A new NOAA climate model reveals southwestern Australia's long-term decline in fall and winter rainfall is primarily driven by manmade increases in greenhouse gases and ozone depletion. The study projects a continued decline in winter rainfall throughout the 21st century, with significant implications for regional water resources.
The NOAA and its partners predict a significant cyanobacteria bloom in western Lake Erie, expected to be smaller than the 2013 bloom. The forecast uses satellite data, analysis of nutrient flow, and independent models to classify blooms by concentration and spread across the lake's western basin.
A NOAA study found that four common mosquito control pesticides pose little risk to juvenile oysters and hard clams, but climate stressors such as hypoxia and acidification increase their toxicity. The research provides valuable data for shellfish mariculture operations and environmental resource agencies.
Researchers find that tropical cyclones' maximum intensity is shifting poleward at a rate of about 35 miles per decade in the northern and southern hemispheres. This shift increases risk for coastal cities and regions that depend on cyclones' rainfall, potentially leading to lower water availability.
A new study suggests that oyster aquaculture can remove nearly half of the incoming nutrients from the Potomac River estuary if only 15-20% of its bottom is cultivated. This approach could provide a solution to long-term water quality problems and promote ecosystem balance.
A NOAA-led study shows that crude oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster disrupts heart development in bluefin and yellowfin tunas. The study found that exposure to crude oil slows heartbeat or causes an uncoordinated rhythm, leading to heart failure in these fish.
A recent study by NOAA scientists reveals that the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands' deep coral reefs contain nearly 50% of fish species unique to Hawaii, surpassing any other marine ecosystem. The discovery highlights the need for further conservation efforts and exploration of these largely unexplored ecosystems.
A new digital atlas details historical sea ice concentration data in Alaska's Beaufort, Chukchi, and Bering seas from 1850 to the present. The atlas provides a reliable tool for researchers to evaluate climate change impacts and offers users interactive features to explore historical trends.
NOAA researcher Sue Moore says Arctic marine mammals respond to climate change by shifting their distribution, timing of movements, and feeding locations. This provides clues on how the ecosystem is responding to changes in sea ice, warming temperatures, and increased storminess.
High pollutant concentrations in Guánica Bay's sediments pose a significant threat to coral reefs and marine life. The study provides an ecological baseline for improved watershed management.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, have lung damage and adrenal hormone abnormalities. The researchers believe that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill may be responsible for these health effects.
A new NOAA report suggests that specific types of fish farming can be done without harming the coastal ocean environment as long as proper planning and safeguards are in place. The study found minimal to no effects on the environment in cases where farms are responsibly managed.
A new study suggests that coral reefs can adapt to moderate climate warming if there are significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The research found that corals have already adapted to part of the warming that has occurred over the past 40 to 60 years, and could potentially reduce bleaching by 20-80% through genetic adaptation.
New research on tagged humpback whales reveals three distinct bottom feeding techniques: simple side-rolls, side-roll inversions, and repetitive scooping. These behaviors are common in Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and can lead to vulnerability to entanglement in fishing gear.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released a comprehensive dataset containing millions of chemical analyses from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The dataset, which includes data on underwater hydrocarbon plumes and dispersants, is now publicly available online.
NOAA's Marine Debris Program awarded $967,000 to 11 groups for locally driven marine debris prevention and removal projects. The projects will remove derelict fishing nets, litter, lumber, tires, and other harmful marine debris from shorelines and coastal waters.
A fleet of underwater robots, known as gliders, is being deployed by NOAA and partners to collect ocean data off the East Coast. The gliders will help scientists improve storm intensity forecasts and understanding of hurricanes.
Three federal agencies are collaborating to survey coastal waters and shorelines along the East Coast, updating land maps and nautical charts. The efforts aim to support resilience and cost-efficient rebuilding of communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.
NOAA has expanded its National System of Marine Protected Areas by adding 82 existing sites, bringing the total number to 437. The additions include state marine protected areas from California and Texas, which will continue to be managed by their respective state governments.
Researchers are tracking the movements of 10 Great Shearwater seabirds in the Gulf of Maine using satellite tags, providing insights into ecosystem health and food supply changes. The birds' feeding habits and reactions to changes in their primary food source, sand lance, will inform conservation efforts.
Researchers have discovered a new species of table coral, Acropora cytherea, in Hawaiian waters. The coral was found to be 14 years old and is believed to be colonizing O'ahu reefs from neighboring islands.
The National Estuarine Research Reserve System faces increasing climate-related stressors, threatening coastal ecosystems and human communities. Climate sensitivity was highest in southern East Coast reserves, which provide ideal locations to assess climate change impacts.
A large Gulf of Mexico oxygen-free 'dead' zone was found to be 5,840 square miles in size, larger than expected but smaller than predicted. This year's measurement highlights the continued effects of nutrient pollution from agricultural and human activities in the Mississippi River watershed.
The NOAA is predicting a record-setting deadzone in the Gulf of Mexico, spanning between 7,286 and 8,561 square miles. This would be among the largest ever recorded, potentially affecting commercially important fisheries and the regional economy.
The report outlines how climate change could affect habitats, plants and animals within the sanctuary, as well as adjacent coastal areas. Climate change poses a grave threat to the health of the ocean, with impacts felt in marine protected areas like the Olympic Coast sanctuary.
The NOAA report reveals that 'no-take' protections in the Tortugas Ecological Reserve have boosted fish populations and fisheries, including a resurgence of spawning mutton snapper. Commercial catches of reef fish have increased without financial losses for regional fishers.
Red tide alerts have been added to Beach Hazards Statements by NOAA, providing public warnings for moderate or high respiratory impacts and environmental threats in southwest Florida. The new service aims to broaden awareness about harmful algal blooms and their potential impacts on human health.
Climate change is threatening US coastal communities' social, economic, and natural systems, with increased risks of sea-level rise, erosion, storms, and flooding. The report emphasizes the need for coordination and planning to ensure resilience against climate change impacts.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill provided valuable lessons for future response efforts, emphasizing the importance of preparation and knowledge. Papers present a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive scientific and engineering effort assembled to respond to the disaster, evaluating the accuracy of information used in real-time.
A NOAA-led study reveals that high levels of background noise from ships have reduced the ability of critically endangered North Atlantic right whales to communicate with each other by about two-thirds. The study found that right whales now find themselves living in a world full of acoustic smog, making it difficult for them to gather ...
Scientists analyzed 50 years of global carbon dioxide measurements and found that the planet's oceans and ecosystems are still absorbing about half of the emitted CO2. However, they expect this process to slow down gradually, and may eventually lose their capacity to absorb CO2.
This year's predicted dead zone size features a wide range of 1,197 to 6,213 square miles due to differences between two forecast models. The actual size will be released after monitoring surveys led by Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium.
The Pacific Northwest Tsunami Evacuation Zones online portal and free apps provide an at-a-glance view of tsunami hazard zones along the coasts of Oregon and Washington. Planning tools like this are essential to safeguarding lives and property.
The Whale Alert app provides real-time information on right whale sightings, allowing mariners to navigate around areas of high risk. The app is developed by a collaboration of government agencies, academic institutions, and conservation groups to protect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.
Severe ill health has been found in bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, which received heavy exposure to oil during the Deepwater Horizon spill. Preliminary results show underweight, anemic and diseased dolphins, as well as low levels of stress response hormones.
A new NOAA study helps New York state officials identify favorable wind energy development sites while protecting critical bird and fish habitats. The report provides a valuable tool for coastal managers to better understand the interactions between renewable energy development and natural resources.
Researchers analyzed chemical measurements in the deep ocean, oil slick, and air to estimate gas and oil leak rate during the 2010 Deepwater Horizon spill. The new study confirms an average leak rate of 11,130 tons per day, with a range of 8,900 to 13,300 tons per day.
A new study suggests that Colorado's Rocky Mountains will experience a near elimination of surface hail by 2070. The warmer climate could lead to more runoff and an increased risk of flash floods. Meanwhile, intense storms may produce more hail inside clouds, but it will melt quickly and fall as rain.
NOAA scientists predict debris from the Japanese tsunami may reach US shores this winter, posing a challenge for responders to track and predict its location. The agency is coordinating with partners to collect data and prepare for various scenarios.
In 2011, NOAA researchers made significant discoveries about storm systems, oceanic and atmospheric research, and environmental threats. They found that human-caused aerosol increases linked to decreased monsoon rainfall in South Asia, while also improving weather forecasting capabilities.
The AGGI measures the direct climate influence of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane, showing a 29% increase since 1990. Climate warming has significant potential impacts on society, including water supplies, agriculture, ecosystems, and economies.
Climate change has contributed roughly half to the increase in Mediterranean winter droughts since 1902, with sea surface temperature patterns driving this relationship. The region's dry conditions are expected to worsen, threatening food security and water scarcity.
A peer-reviewed study estimates the total economic value of Hawaii's coral reefs at $33.57 billion annually, demonstrating the ecosystem's significance to US residents regardless of location or usage
The Antarctic ozone hole reached its annual peak on September 12, spanning 10.05 million square miles. Despite declining levels of manmade chemicals, the hole is expected to persist one to two decades beyond this century due to natural temperature fluctuations and other factors.
Three NOAA scientists, James Morris, Erin Oleson, and David Richardson, have been recognized for their outstanding work in ecology, whale and dolphin research, and fishery dynamics. Their research has significantly advanced our understanding of invasive species, marine conservation, and sustainable fishing practices.
Researchers at NOAA and CIRES found that controlled burns during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill released massive amounts of black carbon into the atmosphere, with estimates suggesting 1.4-4.6 million pounds of pollution sent into the Gulf's atmosphere over a 9-week period.
A new NOAA study shows that cutting emissions of non-carbon dioxide greenhouse gases could slow changes in climate. By reducing emissions of these gases, warming influence could be diminished substantially within a couple of decades.
A new study by NOAA finds that strong El Niño years can lead to nearly three times the average number of storm surge events along the East Coast, with a third-of-a-foot elevation in mean sea level. Coastal communities may need to prepare for higher sea levels and more destructive storm surges.
A potent toxin, ciguatoxin, has been discovered in Hawaiian monk seals, posing a significant threat to their dwindling population. The toxin accumulates in fish consumed by humans and causes acute gastrointestinal and neurological illness.
Researchers discovered isocyanic acid, a chemical linked to cataracts and inflammation, in smoke-related environments. The findings highlight the need for more extensive measurement of HNCO in tobacco smoke and indoor biomass burning.