A blueprint for establishing a national system of marine protected areas (MPAs) was finalized on Nov. 19, establishing a more efficient and effective approach to conservation of the nation's important natural and cultural marine resources....

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Sonar, short for Sound Navigation and Ranging, is helpful for exploring and mapping the ocean because sound waves travel farther in the water than do radar and light waves....

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Coral reefs are home to millions of species. Hidden beneath the ocean waters, coral reefs teem with life. Fish, corals, lobsters, clams, seahorses, sponges, and sea turtles are only a few of the thousands of creatures that rely on reefs for their survival....

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Hydrography is the science that deals with the measurement and description of the physical features of bodies of water and the land areas that are affected by those bodies of water....

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NOAA has released final revised management plans, regulations, and a joint final environmental impact statement for Cordell Bank, Gulf of the Farallones, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries. The result of more than seven years of study, planning and extensive public input....

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The NOS International Program Office recently wrapped up meetings with officials from Trinidad and Tobago, the latest in a series of talks aimed at providing technical assistance to Caribbean countries aimed at developing comprehensive plans to reduce land-based sources of pollution to the marine environment....

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The head of the National Ocean Service addressed city leaders, scientists, researchers, and entrepreneurs this week at the first-ever Coastal Cities Summit in St. Pete Beach, Fla. At the three-day summit, he discussed NOAA coastal management initiatives in the context of sobering challenges....

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The U.S. economy is very dependent on the health of the ocean. Consider the following facts: Through the fishing and boating industry, tourism and recreation, and ocean transport, one out of six jobs in the U.S. is marine-related....

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You may be surprised to learn that the National Ocean Service is responsible for surveying in support of the nation's airports and airspace....

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A team of NOS forensic experts recently used DNA analysis to find that four small carvings were made of moose bone. The test results indicate that the carvings do not violate U.S. law, saving NOAA agents, attorneys, and the defendant time and money....

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