Researchers used local citizen photos and data to reconstruct the first documented meteotsunami in the Great Lakes, caused by an atmospheric inertia-gravity wave. Existing NOAA models may enable scientists to predict these meteotsunamis minutes to hours in advance.
A new study finds that pteropods sampled off the coasts of Washington and Oregon made thinner shells than those in offshore waters. The shells' thinness is attributed to increasing ocean acidity, which interferes with the organisms' ability to build their exoskeletons.
The NOAA report evaluates the condition of Papahānaumokuākea's ecosystem, revealing relatively pristine marine resources but affected terrestrial habitats. Active conservation management is necessary to address threats from climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
Researchers estimate national fossil-fuel-derived CO2 emissions by observing carbon-14 in air samples. The new method uses a model of atmospheric transport to disentangle CO2 variations from natural sources, providing an independent and objective estimate.
New research reveals climate change impacts on tropical cyclone patterns, with rising activity in the North Atlantic and Central Pacific, while declining in other regions. Greenhouse gases, aerosols, and volcanic eruptions contribute to these changes.
Researchers used microscopic shells to reveal that California waters are acidifying twice as fast as the global ocean average, posing a threat to the state's economically valuable fisheries. The study found decade-long changes in acidity patterns, which match the Pacific Decadal Oscillation, a natural warming and cooling cycle.
A new study finds that heat wave sizes could increase substantially by mid-century, with potential impacts on public health and energy demand. The research suggests that considering the spatial size of heat waves is crucial for informing management decisions and planning for the future.
New NOAA research predicts snowpack levels in the West 8 months in advance, providing crucial information for farmers and urban water managers. The accurate predictions can be made on a mountain range scale, helping to improve regional water forecasts and inform decisions on water supply, wildfire risk, ecology, and agriculture.
Scientists have discovered a new species of jellyfish, the bay nettle jelly (Chrysaora chesapeakei), in the Chesapeake Bay. These jellies are smaller and have fewer tentacles than their ocean cousins, highlighting the importance of marine ecosystems.
A new study projects a 10-13% decrease in global mild days by the end of the century due to climate warming. Tropical regions are expected to lose up to 50 fewer days of mild weather, while mid-latitudes will gain more mild days.
A new study by NOAA-supported researchers has developed a climate-based risk analysis model to predict domoic acid concentrations in shellfish. This model can help seafood industry managers stay ahead of harmful algae events, supporting timely fishery closures or openings and safeguarding public health.
The NOAA has awarded $8 million in funding for 11 coastal resiliency projects across the US, focusing on wetland restoration, coral reef conservation, and dam removals. These projects aim to enhance ecosystem resilience and reduce risks from extreme weather events.
Scientists discovered large areas of 100% coral cover on Hawaiian mesophotic coral ecosystems, which are home to twice as many unique species as shallow-water reefs. The study highlights the importance of these poorly explored environments in understanding coral reef health and management.
Scientists have discovered a new species of butterflyfish in the deep reefs of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. The discovery highlights the importance of protecting and exploring poorly explored marine ecosystems.
NOAA forecasts widespread coral bleaching in US and global waters due to rising sea temperatures, with Hawaii, Florida Keys, and Pacific island nations at highest risk. The agency is working with communities and conservationists to enhance reef resilience and reduce local stressors.
The NOAA-sponsored Gulf of Mexico hypoxia forecast predicts an average dead zone of 5,898 square miles, affecting nationally important commercial and recreational fisheries. The forecast uses multiple models to provide better information to communities and businesses, and aims to reduce the threat of hypoxic zones.
Nuisance flooding in the US increased significantly in 2015 due to strong El Niño and rising sea levels. Cities such as Charleston, SC; Port Isabel, TX; and San Francisco, CA experienced record numbers of flooding days, with Wilmington, NC leading the way with an all-time high of 90 days.
Scientists have discovered four new species of deep-water algae from Hawaii, which are similar in appearance to limu palahalaha and hold great cultural significance for Native Hawaiians. The newly discovered species were collected between 200-400 feet deep and are believed to redefine our understanding of algal distributions in Hawaii.
The Arctic Report Card 2015 reveals a warming trend with air temperature 2.3 degrees above average, sea ice extent at its lowest record since 1979, and significant melting on the Greenland ice sheet. Fish and walrus are adapting to the changing climate by moving north in search of new habitats.
A NOAA-led team found that only 20% of pregnant dolphins in Barataria Bay gave birth to healthy calves, compared to an 83% success rate in a similar population. The study also revealed high rates of reproductive failure and death among dolphins exposed to oil from the Deepwater Horizon spill.
Ocean acidification is affecting global marine ecosystems, with the Arctic and Antarctic oceans being particularly vulnerable. The study reveals that waters with lower aragonite saturation state are more corrosive to shellfish and coral species.
NOAA has awarded grants to three companies to develop ocean acidification-resistant abalone strains, genetics-based selective breeding protocols for mussels, and sustainable multi-species marine algal aquaculture in Maine. These projects aim to tackle significant obstacles in US aquaculture and explore novel solutions.
Harmful algal blooms and hypoxia pose significant threats to coastal ecosystems, economies, and human health. NOAA's new grants will help communities detect, predict, and manage toxic algae and low oxygen levels using advanced monitoring technologies and robotic systems.
The NOAA Marine Debris Program has funded 13 new community-based removal projects, distributing nearly $1.4 million to remove large debris such as derelict vessels and abandoned fishing gear from shorelines and coastal waters. The projects also focus on prevention initiatives and raise local awareness about marine debris.
The John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program provides funding to organizations responding to stranded marine mammals and collecting health data. Funding supports rehabilitation and conservation efforts for marine mammal populations in the wild.
The 2015 western Lake Erie harmful algal bloom season is expected to be the most severe in recent years, with blooms peaking in September. The severity index measures 8.7, indicating a higher risk of blooms in high concentration areas and potential water quality issues.
Research reveals Alaskan coastal waters may struggle to support shellfish hatcheries due to ocean acidification, with potential impacts on the industry by 2040. The study highlights the need for effective monitoring and mitigation efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of shellfish farming in Alaska.
A nationwide study finds that fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5, surge on July 4 due to fireworks, with concentrations 42% higher than usual on average. The study's results will help improve air quality predictions and raise awareness about the health risks of particle pollution.
The Chesapeake Bay's hypoxic and anoxic zones are caused by excessive nutrient pollution, primarily from human activities. Scientists predict a smaller 'dead zone' this summer, with midsummer volume expected to be approximately 1.37 cubic miles.
Scientists expect this year's Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone to be approximately 5,483 square miles, similar to the last several years. The dead zone affects important commercial and recreational fisheries, threatening the region's economy.
A new study reveals that the Arctic Ocean is rapidly becoming more corrosive to marine species, with surface waters of the Chukchi and Beaufort seas reaching levels of acidity that threaten shell-building animals by 2030. The Bering Sea is expected to reach this level of acidity by 2044.
Dead dolphins found with lung and adrenal lesions consistent with petroleum product exposure, supporting previous health assessments of live dolphins in Barataria Bay. The study suggests that contaminants from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill contributed to the high number of dolphin deaths in the affected area.
A new study published in Nature Communications reveals a strong connection between high ozone days in the western US during late spring and La Niña events. This connection can be used to forecast ozone levels several months in advance, improving public education and air quality management in these regions.
New England's spring and summer red tides will be similar in extent to those of the past three years, according to the 2015 Gulf of Maine red tide seasonal forecast. The forecast is part of a larger NOAA effort to deliver ecological forecasts that support human health and well-being.
Researchers have identified a second possible specimen of the rare 'pocket shark,' measuring just 5.5 inches long, with distinct physiological features and an unhealed umbilical scar.
Researchers found that young sea turtles (6-18 months old) swim actively and disperse through ocean currents, reaching favorable habitats. This discovery has huge implications for understanding early sea turtle survival and behavior.
The new research provides fine-scale projections of coral bleaching, showing great variety in the timing and location of these effects. Coral reefs projected to experience bleaching conditions later can be conservation priorities.
A NOAA study found that natural climate cycles and human activities triggered widespread ecosystem changes in the Gulf of Mexico, impacting fish populations and communities. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) played a significant role in these changes.
A new NOAA study projects that most US coastal areas will face 30 or more days of flooding each year, up to 2 feet above high tides, by 2050. The study identifies 'tipping points' where local sea levels rise more than global projections, causing regions like Louisiana and the Gulf Coast to experience near-daily nuisance flooding.
NOAA and partners have released detailed sonar maps and images of the historic SS City of Rio de Janeiro, a San Francisco shipwreck that sank in 1901, killing 128 people. The wreck was located using cutting-edge technology in the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary.
A NOAA-led research team discovered a new species of deep-sea coral and a catshark nursery area in the underwater canyons off the Sonoma coast. The team used innovative technologies to explore and film marine life in areas reaching 1,000 feet deep.
A team of researchers led by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries discovered two significant vessels from World War II's Battle of the Atlantic, the German U-boat 576 and the freighter Bluefields, approximately 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina. The discovery provides a rare window into a historic military battle and the...
Researchers found that high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) triggered pollution-forming reactions in winter, concentrating ozone pollution. Ozone levels in northeastern Utah exceeded national air quality standards 49 times during the winter season.
A NOAA research team has located the 1910 shipwreck SS Selja and an unidentified steam tugboat wreck near San Francisco's Golden Gate strait. The team also discovered the 1863 clipper ship Noonday, which was previously obscured by mud and silt.
A study by NOAA's NCCOS found that warming Atlantic temperatures are causing fish communities to shift towards deeper, warmer waters. The researchers used year-round bottom water temperature data and fish community surveys to detect climate change-induced shifts in algal populations.
Derelict fishing traps are a significant problem in US waters, catching fish and other species beyond their target. Researchers recommend a collaborative approach to manage and prevent gear loss, involving the fishing industry and examining regional challenges.
A new NOAA analysis shows that between 1996 and 2011, 64,975 square miles of coastal regions experienced changes in land cover, with a decline in wetlands and forest cover. Development was a major contributing factor in these losses, with the Southeast region losing 510 square miles of wetlands.
The Gulf of Mexico dead zone measures 5,052 square miles this summer, slightly smaller than last year's record high. Nutrient runoff from agricultural activities continues to affect the nation's coastal resources and habitats in the Gulf.
Ocean acidification is driving changes in vital Alaskan waters, threatening commercial fisheries and subsistence way of life. Communities in southeast and southwest Alaska face the highest risk, with lower incomes and fewer employment opportunities making them more vulnerable.
A new NOAA study finds nuisance flooding is increasing on all three US coasts, with major increases in cities like Annapolis and Baltimore. Rising sea levels, land subsidence, and lost natural barriers are causing more frequent and severe flooding, especially during high tides.