NOAA News Releases

BSEE and NOAA to complete Arctic oil spill response mapping tool

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 15:11:36 -0500

The Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced today they are partnering to enhance the Environmental Response Management Application (ERMA®) for the Arctic region by summer 2012.

New satellite instrument for improved weather forecasts put into service

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 14:12:52 -0500

A powerful instrument designed to give scientists more refined information about Earth’s atmosphere and improve weather and climate forecasts is now active and sending its first data back to Earth from America’s newest polar-orbiting satellite.

NOAA launches USS Monitor 150th anniversary website

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:42:06 -0500

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries today launched a new website highlighting the 150-year history of the USS Monitor on the anniversary of the ship’s launch.

Los Angeles declared StormReady and TsunamiReady

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:13:12 -0500

On January 27, the City of Los Angeles will be recognized by NOAA’s National Weather Service as StormReady and the largest city in the nation to become TsunamiReady.

Statement from Dr. Jane Lubchenco on the death of former NOAA Administrator Anthony J. Calio

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 12:18:26 -0500

Last week we were informed of the passing of former NOAA Administrator (1985-87) and physicist Dr. Anthony - Tony - Calio. Known for his strong leadership, Dr. Calio advanced the effort to modernize NOAA’s National Weather Service, which included the development of NEXRAD radar - a major advancement for its time - as well as AWIPS 90, the first program of its kind to bring operational satellite data to the forecasting community.

Improved way to estimate saltwater recreational fishing unveiled

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:06:20 -0500

NOAA today announced it has begun to use an improved method to estimate the amount of fish caught by saltwater anglers, which will allow rules that fishermen follow to be based on more accurate information.

Remarks delivered by NOAA Administrator at the American Meteorological Society annual meeting

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:11:35 -0500

Remarks delivered by NOAA Administrator at the American Meteorological Society annual meeting

Satellites aid in the rescue of 207 people in 2011

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 15:59:58 -0500

In 2011, NOAA satellites were critical in the rescues of 207 people from life-threatening situations throughout the United States and its surrounding waters.

Researcher earns international honor for discoveries on the role of atmospheric water vapor in climate change

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:14:02 -0500

Isaac Held, Ph.D., a senior research scientist with the NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory in Princeton, N.J., will receive the prestigious BBVA Foundation Frontiers of Knowledge Award for his contributions to improved understanding of climate change and atmospheric circulation systems.

Weather-Ready Nation emergency response project launched in Louisiana

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:06:52 -0500

The National Weather Service’s New Orleans/Baton Rouge office today increased its rapid response ability with the launch of a new 24/7 emergency response desk and team of meteorologists and hydrologists who will provide forecasts, warnings, and timely decision support services during high-impact weather and other disasters. A critical part of NOAA’s Weather-Ready Nation initiative, these emergency mobile weather and water forecasters are trained to work alongside emergency managers to enhance preparedness efforts in the central Gulf coast region.

Additional critical habitat designated for leatherback sea turtles off West Coast

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:41:52 -0500

NOAA announced today the designation of additional critical habitat to provide protection for endangered leatherback sea turtles along the U.S. West Coast. NOAA is designating 41,914 square miles of marine habitat in the Pacific Ocean off the coasts of California, Oregon and Washington.

National Strategy proposed to respond to climate change’s impacts on fish, wildlife, plants

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:46:58 -0500

In partnership with state, tribal, and federal agency partners, the Obama Administration today released the first draft national strategy to help decision makers and resource managers prepare for and help reduce the impacts of climate change on species, ecosystems, and the people and economies that depend on them. The draft National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy, available for public review and comment through March 5, 2012, can be found on the web at www.wildlifeadaptationstrategy.gov

NOAA doubles Gulf of Maine winter flounder catch limits

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:48:52 -0500

NOAA announced today that it is doubling the amount of Gulf of Maine winter flounder commercial fishermen can catch from almost 510,000 pounds to more than 1.1 million pounds for the current fishing season, which ends April 30. New scientific information shows that overfishing is no longer occurring on this important fish stock.

2011 a year of climate extremes in the United States

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:00:44 -0500

NOAA announces two additional severe weather events reached $1 billion damage threshold, raising 2011’s billion dollar disaster count from 12 to 14 events

Dr. Robert Detrick named new assistant administrator of NOAA research office

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:36:53 -0500

Robert Detrick, Ph.D, a marine geophysicist, was named the new head of NOAA’s research office today. Detrick will start as the assistant administrator of the NOAA Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) on Feb. 13.

Remarks delivered by NOAA Administrator on sustainable oceans at University of California Davis

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:29:35 -0500

Remarks delivered by NOAA Administrator on sustainable oceans at University of California Davis

NOAA flights over Pacific to boost North American weather forecasting

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:10:46 -0500

A highly specialized NOAA jet typically used to study hurricanes will fly over the north Pacific Ocean during the next two months gathering data that will enhance winter storm forecasts for the entire North American continent.

Three vessels charged with violating right whale ship strike reduction rule pay penalties

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:05:39 -0500

Three large commercial vessels who were assessed civil penalties this fall for violating seasonal speed limits designed to protect one of the most endangered whale species in the world have paid their penalties in full. Cases against six other vessels for the same offense are still open.

Chemical measurements confirm official estimate of Gulf oil spill rate

Mon, 9 Jan 2012 14:47:59 -0500

By combining detailed chemical measurements in the deep ocean, in the oil slick, and in the air, NOAA scientists and academic colleagues have independently estimated how fast gases and oil were leaking during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Statement from NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco on the selection of acting assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 11:37:21 -0500

On Jan. 5, Dr. Jane Lubchenco announced that she has chosen Eric Schwaab, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries, to serve as NOAA’s acting assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management.

Research grant awarded to help prevent toxin-induced seafood poisoning in Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 13:32:12 -0500

NOAA has awarded the first year of an anticipated five-year, $4 million grant to scientists researching the causes of Ciguatera fish poisoning, the most common form of algal toxin-induced seafood poisoning in the world, focusing on the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.

Comment sought on draft environmental impact statement on Arctic oil and gas exploration

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:56:32 -0500

NOAA is seeking public comment on a draft environmental impact statement describing how offshore oil and gas activities in the U.S. Beaufort and Chukchi seas could affect marine mammals and the Alaska Native communities that depend on them for subsistence.

Air pollution levels from Deepwater Horizon spill similar to large urban area

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:03:52 -0500

The amount of air pollutants in the atmospheric plume generated by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was similar to a large city according to a new NOAA-led study published today in a special issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

U.S.-Canada Arctic Ocean survey partnership saved costs, increased data

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:40:48 -0500

A recent mission marked the completion of a five-year collaboration between the United States and Canada to survey the Arctic Ocean. The bilateral project collected scientific data to delineate the continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from the coastline, also known as the extended continental shelf (ECS).

Global temperatures 12th warmest on record for November

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:23:48 -0500

The globe experienced its 12th warmest November since record keeping began in 1880.

Remarks by the NOAA Administrator on a Weather-Ready Nation at the Severe Weather Symposium in Norman, Oklahoma

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:28:31 -0500

Remarks by the NOAA Administrator on a Weather-Ready Nation at the Severe Weather Symposium in Norman, Oklahoma

Legislation drafted by NOAA to protect U.S. fishermen from unfair competition

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:16:41 -0500

A bill introduced in Congress yesterday would prevent pirate fishing vessels from entering U.S. ports to offload their illegally caught seafood. This pirate fishing is often called illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Coral reef successfully restored after 2002 boat grounding in Florida Keys

Fri, 9 Dec 2011 09:19:00 -0500

Corals damaged in 2002 when a boat ran aground in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are now thriving following a restoration and near decade-long monitoring effort, according to a new NOAA report released today. With hundreds of groundings happening each year in the sanctuary, lessons learned from this coral reef restoration and monitoring will guide future restoration efforts.

Remarks from the NOAA Administrator on 'Predicting and Managing Extreme Events' at the American Geophysical Union

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 16:07:29 -0500

Science underpins all that AGU and NOAA do, and we appreciate the key role you play in championing strong science and its use.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NOAA’s Fisheries Service propose policy to improve implementation of Endangered Species Act

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 13:07:29 -0500

A new federal policy proposed today will help clarify which species or populations of species are eligible for protection under the Endangered Species Act and will provide for earlier and more effective opportunities to conserve declining species.

Yellow perch quickly purge a harmful algal toxin

Thu, 8 Dec 2011 10:12:41 -0500

Great Lakes perch lovers will find good news in a new NOAA study that shows yellow perch efficiently eliminate a harmful algal toxin from their tissues. The findings suggest that unless the fish are caught during a toxic algal bloom, eating them will not likely expose people to unsafe levels of the toxin known as microcystin.

NOAA issues scientific integrity policy

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 16:31:15 -0500

NOAA’s commitment to science was further solidified today with the release of a scientific integrity policy by Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator.

U.S. Autumn and November both warmer than average - nation sets record with dozen billion-dollar weather disasters in one year

Wed, 7 Dec 2011 10:56:49 -0500

November and the September-November autumn season were warmer than average across the contiguous U.S., according to scientists at NOAA’s National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) in Asheville, N.C. Precipitation totals across the country were also above average during November, but near the long-term average for the autumn season.

GOES-15 activated - GOES-11 retired after nearly 12 years service

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 12:13:47 -0500

For 12 years, GOES-11, one of NOAA’s geostationary satellites, tracked weather and severe storms that impacted the U.S. West Coast, Hawaii and the Pacific region. Today, NOAA began the process to deactivate the satellite, which is approaching the end of its useful life, and replace it with a new, more advanced spacecraft.

Regional saltwater recreational fishing plans released - designed to improve fishing, stewardship and science

Tue, 6 Dec 2011 11:47:11 -0500

NOAA today released the first regional saltwater recreational fishing action plans designed to help improve fishing opportunities and address recreational fishing priorities in each of the nation’s six coastal regions and for the angling community that fishes for tunas and other highly migratory species.

Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource trustees call for public input on early restoration of the Gulf

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:18:31 -0500

On December 14, the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) trustees released the Deepwater Horizon Draft Phase I Early Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessment for formal public comment.The plan proposes the first round of projects for early restoration of Gulf natural resources affected by the 2010 oil spill disaster.

Remarks from the NOAA Administrator on the challenges to assuring the health of the Gulf of Mexico (2011 State of the Gulf of Mexico Summit)

Mon, 5 Dec 2011 12:29:01 -0500

State of the Gulf Summit 2011, Houston, TX, Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans & Atmosphere and NOAA Administrator, As Delivered

Arctic settles into new phase - warmer, greener, and less ice

Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:58:37 -0500

An international team of scientists who monitor the rapid changes in the Earth’s northern polar region say that the Arctic is entering a new state - one with warmer air and water temperatures, less summer sea ice and snow cover, and a changed ocean chemistry.

Scientists link upward trend in pollution to increased intensity of Arabian Sea tropical cyclones

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 13:10:04 -0500

A 'brown cloud' of pollution over the Indian Ocean resulting from human activities has led to stronger tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea, according to an international team of scientists.

Active 2011 hurricane season breaks 'Hurricane Amnesia'

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:25:39 -0500

The 2011 Atlantic hurricane season officially ends Wednesday, having produced a total of 19 tropical storms of which seven became hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. This level of activity matched NOAA’s predictions and continues the trend of active hurricane seasons that began in 1995.

Grant awarded by NOAA to save endangered sea turtles from toxic red tides in the Gulf of Mexico

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:28:21 -0500

Florida scientists and veterinarians studying the causes of sea turtle deaths in the Gulf of Mexico have been awarded $227,793 for the first year of an anticipated three-year, $653,379 project to determine how the red tide toxin, or brevetoxin, affects turtle health.

NOAA awards a total of $10.8 million to four minority serving institutions to train next generation of scientists

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 12:08:05 -0500

NOAA’s Office of Education announced that it has awarded grants totaling $10.8 million to four lead minority-serving institutions across the country to train and graduate students who pursue applied research in NOAA-related scientific fields.

Adventure Aquarium and New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences designated the region’s first Coastal America Coastal Ecosystem Learning Center

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:38:32 -0500

The Adventure Aquarium and New Jersey Academy for Aquatic Sciences, one of the country’s top aquariums and a leading regional educational institution, will join 23 other marine facilities when it becomes part of the growing network of Coastal America Coastal Ecosystem Learning Centers in a ceremony at the aquarium today.

Global temperatures 8th warmest on record for October

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:20:19 -0500

The globe experienced its eighth warmest October since record keeping began in 1880. Arctic sea ice extent was the second smallest extent on record for October at 23.5 percent below average. Additionally, La Niña conditions strengthened during October 2011. According to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, La Niña is expected to continue through the Northern Hemisphere winter.

NOAA and Coast Guard amend memorandum of agreement clarifying use of Administrative Law Judges for pending NOAA cases

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:36:00 -0500

On September 8, 2011, NOAA announced that it will refer new law enforcement cases to administrative law judges (ALJs) from the Environmental Protection Agency. As noted in that announcement, cases docketed with the Coast Guard ALJs prior to September 8, 2011, will remain with the Coast Guard ALJs.

Statement from Russell F. Smith III, deputy assistant secretary for international fisheries

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:51:30 -0500

Scientists researching harmful algal bloom 'hot spots' off southern and central California have been awarded $821,673 for the first year of an anticipated 5-year $4,076,929 project to investigate methods that could provide early warning detection of the toxic blooms, also known as red tides.

Greenhouse gas index continues climbing

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 13:58:38 -0500

NOAA’s updated Annual Greenhouse Gas Index (AGGI), which measures the direct climate influence of many greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, shows a continued steady upward trend that began with the Industrial Revolution of the 1880s.

Biofilter for removing algal toxins from Great Lakes to be developed with NOAA grant

Wed, 9 Nov 2011 10:46:18 -0500

NOAA has awarded a team of scientists $182,982 for the first year of an anticipated four-year $703,777 project for research that could lead to an instrument, called a biofilter, that could break down harmful algal toxins in the Great Lakes into harmless byproducts.

October warmer than average in the United States

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 11:15:36 -0500

During October, a persistent upper-level weather pattern brought below-normal temperatures to the southeastern United States and above-normal temperatures from the Southwest, across the northern tier of the United States, and into parts of the Northeast.

University of Oklahoma selected to lead weather research partnership

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 16:20:21 -0500

NOAA has selected the University of Oklahoma to continue a federal/academic research partnership that focuses on weather radar research, improving forecasts for severe storms, and improving our understanding of extreme weather and short-term regional climate.

NOAA award will aid Long Island communities and New York’s shellfish industry threatened by toxic algal blooms

Mon, 7 Nov 2011 11:58:21 -0500

NOAA has awarded $125,614 for the first year of an anticipated $591,082, three-year project to New York scientists researching new methods of monitoring and predicting Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) caused by the toxic algae Alexandrium and Dinophysis.

Statement from Russell F. Smith III, deputy assistant secretary for international fisheries

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:11:39 -0500

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) made significant progress on key U.S. priorities to improve science, management of fish stocks and their ecosystems, monitoring of fishing activities, and compliance with commission decisions at the recently completed annual meeting in Turkey.

String of seal deaths in New England an unusual mortality event

Fri, 4 Nov 2011 17:31:21 -0400

NOAA announced today that the high number of seal deaths that have occurred along the New England coast since September has been declared an “Unusual Mortality Event.” This will enable the agency to direct additional resources to further investigate the cause of these seal deaths.

New NOAA-funded research to provide early warning of red tide effects on Maine shellfish

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 16:49:05 -0400

Scientists at the University of Maine have been awarded $201,187 for the first year of an anticipated three-year $574,028 project to investigate methods that would provide early warning detection of toxic Alexandrium blooms, also known as red tides, in the Gulf of Maine

Life-threatening storm bears down on Alaska

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 16:10:14 -0500

Damaging winds, coastal flooding, blizzard conditions are among the expected impacts of a Bering Sea storm that will slam into Alaska. Get the latest warnings from National Weather Service's interactive map at http://www.arh.noaa.gov, and please take precautions to stay safe.

NOAA assesses civil penalties to shrimpers for alleged Turtle Excluder Device violations

Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:13:38 -0400

The owners and operators of 18 shrimp trawlers were assessed civil penalties over the past two weeks for allegedly altering or not having turtle excluder devices on their vessels.

Plan released for managing, protecting Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:40:21 -0400

NOAA today released the final management plan and environmental assessment for the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary in Washington state.

Dr. Larry Robinson, assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management, to leave NOAA

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 15:08:37 -0400

Dr. Larry Robinson, NOAA’s assistant secretary of commerce for conservation and management, and deputy administrator, announced today that he plans to step down effective Nov, 18, returning to academia to resume his work in academic administration and train the next generation of environmental scientists and leaders.

Nation&'s newest environmental satellite successfully launched

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 07:49:48 -0400

America’s newest polar-orbiting satellite roared into orbit this morning, setting the stage for enhanced weather data NOAA scientists will use to develop life-saving severe weather forecasts days in advance.

Findings identify bacterial infection as cause of death for five northern Gulf dolphins; investigation continues

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:34:48 -0400

Pathology experts contracted by NOAA have identified the bacteria Brucella in five bottlenose dolphins that died in the northern Gulf of Mexico. These five are among the 580 dolphins in higher than expected strandings that began in February 2010 and are continuing. NOAA has declared it an 'unusual mortality event' triggering a focused, expert investigation into the cause.

NOAA study: Human-caused climate change a major factor in more frequent Mediterranean droughts

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:31:10 -0400

Wintertime droughts are increasingly common in the Mediterranean region, and human-caused climate change is partly responsible, according to a new analysis by NOAA scientists and colleagues at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES).

NOAA seeks input on enforcement priorities

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:40:51 -0500

Today, NOAA released a draft of its enforcement priorities and invited the public to submit comments through January 9. These enforcement priorities are the latest step NOAA is taking to improve its enforcement program.

Nearly $1 million to be invested with university partners for hurricane advances

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:54:10 -0400

NOAA’s Office of Weather and Air Quality has funded 12 multi-year proposals totaling $942,235 this year from university partners along with federal scientist collaborators to more rapidly and smoothly transfer new technology, research results, and observational advances through NOAA’s Joint Hurricane Testbed (JHT).

Northeast skate quota for fishermen increased by 17 million pounds

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:16:46 -0400

NOAA has taken emergency action to increase the amount of skate that fishermen can land this year from 31 million to 48 million pounds, based on new scientific information showing an increase in the overall skate population.

Naval and ocean engineer to lead NOAA ocean exploration and research office

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:41:39 -0400

Tim Arcano, an ocean engineer with extensive experience in naval submarine and submersible design and engineering was selected as director of NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER). Arcano is slated to begin Nov. 7.

New socioeconomic study will assist stakeholder workshop on how to improve groundfish management

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:58:54 -0400

NOAA today released the 2010 Final Report on the Performance of the Northeast Multispecies (Groundfish) Fishery. This report builds upon earlier release of catch and value information for the 2010 groundfish season and includes new information on fishery performance, leasing of quota, costs and employment.

Revised Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary draft management plan released for public comment

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 16:10:36 -0400

NOAA today released a comprehensive draft management plan and environmental assessment for Fagatele Bay National Marine Sanctuary in American Samoa.

U.S. residents say Hawaii’s coral reef ecosystems worth $33.57 billion per year

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 13:00:04 -0400

A peer-reviewed study commissioned by NOAA shows the American people assign an estimated total economic value of $33.57 billion for the coral reefs of the main Hawaiian Islands.

Status report on Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary marine resources released

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:00:11 -0400

NOAA scientists have found that pressure from increasing coastal populations, ship and boat groundings, marine debris, poaching, and climate change are critically threatening the health of the Florida Keys ecosystem.

NOAA selects Oregon State University to lead Cooperative Institute for Marine Resources Studies

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:43:31 -0400

NOAA has selected Oregon State University (OSU) to continue a federal/academic research partnership that extends NOAA’s ability to study marine resources in the Pacific Northwest. The award means that NOAA will continue funding the Cooperative Institute for Marine Resource Studies (CIMRS), which was established at Oregon State in 1982, for at least five and up to 10 more years.

NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco responds to Senator Kerry

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:43:05 -0400

Letter outlines concrete ways NOAA will work with fishermen and others to improve the sector management system for the groundfish fishery and seek a healthy and diverse fishing fleet throughout New England.

NASA, NOAA: Significant ozone hole remains over Antarctica

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:57:41 -0400

The Antarctic ozone hole, which yawns wide every Southern Hemisphere spring, reached its annual peak on September 12, stretching 10.05 million square miles, the ninth largest on record. Above the South Pole, the ozone hole reached its deepest point of the season on October 9 when total ozone readings dropped to 102 Dobson units, tied for the 10th lowest in the 26-year record.

NOAA funds grants to implement new technologies for harmful algal bloom monitoring and forecasting in the Gulf of Maine

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:23:11 -0400

NOAA research grants totaling $1,665,056 announced today will lead to the implementation of seasonal and weekly toxic algal bloom forecasts improving accuracy and providing better early warnings for harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Maine.

Space weather prediction model improves NOAA's forecast skill

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:41:36 -0400

NOAA is now using a sophisticated forecast model that substantially improves predictions of space weather impacts on Earth. Better forecasts offer additional protection for people and the technology-based infrastructure we use daily.

Study points to less water loss in future Great Lakes levels

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 10:41:35 -0400

Studies of future climate change scenarios on the Great Lakes have pointed to falling water levels, but a new NOAA study gives a more optimistic outlook.

Oceanographer named to head NOAA's Seattle research laboratory

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:48:01 -0400

An environmental oceanographer who has published more than 100 scientific articles on the global carbon cycle and was among the first to publish scientific data about ocean acidification has been chosen to be the director of the NOAA laboratory known for studying ocean physics and chemistry, innovative research in tsunamis, and underwater volcanoes.

Statement from NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco on release of socioeconomic data on the New England groundfish industry

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:16:14 -0400

On Oct. 25, NOAA Fisheries issued the latest in a series of broad-scale economic reports, examining the economic health of the Northeast groundfish fishery as a whole. Read about Dr. Lubchenco's response to this release here.

New regional climate science collaborations announced in Alaska, California/Nevada, and the Carolinas

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:56:26 -0400

On Oct. 17, NOAA announced three new Regional Integrated Sciences and Assessments (RISA) awards, totaling $11 million over five years, to climate science collaborations in Alaska, California/Nevada, and the Carolinas.

NOAA awards nearly $1 million to University of Miami for coral investigation

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:18:18 -0400

NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science has awarded $998,703 to the University of Miami to investigate how the deep coral reefs of Pulley Ridge may replenish key fish species and other organisms in the downstream reefs of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Tortugas Ecological Preserve.

New sanctuary research area to help improve understanding of important habitats

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:21:55 -0400

The southern third of NOAA’s 22-square mile Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary off the Georgia coast was designated a research area, where scientists can study how human activities and natural processes affect the sanctuary’s marine resources. The new designation will take effect after a 45-day Congressional review.

U.S. experiences warmer than average September

Fri, 7 Oct 2011 11:09:40 -0400

Tropical Storm Lee drenches parts of the U.S. while extreme drought conditions persist in the Southern Plains

Special Agent in Charge named for Northeast fisheries

Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:09:40 -0400

Logan Gregory, an 18-year veteran of NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement, has been named Special Agent in Charge of the agency's Northeast Division, according to Enforcement Director Bruce Buckson.

U.S. dealt another La Niña winter but ‘wild card’ could trump it

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:59:52 -0400

The Southern Plains should prepare for continued drier and warmer than average weather, while the Pacific Northwest is likely to be colder and wetter than average from December through February, according to the annual Winter Outlook released today by NOAA.

Testimony by NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco on New England groundfish management

Mon, 3 Oct 2011 13:39:00 -0400

"Fishing jobs have been at the heart of this region for centuries. I take the challenges in the Northeast region very seriously, as I know you do. Following decades of overfishing and decline, including the collapse and closure of this fabled fishery, and years of legal battles, the past ten years have been particularly challenging for those who catch cod, haddock, and other groundfish."

NOAA Administrator statement on New England fishery observer costs and reforms

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:11:22 -0400

On Sept. 19, NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco announced two actions to help improve the management of New England groundfish and ease the economic burden of the fishery's observer program.

Acting Secretary Blank announces $102 million in wetlands, barrier island restoration awards for Louisiana

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 14:02:00 -0400

Acting Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank today announced $102 million for three Louisiana projects in the Barataria and Terrebone basins, to restore deteriorated wetlands and barrier island habitats along the state’s coast.

President to honor high-achieving, early career NOAA scientists

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 14:17:00 -0400

Three NOAA scientists were named today as recipients of the 2010 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE). The award is the highest honor given by the U.S. government to outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers.

NOAA announces contract to construct National Water Center

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:31:56 -0400

Thursday, NOAA announced the award of a contract to Triune-Beck, Joint Venture V of Dallas to build the new NOAA National Water Center on the campus of the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa.

Agencies partner to help save endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:41:21 -0400

NOAA’s Fisheries Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Mexican environmental officials today released an updated plan to guide and strengthen the conservation and recovery of the endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. The Bi-National Recovery Plan revises the current recovery plan issued in 1992.

NOAA Ship Rainier returns to Alaska to conduct sea floor surveys in support of safe navigation

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:09:38 -0400

NOAA Ship Rainier has begun a month long survey of the sea floor near Alaska’s Prince of Wales Island as part of a multi-year effort to update nautical charts for the area.

United States regrets Japan's renewed whaling in the Southern Ocean

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:47:00 -0400

The United States deeply regrets that Japan has decided to continue its controversial whaling in the Southern Ocean. The United States also expresses its deep concern about the possibility of violence in connection with such whaling.

'Early warning' coral reef observing network expands to the Pacific

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400

Coral reef managers in the Northern Mariana Islands will now receive early warning of dangerous environmental conditions that can weaken and kill high value coral reefs, thanks to a new coral observing station added today in Lao Lao Bay, Saipan.

Global temperatures in September were eighth warmest on record

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:37:12 -0400

The Earth experienced its eighth warmest September since record keeping began in 1880. The annual minimum Arctic sea ice extent was reached on September 9 and ranked as the second smallest extent since satellite records began in 1979.

Researchers release study on emissions from BP/Deepwater Horizon controlled burns

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:24:36 -0400

Black smoke billows from a controlled burn of surface oil during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. A new study by NOAA and the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) found that controlled burns released more than one million pounds of sooty black carbon into the atmosphere.

Ship owners and operators to pay $44 million for 2007 Cosco Busan crash and oil spill

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:12:45 -0400

Federal, state, and Bay area officials announced a comprehensive civil settlement with the owners and operators of the M/V Cosco Busan, resolving all natural resource damages, penalties, and response costs that resulted from the ship striking the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge in 2007, and subsequent oil spill in the San Francisco Bay.

$36.8 million from Cosco Busan settlement to restore natural resources and improve recreation in S.F. Bay Area

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:19:26 -0400

State and federal trustee agencies will use most of the funds from a $36.8 million settlement of natural resource damages to restore natural resources injured by the Nov. 7, 2007 oil spill in the San Francisco Bay and improve Bay Area recreational opportunities impacted by the spill.

VDatum a vital GIS tool for safe navigational products

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:46:40 -0400

NOAA's just-completed first edition VDatum tool will allow users to combine and transform geospatial data from different sources onto a single vertical reference surface, removing the largest obstacle GIS users face when creating products that enable safe navigation and serve other vital purposes for coastal communities.

NOAA, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revise loggerhead sea turtle listing

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 22:45:23 -0400

NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issued a final rule today changing the listing of loggerhead sea turtles under the Endangered Species Act from a single threatened species to nine distinct population segments listed as either threatened or endangered.

Globe had eighth warmest August on record

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:07:55 -0400

The globe had its eighth warmest August since record keeping began in 1880, while June through August was the seventh warmest such period on record. The Arctic sea ice extent was the second smallest for August on record at 28 percent below average.

Sill response team nominated for Service to America honors

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:30:27 -0400

NOAA scientist Amy Merten and her team are one of four finalists for the Samuel J. Heyman Partnership for Public Service to America Medal for Homeland Security.

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