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NOAA’s National Ocean Service

America’s leader in coastal and ocean science, technology, and management.

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A person standing on a ship's bridge looking out at a sunset over the ocean past illuminated navigation and radar screens.
New NOAA report shows U.S. ocean enterprise sector continues to grow

Read about the size and scope of the businesses that support observation, measurement, and forecasting of the ocean.

Observing
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Hurricane Isaias: Aerial Imagery

The National Geodetic Survey is collecting aerial damage assessment images in the aftermath of Hurricane Isaias.

Emergency Response
Map showing the sea surface signature of oceanic Kelvin waves across the Pacific Ocean.
What is a Kelvin wave?

Discover how Kelvin waves are different from other types of ocean waves, and how they can form as a result of El Niño.

Ocean Science
A yellow wave data buoy floats at the ocean surface, with a research boat in the background.
NOAA invests $45.7 million to improve ocean observing systems

New cooperative agreements will enable U.S. IOOS regional associations to operate regional coastal observing systems throughout U.S. waters.

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NSRS beta products and tools now available

NOAA is seeking stakeholder evaluation and feedback from members of the geospatial community.

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The Origins of NOAA’s National Ocean Service

In the latest episode of the NOAA Ocean podcast, discover how two U.S. founding fathers’ love of all things maritime played a part in the origin of NOS.

Around the Ocean Service
  • Mapping Long Island Sound: New progress and funding opportunities
    CHARTING
  • Cephalopods from shallow to deep
    SANCTUARIES
  • New report summarizes Alaska aquaculture vision
    COASTAL SCIENCE
  • Now open: NOAA Marine Debris Program Art Contest!
    MARINE DEBRIS
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