NOAA News Releases

NOAA doubles Gulf of Maine winter flounder catch limits

Wed, 8 Feb 2012 10:50:29 -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.

January 2012 the fourth warmest for the contiguous U.S.

Tue, 7 Feb 2012 10:58:50 -0500

During January, warmer-than-average conditions enveloped most of the contiguous United States, with widespread below-average precipitation. The overall weather pattern for the month was reflected in the lack of snow for much of the Northern Plains, Midwest, and Northeast. This scenario was in stark contrast to Alaska where several towns had their coldest January on record.

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.

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.

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

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

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:21:10 -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.

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

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:09:50 -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.

NOAA seeks input on enforcement priorities

Tue, 8 Nov 2011 10:43:14 -0500

On Nov. 8, 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.

NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco responds to Senator Kerry

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:41:42 -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.

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

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:25:09 -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.

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 Administrator statement on New England fishery observer costs and reforms

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:17:15 -0400

On Oct. 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.

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

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:45:45 -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.

Global temperatures in September were eighth warmest on record

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:35:44 -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.

NOAA releases first national bycatch report - Establishes methodology, baseline for future studies

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:47:02 -0400

A new NOAA report of data collected in 2005 will help the agency's scientists better monitor progress in reducing bycatch - the non-target fish, marine mammals, sea turtles, and seabirds caught incidentally in fishing.

Joplin tornado offers important lessons for disaster preparedness

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:03:25 -0400

NOAA's National Weather Service released its final assessment report on the May 22 tornado that struck Joplin, Mo. The report identifies best practices and makes recommendations to help save more lives during future violent tornadoes.

Agencies directed to take actions to encourage Iceland to change whaling policy

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 15:05:35 -0400

On Sept. 15, in a report to Congress, the President concurred with the Secretary of Commerce's recommendations and directed federal agencies to take actions to encourage Iceland to change its whaling policy.

U.S. domestic seafood landings and values increase in 2010

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 12:33:59 -0400

U.S. commercial fishermen landed 8.2 billion pounds of seafood in 2010, valued at $4.5 billion, an increase of 200 million pounds and more than $600 million in value over 2009, according to a new report released by NOAA on Sept. 7.

U.S., European Union to strengthen cooperation to combat illegal fishing

Wed, 7 Sep 2011 10:15:38 -0400

NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco and Maria Damanaki, European Union commissioner for maritime affairs and fisheries, signed a historic statement on Sept. 7 pledging bilateral cooperation to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, known as IUU fishing.

National Weather Service taking action to build a 'Weather-ready' nation

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 11:00:00 -0400

NOAA is launching a comprehensive initiative to build a “Weather-ready” nation to make America safer by saving more lives and protecting livelihoods as communities across the country become increasingly vulnerable to severe weather events, such as tornado outbreaks, intense heat waves, flooding, active hurricane seasons, and solar storms that threaten electrical and communication systems.

Tracking the remnants of Lee

Fri, 2 Sep 2011 14:36:59 -0400

NOAA's National Weather Service continues to track the remnants of Lee. This system will bring significant rainfall to portions of the eastern U.S. with flooding likely.

Looking at Irene

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 20:22:18 -0400

Irene may be gone, but she leaves behind lives lost, widespread power outages, intense flooding, and property damage across more than 12 states. The storm ranks as the 10th $1 billion disaster of 2011. NOAA’s early and accurate prediction of Irene’s storm path saved lives and livelihoods, as did the unprecedented use of social media to alert emergency managers and the public. Critical to NOAA’s forecasting and warnings capability were NOAA’s environmental satellites, which require sustained investment.

Atlantic hurricane season update calls for increase in named storms

Thu, 4 Aug 2011 11:07:42 -0400

NOAA issued its updated 2011 Atlantic hurricane season outlook raising the number of expected named storms from its pre-season outlook issued in May.

'Federal Disaster Assistance Budgeting: Are We Weather-ready' - Testimony by Dr. Kathryn Sullivan

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:33:00 -0400

Testimony of NOAA's Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (Chair, Senator Richard Durbin, D-IL) during a hearing titled 'Federal Disaster Assistance: Are We Weather-Ready?'

NOAA issues draft scientific integrity policy for comment

Fri, 20 May 2011 13:49:49 -0400

NOAA has been developing a scientific integrity policy that continues the agency's culture of transparency, integrity and ethical behavior. Comments must be received by Aug. 20.

Irene Crossing New England

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:57:30 -0400

As Irene crosses the Northeast Sunday and early Monday, winds will steadily decrease but heavy rain could still cause flooding. Stay informed with the latest information from NOAA's National Weather Service. Follow updates on Twitter @NHC_Atlantic, and visit our Hurricane Central webpage for a list of resources.

Heat wave leads to fourth warmest July on record for the U.S.

Mon, 8 Aug 2011 15:46:22 -0400

Persistent, scorching heat in the central and eastern regions of the United States shattered long-standing daily and monthly temperature records last month, making it the fourth warmest July on record nationally, according to scientists at NOAA's National Climatic Data Center.

Heat wave records shattered

Mon, 1 Aug 2011 14:01:34 -0400

The heat wave baking the Central U.S. broke two more records: It was the warmest July ever recorded in Oklahoma City and Wichita Falls, Texas. The Oklahoma City average monthly temperature was 89.2 degrees F, while Wichita Falls averaged 92.9 degrees. Please take precautions to keep cool and well-hydrated.

'Federal Disaster Assistance Budgeting: Are We Weather-ready' - Testimony by Dr. Kathryn Sullivan

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:33:00 -0400

Testimony of NOAA's Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan, before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government (Chair, Senator Richard Durbin, D-IL) during a hearing titled 'Federal Disaster Assistance: Are We Weather-Ready?'

Secretary Locke certifies that Iceland's whaling undermines the International Whaling Commission

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 10:34:38 -0400

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke certified to President Obama that Iceland's commercial whaling and international trade in fin whale products is diminishing the effectiveness of the International Whaling Commission.

Annual stock report shows steady progress toward rebuilding our nation's fisheries

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 12:31:30 -0400

Three fisheries stocks from the Northeast (Georges Bank haddock, Atlantic pollock and spiny dogfish) have now been rebuilt to healthy levels, bringing to 21 the number that have been rebuilt nationwide since 2000, according to a report to Congress from NOAA's Fisheries Service issued on July 14.

Tracking Tropical Storm Don

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 11:40:00 -0400

NOAA's National Hurricane Center is tracking the season's fourth named storm, which is on a path toward Texas.

Western Governors, NOAA agree to work together to improve climate services

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 15:05:03 -0400

When it comes to climate, Western governors know that access to timely and accurate information saves lives and property and helps local businesses.

Major flooding on the Mississippi River predicted to cause largest Gulf of Mexico dead zone ever recorded

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:36:30 -0400

The Gulf of Mexico's hypoxic zone is predicted to be the largest ever recorded due to extreme flooding of the Mississippi River this spring, according to an annual forecast by a team of NOAA-supported scientists from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Louisiana State University and the University of Michigan.

High heat grips eastern half of U.S.

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:59:00 -0400

Dangerous heat and humidity will remain anchored in the central U.S. this week as it begins spreading into the East. Excessive heat warnings and heat advisories have been issued by NOAA's National Weather Service. Take precautions to stay cool and hydrated.

Tracking Tropical Storm Emily

Tue, 2 Aug 2011 10:32:13 -0400

Emily is expected to resume a west-northwest track this morning with a turn toward the northwest during the next day or so. On this track the center of Emily will move across the southwestern peninsula of Haiti later today and move over extreme eastern Cuba tonight or early Friday. Follow NHC's Emily updates on Twitter.

Adios, La Nina

Thu, 9 Jun 2011 09:47:30 -0400

According to NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, La Nina is gone. This period of colder-than-average sea surface temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean has passed. The Pacific Ocean sea surface temperature will likely remain near normal through the summer. Learn more.

Creating a NOAA Climate Service

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:21:48 -0400

NOAA's climate science is used by businesses and governments to make smart investments in the U.S. economy and infrastructure. In her testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives, Dr. Jane Lubchenco discussed the proposed climate service within NOAA.

Commerce Secretary orders fishery enforcement penalties returned to 11 fishermen and businesses

Tue, 17 May 2011 13:45:00 -0400

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced today that $649,527 in fisheries enforcement penalties will be returned to 11 individuals or businesses after an independent review of their cases concluded the NOAA enforcement program had in some instances "overstepped the bounds of propriety and fairness."

Interior and NOAA welcome National Academy of Sciences report on the California Bay Delta Conservation Plan

Thu, 5 May 2011 13:49:21 -0400

Deputy Secretary of the Interior David J. Hayes and NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco issued statements regarding the National Academy of Sciences report on the use of science and adaptive management in California's Bay Delta Conservation Plan.

June 1 is official start of hurricane season: Outlook is above-normal

Thu, 19 May 2011 11:29:42 -0400

The Atlantic basin is expected to see an above-normal hurricane season this year, according to the seasonal outlook issued by NOAA's Climate Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service.

Flooding continues over parts of West and Northern Plains

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 16:06:47 -0400

Many rivers across the western United States are expected to reach flood stage early this week due to warm temperatures over the weekend and increasing snow melt. Get updates at http://www.weather.gov

April 2011 tornado information site

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 04:31:23 -0400

Tornadoes are among nature's most violent storms — capable of producing wind speeds greater than 250 mph and paths in excess of a mile wide and 50 miles long. The United States encountered unprecedented tornado activity recently with an estimated 600 tornadoes in April alone. This site will provide information about these deadly storms.

National Hurricane Center now on Twitter

Thu, 2 Jun 2011 11:58:07 -0400

Just in time for hurricane season, the NHC will "tweet" tropical weather updates via two new Twitter feeds for the Atlantic and Eastern North Pacific basin regions. Learn more at www.nhc.noaa.gov/twitter.shtml.

Stay on top of dangerous weather conditions

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:09:21 -0400

Fire weather, flooding, severe weather and heat threaten parts of the U.S. today. Visit weather.gov for more information.

NRDA Trustees announce $1 billion agreement to fund early Gulf Coast restoration projects

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:15:00 -0400

This early restoration agreement, the largest of its kind ever reached, represents a first step toward fulfilling BP's obligation to fund the complete restoration of injured public resources, including the loss of use of those resources by the people living, working and visiting the area.

All federal waters of the Gulf once closed to fishing due to spill now open

Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:05:00 -0400

On April 19, NOAA reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 1,041 square miles of Gulf waters immediately surrounding the Deepwater Horizon wellhead, just east of Louisiana.

New England fishing season to open with higher catch limits and more access for small-vessel fishermen

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:22:55 -0400

When the new fishing year kicks off on May 1, groundfish fishermen will have more opportunity to fish in Northeast waters, small-vessel owners will get a boost through permit banks, and stocks will continue on the path to rebuilding.

'Before and after' aerial photographs of flooded Red River Valley

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:55:00 -0400

Aerial photography taken by NOAA the week of April 11 shows massive flooding of the Red River Valley along the Minnesota-North Dakota border compared with images taken more than a year ago by Google Earth.

U.S. Commerce Department to deploy economic assessment teams to six Northeast fishing ports

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 16:00:00 -0400

Commerce Secretary announces additional reforms to overhaul NOAA's law enforcement system

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:42:28 -0400

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced on March 16 that he would allow fishermen and businesses until May 6, 2011, to submit complaints about potentially excessive enforcement penalties to the Special Master for review, as well as request stays of their penalties as part of the complaint process.

Spring flooding underway, expected to worsen through April

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 10:59:40 -0400

With spring flooding already underway over portions of the U.S., NOAA forecasters are warning the worst is yet to come. Almost half the country has an above-average risk of flooding over the next few weeks, according to the annual spring outlook released Thursday by NOAA's National Weather Service.

"CSI" team investigates April tornadoes: Climate scientists looking for clues

Tue, 10 May 2011 13:44:39 -0400

The tornado outbreak across the southern United States in late April 2011 was deadly, devastating, and record breaking. These days, when the weather breaks records, it's natural to wonder if global warming is to blame. So it's not surprising that in recent weeks, climate scientists have been fielding lots of questions about the possible connection between global warming and tornados.

Inspector General's review of stolen emails confirms no evidence of wrongdoing by NOAA climate scientists

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:59:24 -0500

Report is the latest independent analysis to clear climate scientists of allegations of mishandling of climate information.

Review of Fisheries Enforcement Complaints Underway

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:30:05 -0500

The Special Master has given an interim report of his progress to date reviewing NOAA fisheries enforcement complaints identified by the Commerce Inspector General and sent by the Secretary of Commerce for his review.

Another Spring of Major Flooding Likely in North Central U.S.

Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:58:28 -0500

A large swath of the country is at risk of moderate to major flooding this spring, from northeastern Montana through western Wisconsin following the Mississippi River south to St. Louis, National Weather Service flood experts are forecasting.

Deadly storms, dangerous flooding move east

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 04:52:22 -0400

NOAA's National Weather Service meteorologists expect significant and potentially deadly severe weather including long-lived strong tornadoes, very large hail, and torrential rain to spread east from the central U.S. through Wednesday night. Stay alert, and visit www.weather.gov for the latest information.

Widespread Tsunami Warning in Effect Throughout the Pacific

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:03:29 -0500

As a result of an earthquake near the coast of Honshu, Japan, a widespread tsunami warning is in effect throughout the Pacific. For warning information please visit the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center.

NOAA Announces FY 2012 Budget

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:25:45 -0500

On Feb. 14, President Obama issued the FY 2012 budget for NOAA, requesting $5.5 billion for the nation’s oceanic and atmospheric agency. The proposed budget includes key investments to strengthen NOAA’s most critical programs and initiatives while addressing the administration’s goals.

U.S. 'Turning a Corner' in Ending Overfishing

Tue, 8 Mar 2011 13:03:29 -0500

At a hearing Tuesday in front of the Senate Commerce Committee on the Magnuson-Stevens Act, Assistant NOAA Administrator for Fisheries Eric Schwaab said that the U.S. is making good progress toward meeting the mandate to end domestic overfishing.

Commerce, NOAA Release Draft National Aquaculture Policies, Invite Public Comment

Wed, 9 Feb 2011 11:50:21 -0500

On Wednesday, Feb. 9, NOAA released complementary draft national aquaculture policies that support sustainable marine aquaculture to increase the U.S. supply of healthy seafood, create jobs in coastal and other communities, spur innovation in technology, and help restore depleted species and marine habitats.

Potential tornado threat Thursday and Friday

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:43:31 -0400

Strong tornadoes and large hail may develop in parts of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas later today. Powerful winds from this storm system will contribute to dangerous fire weather conditions across eastern New Mexico, west Texas and western Oklahoma this afternoon. Widespread severe weather is likely to move east into the Middle and Lower Mississippi River Valley on Friday.

Negotiations with Canada Set Stage for Significant Increase in U.S. Yellowtail Flounder Quota on Georges Bank

Wed, 9 Feb 2011 14:35:42 -0500

Legislation recently signed by President Obama has paved the way for NOAA to move ahead to increase the Georges Bank yellowtail flounder quota for U.S. commercial fishermen in 2011.

Entanglements and Ship Strikes Biggest Threats to Endangered Right Whales

Tue, 1 Feb 2011 17:54:28 -0500

A young critically endangered female right whale died recently as a result of becoming entangled in hundreds of feet of rope. Despite efforts by teams of disentanglement experts, the whale was unable to overcome the impacts of the ropes, which at one point were embedded in her body.

NOAA Reopens More Than 4,000 Square Miles of Gulf Waters to Royal Red Shrimping

Tue, 1 Feb 2011 17:54:28 -0500

NOAA will reopen 4,213 square miles of Gulf of Mexico federal waters off Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to royal red shrimping on Feb. 2, 2011. The area was closed to this type of deep water fishing on Nov. 24 as a precautionary measure after a commercial shrimper discovered tar balls in his net.

FEMA, NOAA and Partners Encourage U.S. Residents to Prepare for Springtime Flooding

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 12:43:30 -0400

With many communities throughout the nation facing threats of spring flooding, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are once again joining forces to commemorate Flood Safety Awareness Week March 14 - 18.

New Assistant Administrator for NOAA Ocean Service

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 13:07:12 -0500

David Kennedy has been named NOAA assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service effective immediately. The announcement was made Jan. 24 by Under Secretary of Commerce and NOAA Administrator Dr. Jane Lubchenco.

NOAA: Persistent Drought to Linger Across Southern United States

Sun, 23 Jan 2011 20:31:34 -0500

While wet and snowy weather has dominated the western U.S., persistent drought conditions are likely to linger in the Southern Plains and Southeast through mid to late spring, according to NOAA's National Weather Service. La Niña has kept storms and most of their precipitation in the north, leaving the South drier than normal.

From Hope to Action: Making Healthy Oceans Everyone’s Business

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:44:52 -0500

Remarks by Dr. Jane Lubchenco at the National Conference on Science, Policy and the Environment - 2011 Our Changing Oceans (Jan. 20, 2011).

Scientists Successfully Use Sedation to Help Disentangle North Atlantic Right Whale

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 12:16:14 -0500

Scientists from NOAA Fisheries Service and its state and nonprofit partners successfully used at-sea chemical sedation to help cut the remaining ropes from a young North Atlantic right whale on January 15 off the coast of Cape Canaveral, Fla.

North American Winter Storm Forecasts to Get Boost from High-Tech NOAA Plane

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:05:06 -0500

NOAA has dispatched one of its highly specialized aircraft to collect atmospheric data over the North Pacific Ocean to enhance forecasts of winter storms for the entire North American continent.

NOAA: 2010 Tied For Warmest Year on Record

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:45:30 -0500

According to NOAA scientists, 2010 tied with 2005 as the warmest year of the global surface temperature record, beginning in 1880. This was the 34th consecutive year with global temperatures above the 20th century average.

NOAA Satellites Help Track Major Snowstorm in Northeast

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:34:21 -0500

An image captured by NOAA's Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-13 (GOES-13) shows a major winter storm as it continues to hit the northeastern United States with heavy snow and high winds on Jan. 12. Additional views of winter storms as seen from space can be found at: www.nnvl.noaa.gov.

Snow Just About Everywhere You Go

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:52:45 -0500

Every state, with the exception of Florida, currently has snow on the ground. This includes Hawaii where about seven inches of snow is atop Mauna Kea. As of Jan. 11, 69.4 percent of the contiguous United States is covered by snow - this is more than double the snow cover from last month. This week's snowstorm in Southern states has allowed for this unusual occurrence.

Fisheries Law Enforcement Updates

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:50:05 -0500

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve its enforcement program, NOAA is undertaking a number of actions. Check here for updates on our corrective action plans, draft penalty policy, priority setting, and other activities.

Fisheries Law Enforcement Updates

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:50:05 -0500

As part of its ongoing efforts to improve its enforcement program, NOAA is undertaking a number of actions. Check here for updates on our corrective action plans, the eHotline, draft penalty policy, priority setting, and other activities.

NOAA and Partners Assist Entangled Right Whale off East Coast of Florida

Wed, 5 Jan 2011 12:41:25 -0500

A team of state and federal biologists assisted a severely entangled North Atlantic right whale off the coast of Daytona, Fla., on Dec. 30, 2010. The team successfully removed more than 150 feet of ropes wrapped around the whale’s head and fins, and cut portions of entangling ropes that remain on the animal.

Active Atlantic Hurricane Season a 'Gentle Giant' for U.S.

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 13:17:47 -0500

With a total of 19 named storms, 12 hurricanes and five major hurricanes, the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season was one of the busiest on record - as NOAA forecasters had predicted. Fortunately, nearly all of those storms avoided the U.S. coastline.

New Website Displays Historical Data on NOAA's Deepwater Horizon Response

Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:27:46 -0500

NOAA has unveiled a web archive of the maps, wildlife reports, scientific reports and other previously released public information used by emergency responders, fishermen, mariners and local officials during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Federal Interagency Group Issues Peer-Reviewed 'Oil Budget' Technical Documentation

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:00:14 -0500

The Federal Interagency Solutions Group, established at the request of the U.S. Coast Guard and authorized under a directive from the National Incident Commander (NIC), is releasing today a peer-reviewed report that details the scientific calculations of the Deepwater Horizon BP Oil Spill "Oil Budget Calculator" response tool announced last August.

NOAA: October Ranked 8th Warmest on Record

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:58:55 -0500

October ranked the eighth warmest October on record. The first 10 months of 2010 tied with the same period in 1998 for the warmest combined land and ocean surface temperature on record.

NOAA Reopens More Than 8,000 Square Miles in the Gulf of Mexico to Fishing

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:23:14 -0500

On Monday, NOAA reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 8,403 square miles of Gulf waters which extend from the Louisiana state water line to due south of the Alabama/Florida state line. This is the eleventh reopening in federal waters since July 22.

Holiday Travel Weather: Naughty or Nice?

Thu, 23 Dec 2010 14:05:23 -0500

Stay safe during this busy holiday travel season by keeping up-to-date on the latest forecasts and weather advisories or warnings issued by NOAA's National Weather Service. Visit www.weather.gov.

NOAA Closes 4,200 Square Miles of Gulf Waters to Royal Red Shrimping

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 17:53:48 -0500

Out of an abundance of caution, NOAA has closed 4,213 square miles of Gulf of Mexico federal waters off Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama to royal red shrimping.

Federal & Academic Scientists Return from Deep-sea Research Cruise in Gulf of Mexico

Thu, 4 Nov 2010 18:32:06 -0400

Government and academic scientists on a multi-week expedition to explore deep-sea coral habitats in the Gulf of Mexico have observed corals and associated communities of marine life that show evidence of recent damage.

NOAA Policy Encourages Catch Shares to End Overfishing and Rebuild Fisheries

Thu, 4 Nov 2010 12:28:40 -0400

On Thursday, NOAA released a national policy encouraging the consideration and use of catch shares, a fishery management tool that has shown it can help rebuild fisheries and sustain fishermen, communities, vibrant working waterfronts and culturally important fishing traditions.

NOAA and FDA Announce Chemical Test for Dispersant in Gulf Seafood; All Samples Test Within Safety Threshold

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 14:45:32 -0400

Building upon the extensive testing and protocols already in use by federal, state and local officials for the fishing waters of the Gulf, NOAA and FDA have developed and are using a chemical test to detect dispersants used in the Deepwater Horizon-BP oil spill in fish, oysters, crab and shrimp.

NOAA: Another Winter of Extremes in Store for U.S. as La Niña Strengthens

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 10:00:32 -0400

The Pacific Northwest should brace for a colder and wetter than average winter, while most of the South and Southeast will be warmer and drier than average through February 2011, according to the annual Winter Outlook released today by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

NOAA Modeling of Indonesian Tsunami

Tue, 26 Oct 2010 15:45:35 -0400

Two hours after the tsunami event, DART® ocean buoys recorded it and scientists were able to compare it with their research forecast models.

NOAA Reopens More Than 7,000 Square Miles in the Gulf of Mexico to Fishing

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:45:35 -0400

On Oct. 22, NOAA reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 7,037 square miles of Gulf waters about 80 nautical miles south of the Florida panhandle, between the Florida-Alabama state line and Cape San Blas, Fla. This is the tenth reopening in federal waters since July 22.

NOAA Takes Steps to Reform Enforcement Practices

Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:21:25 -0400

As part of an ongoing effort to reform its enforcement practices, NOAA's Office of General Counsel, through its Office of General Counsel for Enforcement and Litigation, is requesting public comment on a new draft penalty policy.

NOAA: Year-to-Date Global Temperature Ties for Warmest on Record

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 10:52:09 -0400

Arctic sea ice reaches its third lowest minimum extent on record.

NOAA Reopens Nearly 7,000 Square Miles in the Gulf of Mexico to Fishing

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 11:11:35 -0400

On Oct. 15, NOAA reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 6,879 square miles of Gulf waters about 180-200 nautical miles south of the Florida panhandle, between the Florida-Alabama state line and Cape San Blas, Fla. This is the ninth reopening in federal waters since July 22.

NOAA: U.S. Experienced Above Average Temperatures, Rainfall in September

Thu, 7 Oct 2010 13:34:09 -0400

The contiguous United States had its 14th warmest September on record, according to the latest NOAA State of the Climate report issued on Oct. 7. Average temperatures for September were 67.1 F, which is 1.7 F above the 1901-2000 average.

Resource Restoration Planning Process Begins for BP/Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:01:00 -0400

The Department of the Interior, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the co-trustees for natural resources affected by the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill announced today they have started the injury assessment and restoration planning phase of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment.

NOAA Reopens Nearly 3,000 Square Miles in the Gulf of Mexico to Fishing

Tue, 5 Oct 2010 16:42:35 -0400

On Oct. 5, NOAA reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 2,927 square miles of Gulf waters off eastern Louisiana, directly south and southwest of East Bay. This is the eighth reopening in federal waters since July 22.

NOAA: Coral Bleaching Likely in Caribbean This Year

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:21:47 -0400

According to the NOAA Coral Reef Watch monitoring system coral bleaching is likely in the Caribbean in 2010. Scientists are already reporting coral bleaching at several Caribbean sites and severe bleaching has been reported from other parts of the world.

NOAA Strategy for Future Reopenings

Mon, 27 Sep 2010 16:03:27 -0400

NOAA's Fisheries Service first prohibited commercial and recreational fishing in federal waters impacted by the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill as a seafood safety measure in early May. The closed area was 88,522 square miles or 37 percent of the Gulf of Mexico federal waters at its largest and now after six reopenings is 31,915 square miles or 13 percent of the Gulf of Mexico federal waters.

NOAA Reopens Nearly 8,000 Square Miles in the Gulf of Mexico to Fishing

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:29:13 -0400

NOAA reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 7,970 square miles of Gulf waters along the southern boundary of the federal closed area on Tuesday. This is the sixth reopening in federal waters since July 22.

NOAA Reopens More Than 5,000 Square Miles in the Gulf of Mexico to Fishing

Fri, 1 Oct 2010 10:45:13 -0400

NOAA today reopened to commercial and recreational fishing 5,628 square miles of Gulf waters off eastern Louisiana, just west of the Mississippi River delta. This is the seventh reopening in federal waters since July 22.

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