RESTORATION

NOAA updates Coral Reef Conservation Program website

Got corals? This website is updated with new features, content, and a fresh design. The site includes Digital Corals — a searchable resource center for data, projects, visual media, and more.

COASTAL SCIENCE

New virtual tour brings Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to you

From the comfort of anywhere, take a deeper dive into Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This immersive virtual experience provides access to the sanctuary’s mangrove ecosystem and the interactive exhibits in the Eco-Discovery Center.

CO-OPS water level station in Baltimore, Maryland. Credit: NOAA

NOAA upgrades Baltimore water level station

NOS recently installed a new water level station at Maryland’s Baltimore Harbor, replacing an existing temporary station. The station features a new water level sensor, meteorological tower, electronics, and will deliver high-quality data in real time for decades to come.

A blue boat is held upright on top of a dock by a crane while two workers in hard hats stand by.

A shared mission for a cleaner Gulf Coast

Abandoned and derelict vessels leach pollutants into marine ecosystems, endanger boaters, and block vital waterways. With NOS’s support, communities throughout the Gulf Coast are coming together to clean up their local waters.

Around the Ocean Service

How community science helps track humpback whales across Hawaii
SANCTUARIES
New community risk assessment available for rural Maine
COASTAL SCIENCE
NOAA and partners evaluate vital Wisconsin wetlands to reduce flood risk
COASTAL MANAGEMENT
New environmental sensitivity index data for Lake Michigan
RESPONSE AND RESTORATION

Official websites use .gov

Secure websites use HTTPS

NOAA’s National Ocean Service

tides and currents

nautical charts

career profiles

harmful algal blooms

sea level
rise