NOAA's National Ocean Service

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Working Together to Restore Polluted Waterways

As a part NOAA's science, service, and stewardship mission, the agency plays a vital role in protecting the nation’s coastal and marine resources and in restoring them when they are harmed by oil spills, releases of hazardous waste, and vessel groundings. In this video message, NOS Assistant Administrator Nicole LeBoeuf discusses how NOAA and our partners recovered over 130 million dollars to restore 10 polluted waterways in six states in 2021.

simple graphic that shows a representation of a warm-climate coastal city in the background, with the ocean and a beach in the foreground with umbrellas

Major Update to NOAA's Coastal County Snapshots

A major update to a popular NOAA tool used to inform planning and decision-making in coastal communities is now online. Coastal County Snapshots, available on NOAA's Digital Coast platform, turns complex data into easy-to-understand charts, graphics, and information.

The Future Ocean: Podcast

Preview a new series from the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network called The Future Ocean about the effects of ocean acidification and ocean warming on coastal Alaskans and the seafood industry. You don’t need to live in our 50th state to listen: the themes featured in this series are global. Hear interviews with a number of experts talking about changing ocean conditions and what it means to put a price on carbon emissions.

A NOAA ocean glider, seen in waters off the coast of Puerto Rico in July 2018. These robotic, unmanned gliders are equipped with sensors to measure the salt content (salinity) and temperature as they move through the ocean at different depths. The gliders, which can operate in hurricane conditions, collect data during dives down to a half mile below the sea surface, and transmit the data to satellites when they surface.

U.S. Ocean Enterprise Sector Grew 60 Percent Since 2015

A new report shows significant growth in businesses that provide the technological means to observe and measure ocean dynamics. Called the Ocean Enterprise, this cluster of businesses, which provides essential support to the $2 trillion global Blue Economy and has revenues of $8 billion, saw a 60% growth of businesses—from 500 to 800—between 2015 and 2020.

Winter High Tide Bulletin

There are some factors that cause the tides to be higher than what is "normally" seen from day to day. View our bulletin to see when you may experience higher than normal high tides for the period of time between November 2021 and February 2022.

The lands and waters surrounding Wisconsin Point Lighthouse, shown here, are more welcoming to people and other living things, thanks to the local Ojibwe community and other partners.
Credit: Sharon Mollerus, Wikimedia Commons

Indigenous Communities Contribute Vital Knowledge to NOAA Coastal Projects

During November’s National Native American Heritage Month, we take a look at the great things that can happen when NOAA and Indigenous communities work together on coastal issues. A few stories demonstrate the powerful ecological wisdom and cultural values that Indigenous communities bring to the table.

Mussel longline aquaculture, a type of aquaculture practiced in the coastal ocean of California. (Darryl Torckler/Photonewzealand)

NOAA analyses to inform aquaculture siting in the Gulf of Mexico and Southern California

NOAA has released two Atlases compiling the best available science to inform the identification of Aquaculture Opportunity Areas (AOAs) in the Gulf of Mexico and Southern California. NOAA previously identified these regions for their potential to host sustainable commercial aquaculture development in the United States. Areas in the Atlases will have characteristics expected to support multiple types of aquaculture industries including finfish, shellfish, seaweed, or some combination.

50 years of ocean & coastal conservation

a humpback whale tale rising out of ocean

In 1972, in response to growing public concern about the state of our environment, Congress enacted banner legislation designed to protect our nation’s ocean and coasts. The legislation shaped our past 50 years and will continue to shape the future. Learn more and find out how you can help.

Around the Ocean Service

Reef-Building Coral Species Differ in Tolerance to Low Oxygen Levels
coastal ocean science
NOAA Marine Debris Program 2021 Accomplishments Report Now Available
marine debris
New! Blue Carbon Fast Facts
coastal management
Underway from Alaska to California, Encountering a New Phenomenon: Cellular Service
nautical charts
NOAA Considers Marine Sanctuary off Hawaiian Islands: Seeking Public Comment Through Jan. 31, 2022
sanctuaries
New Awards Advance IOOS Data Management
ocean observing
Nearly $21.4 Million Awarded for Coral Reef Projects and Studies
coral reef conservation
NEW: National Marine Ecosystem Status website
ecosystems
3D Model of Bay Sheds Light on Eelgrass Restoration, Adaptation Strategies
coastal restoration
Marine Oil Snow, and Other Complications of Organic Matter
response and restoration

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Year in Review

2021 NOS Annual Report

tides and currents

nautical charts

harmful algal blooms

career profiles

Educational
Resources