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Know Your “Blue IQ”

NOAA launches new beach safety videos

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A woman in a blue hat and blue shirt stannds along the shore of the beach.
Ocean Month 2025

Did you know that June is National Ocean Month? As America’s leader in coastal and ocean science, technology, and management, we’re celebrating the ocean and its countless resources that inspire us, nourish us, and benefit our local economies.

OCEAN & COASTS
A man in an orange hat and yellow life preserver stands in a boat and pulls up a piece of sampling equipment from over the side.
NOAA forecasts an average summer ‘dead zone’ in Gulf of America

This summer’s Gulf of America dead zone is forecasted to be average-sized, covering approximately 5,574 square miles — an area roughly three times the size of Delaware. The low-oxygen area occurs every summer, primarily due to excess nutrient pollution, and can kill fish and other marine life.

COASTAL SCIENCE
As container ships continue to grow in size and ports — like the Port of Oakland in California — grow more congested by the year, NOAA plays an increasingly critical role in U.S. marine transportation. NOAA services and products improve the efficiency of ports and harbors, promote safety, and help to ensure the protection of coastal marine resources.  (Image credit: NOAA National Ocean Service)
U.S. marine economy continues to empower American prosperity

The American marine economy continues to fuel economic vitality, according to the annual report released by two Department of Commerce agencies – NOAA and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

MARINE ECONOMY
An overflight displays oil and gas mixture in an area of marsh environment near Garden Island Bay, Louisiana.
Well #59 Incident Response

NOAA’s National Ocean Service is aiding in response to an oil and natural gas release in a marsh environment near the Spectrum OpCo, LLC, Garden Island Bay Production Facility company's well in Plaquemines Parish, southeast of New Orleans, Louisiana.

An image of two surfers walking by the beach.
Beach Safety Week 2025

A trip to the beach should be fun! Unfortunately, many people are injured or killed each year along our nation's beaches by dangerous waves, currents, and other hazards. With beach season upon us, explore the following resources to learn how you can best prepare, stay aware, and take action through changing beach, water, and weather conditions.

An uncrewed NOAA surface vessel on the Potomac surveying the river bed for debris. Credit: John Gray/NOAA.
Experts, technology support DCA aircraft collision recovery efforts

In the wake of the aircraft collision over the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), NOAA’s National Ocean Service activated response teams to support response and recovery efforts. Tragically, the incident claimed all 67 lives aboard the two aircraft and created significant recovery and salvage obstacles due to the frigid waters and complex wreckage field.

Around the Ocean Service
  • A powerful humpback whale recovery
    sanctuaries
  • Grant from NOAA to create public preserve along Florida’s Manatee River
    coastal science
  • NOAA response teams provide scientific support to well rupture off Louisiana coast
    response and restoration
  • NOAA installs mooring buoys in its national marine sanctuaries
    sanctuaries
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