National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Their reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as they work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them.

From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA's products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America's gross domestic product. NOAA's dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it.

NOAA's roots date back to 1807, when the Nation's first scientific agency, the Survey of the Coast, was established. Since then, NOAA has evolved to meet the needs of a changing country. NOAA maintains a presence in every state and has emerged as an international leader on scientific and environmental matters.

Collaborator Contributions

Students share a microscope to get a closer look at plankton samples from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Students Study Plankton

Students in Monterey Bay share a microscope to get a closer look at plankton samples from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

Phoenix, a North Atlantic right whale tracked by researchers, was spotted near New Hampshire on May 5th, 2010.

Phoenix Sighting May 2010

Phoenix – our favorite North Atlantic Right Whale – was spotted feeding this week off the coast of New Hampshire! Researchers track these highly endangered whales (there are only about 450 of them left) very closely and use their skin markings to confirm sightings. The New England Aquarium keeps the catalog that records the life stories of these whales.

Students Hiking at Inspiration Point

Students hike up to Inspiration Point in the Channel Islands.

Walrus Rests on Ice

Walruses use sea ice as platforms on which to nurse their young and launch their dives for clams and other bottom-dwellers. Each spring, walruses move northward to stay close to these perches as ice melts in the south -- but as more and more sea ice melts because of climate change, they may not have as many perches to stay near.

Sea lion with data collector on back

Many species are being recruited to gather data in hidden corners of the ocean. From sea lions to sharks, these animals can collect information about how climate change is affecting ocean temperature and chemistry. More about climate change can be found in the Climate Change section.