Divers observed devastating damage to coral reef sites at Rapture Reef in French Frigate Shoals.

Expedition Reveals Coral Devastation in Remote Pacific

NOAA and partner scientists recently completed a 22-day expedition aboard the NOAA Ship Rainier in Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. While conducting research dives, they observed reef destruction from Hurricane Walaka at French Frigate Shoals, and an invasive alga overgrowing native corals and other algae at Pearl and Hermes Atoll. Monument staff are now working to understand and respond to these impacts to the monument.

Go There

tides and currents

nautical charts

ecological forecasts

our ocean economy

hurricane response

infographics

Autonomous survey launch (RA-3); red circles identify newly installed radios and cameras for autonomous operation. Credit: Lt. j.g. Airlie Pickett

Field Test

NOAA Ship Rainier recently tested a launch that can be operated remotely. Autonomous systems have the potential to augment traditional surveying methods, improving efficiency and decreasing risk to people during dangerous conditions.

nautical charts

Destruction in Key West, Florida, following Hurricane Irma in September 2017. (Credit: U.S. Coast Guard)

NOAA Disaster Preparedness

In our latest podcast, the chief of NOAA’s Disaster Preparedness program explains how her team facilitates internal communication, coordination, and preparation for all types of unforeseen disasters.

podcast

Acting Assistant Administrator Nicole LeBouef

A New Sanctuary

I am pleased to announce the designation of Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. It is an exciting milestone for NOS, and an opportunity for the public to celebrate and help protect this piece of our nation’s rich maritime history.

AA Spotlight

Summer 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 June and August, 2019.

tides and currents

sunscreen chemicals and marine life infographic. Transcript available at web address

Skincare Chemicals and Coral Reefs

Scientists have discovered that some of the chemicals found in sunscreen and other personal health products also threaten the health of coral reefs.

ocean health

Divers along the Florida Reef Tract are encouraged to photograph and report the condition of tagged corals that have been treated with antibiotics.

Florida Coral Disease

Florida's coral reefs are experiencing a multi-year outbreak of stony coral tissue loss disease. Here is a description of the problem, what NOAA and partners are doing in response to the problem, and how you can help.

coral reef health

Meteotsunamis

Meteotsunamis occur all over the world, but scientists are just beginning to better detect and understand them. In our latest podcast, hear about new research that advances what we know about these surprisingly common weather-driven events.

podcast

Flooding north of Intracoastal City, Louisiana

Barry Imagery Available

Aerial images from the National Geodetic Survey are available for viewing and download as flights continue along the Gulf of Mexico coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Barry.

damage assessment imagery

aerial view of surfer in Pacific, pexels.com

Ocean Economy Update

The latest economic figures in NOAA’s report on the U.S. Ocean and Great Lakes Economy indicates that tourism and recreation was the top employer in the ocean economy in 2016.

ocean economy

A NOAA visualzation of sediments flowing into the Gulf of Mexico in the Mississippi watershed

Gulf of Mexico: 'Dead Zone' Forecast

NOAA scientists are forecasting this summer’s Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone or ‘dead zone’ to be approximately 7,829 square miles, or roughly the size of Massachusetts. The annual prediction is based on U.S. Geological Survey river flow and nutrient data.

ecoforecast

Navigating NOAA Ship Ferdinand R. Hassler

Digital Charts

Like GPS devices for drivers, digital charts make traveling on the ocean easier for mariners. In our audio podcast, learn how digital charts make navigation safer and more efficient.

podcast