NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce. It focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere. Established in 1970, NOAA plays a key role in understanding and managing the environment and natural resources.
Here are some of NOAA's primary functions and areas of responsibility:
Weather Forecasting and Warnings: NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather forecasts, warnings for severe weather, and other weather-related information to ensure the safety of the public and the protection of property.
Climate Research: NOAA conducts research on climate trends and changes. This includes monitoring atmospheric conditions, studying long-term climate patterns, and providing data that can be used to make predictions about future climate conditions.
Marine and Coastal Resource Management: NOAA manages marine fisheries, protects marine habitats, and works to sustain populations of various marine species. The organization is involved in the conservation and management of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Ocean Exploration: NOAA is involved in exploring the world's oceans, mapping the seafloor, and discovering marine life and underwater geological formations. This contributes to our understanding of oceanic processes and marine biodiversity.
Environmental Monitoring: NOAA operates a network of satellites and observation systems to monitor environmental conditions on Earth. This network provides critical data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and the study of natural phenomena.
Research and Education: NOAA conducts and supports research to enhance our understanding of environmental issues. It also offers educational programs and resources to promote environmental literacy and encourage careers in science and technology.
Emergency Response: NOAA provides essential data and services during natural disasters and emergencies such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and oil spills, offering guidance and support for response and recovery efforts.
NOAA's work is critical for disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, and scientific research, influencing a wide range of sectors including agriculture, transportation, commerce, and public health.
NOAA's headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, but it has numerous laboratories, research facilities, and operational centers across the United States and its territories. NOAA partners with other government agencies, international organizations, and private sector entities to achieve its mission and objectives.
government
- Phone: 206.553.5749
- Web: www.noaa.gov
- Fax: 206.553.4340
Locations
NOAA News
NOAA Team Assesses Debris Impacts in Gulf Region
view of side scan sonar image of sunken ship in Pascagoula, Miss. NOAA’s Office of Response and Restoration and Office of Coast Survey, working with the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal and state agencies, are assisting with Gulf of Mexico recovery efforts by performing hydrographic surveys and risk assessments of underwater debris left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The mapping aspect of the…
NOAA Awards Grants for Community-Based Debris Projects
$1,029,368 in grants for 12 community-based marine debris prevention and removal projects. These projects are funded by the NOAA Marine Debris Program and administered by the NOAA Restoration Center.
NOAA Responding to International Oil Spills
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that its Office of Response and Restoration is working with the State Department and the Coast Guard…
NOAA Issues New Coast Pilot for Alaska
In order to promote safe navigation and enhance marine conservation, NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey and the National Marine Protected Areas Center have partnered…
NOAA Names Recipient for Nancy Foster Award
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has named Elliott A. Norse as the 2006 recipient of the Nancy Foster Award for Habitat Conservation. NOAA announced…
NOAA Dedicates New Research Vessel
SOPNewswire reported that NOAA has dedicated a new high-speed research vessel. It will that will work the waters of the Gerry E. Studds Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
NOAA Settles Shark Case for $750,000
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of General Counsel has settled a multiple-violation shark case with the owner of Brooklyn-based Agger Fish Corporation.
USCG, NOAA to Remove Wreckage from Monterey Bay
The U.S. Coast Guard and NOAA will oversee the salvage of the motor vessel Albion in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The Albion sank in 180 ft. of water on January 31…
NOAA Accepts Delivery of New Survey Vessel
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently took delivery of Henry B. Bigelow, one of a new class of fisheries survey vessels being built under contract with VT Halter Marine Inc.…
NOAA Launches New Marine Science Portal
View of the USS Monitor wreck, which sank on Dec. 31, 1862, and now teams with marine life. NOAA and Immersion Presents launched oceanslive.org, a marine science portal that offers live video and special content to educate people of all ages about the ocean, including national marine sanctuaries. Immersion Presents is an after-school science education program founded by ocean explorer Robert Ballard.
NOAA Launches On-line Chart Viewer
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launched its On-line Chart Viewer. The service allows persons with Internet access to display virtually…
Online Chart Viewer from NOAA
The National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, NOAA, surveys and charts U.S. waters, producing over 1,000 traditional nautical charts 3.4m sq. nautical miles.
Fire Damages Three Boats at NOAA Center
The AP reported that a fire swept through an old wooden pier, damaging two National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) buildings and three of the agency's boats.
NOAA Grants Permit for Sonar Activities
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued three key documents June 27 that support the critical international naval exercise Rim of the Pacific…
NOAA Research Vessel on Vegetarian Diet
The Huron Explorer, a 41-ft. former Coast Guard vessel now serving on the Great Lakes is the first modern U.S. research vessel to operate free of petroleum products. A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) small research vessel is now powered by soybeans. The Huron Explorer, a 41-ft. former Coast Guard vessel now serving on the Great Lakes, is the first U.S. research vessel to operate free of petroleum products.
NOAA Drafts Contracting Policy on Hydrographic Services
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a Notice stating that it has drafted an updated contracting policy for hydrographic services. The…
Bill Introduced to Provide for NOAA
Representative Ehlers (R-MI) introduced the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Act (H.R. 5450) to provide for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and for other purposes.
Raytheon Wins NOAA Contract
Observing System (IOOS). partners, and nearly 60 countries. Aurora, Colo., Pasadena, Calif., and Reston, Va., sites.
All American Delivers for NOAA
All American Marine Inc. launched a 56 x 21 ft. catamaran, built under contract for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The high-speed patrol…
NOAA Updates NowCOAST Web Portal
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has launched an updated version of the nowCOAST Web portal. NowCOAST is a Web mapping portal providing…