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Coral reefs are the most diverse habitats on the planet. They serve as homes for thousands of species of marine life and people rely on them for food, coastal protection, and jobs. We celebrated corals on our social media channels from December 9-13, 2024.

marine life

Quinault Village of Taholah on the Pacific Coast. (Image credit: Larry Workman, Quinault Indian Nation)

Inflation Reduction Act: climate-ready coasts and communities

The Inflation Reduction Act is a historic, federal government-wide investment that furthers NOAA’s efforts to build a Climate-Ready Nation. As part of this investment, NOAA will work with a variety of partners in coastal and Great Lakes communities to develop and support durable, local capacity to adapt to climate change impacts, while growing economies, protecting fisheries, addressing environmental justice, and developing a climate-ready workforce.

inflation reduction act

A NOAA survey boat examines Tampa Bay's shipping channels in the wake of Hurricane Milton Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024. (Credit: NOAA National Ocean Service/Douglas E. Jessmer)

National Ocean Service helps reopen Florida ports after Hurricane Milton

In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, the National Ocean Service’s Office of Coast Survey conducted hydrographic survey operations to help reopen Port Tampa Bay and SeaPort Manatee. As part of the response effort, Coast Survey deployed teams, including a contract surveyor, in cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

emergency response

Coastal habitats such as this salt marsh in the Gulf provide us with countless benefits, from nursery grounds for fish to protection from storms. (NOAA Fisheries)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: climate-ready coasts

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is a transformational opportunity to make an impact against the climate crisis across the country through multiple funding opportunities. As part of this law, $1.467 billion is being invested to help coastal communities build the future they want to see. Investing in high-impact natural infrastructure projects that build coastal resilience, create jobs, store carbon, and restore habitat.

Nicole Leboeuf, assistant administrator, National Ocean Service

NCCOS 25 Year Anniversary

Nicole LeBoeuf, assistant administrator of NOAA’s National Ocean Service, reflects on the milestone anniversary of NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and their mission to sustain coastal communities and economies through cutting-edge science and science-based solutions.

Fishing nets on shallow coral reefs around islands and atolls.

Podcast: Marine Debris - Talking Trash

Marine debris is a large and global problem. Plastics, metals, rubber, fishing gear, and other lost and discarded items enter our ocean, Great Lakes, waterways, and coastal areas every day. This challenging problem can cause negative impacts to wildlife, the environment, and the economy. In this episode, we chat with our expert, Sophie Maginnes, communication specialist with NOAA’s Marine Debris Program.

A Currents Real-time Buoy (or CURBY buoy) deployed near Westport, Oregon, and Puget Island, Washington. (Credit: NOAA CO-OPS)

NOAA launches new Salish Seas and Columbia River operational forecast system

NOAA's new Salish Sea and Columbia River Operational Forecast System (SSCOFS) expands geographic coverage beyond the existing model, offering comprehensive guidance to users in the Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands, the Strait of Georgia, and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Columbia River up to Bonneville Dam.

Rachael Dempsey, NOS Deputy Assistant Administrator for Navigation, Observations, and Positioning (Image credit: NOAA)

Investment in Our National Ocean Observing System

In this video message Rachael Dempsey, NOS Deputy Assistant Administrator for Navigation, Observations, and Positioning, shares news on a historic investment in our national ocean observing system to enhance our nation's coastal resilience.

Around the Ocean Service

Pacific Islands Region Digital Storytelling Series: Navigating How We Care for Our Ocean
sanctuaries
2024 Lake Erie Harmful Algal Bloom Seasonal Assessment
coastal science
2024 Lake Erie Hypoxia Forecast Ends First Fully Functional Season
coastal science
Critical Research on Coral Reproduction During the Annual Spawning Event of Four Caribbean Coral Species
coastal science
Incident Responses for September 2024
response and restoration
Understanding Socioeconomic Connections to Coral Reefs in Guam, Round Two
coastal science
Innovating coastal resilience: popular marsh model now converted to Python
coastal science

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NOS 2024-2028 Strategic Plan

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Corals Week 2024