NOAA Hydrographic Survey Spending in Question
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) needs to improve its strategy for analyzing costs and expanding private sector involvement in collecting hydrographic data, says a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO). As one of its many duties, NOAA is tasked with collecting hydrographic data. This data, which is used in helping to create critical nautical charts, is either collected using NOAA’s own fleet of four survey vessels, or acquired through the private sector. Asked by Congress to review NOAA’s hydrographic data collection efforts
El Nino Signal is Weakening in the Pacific
La Nina conditions - characterised as unusually cold temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean - to neutral or even slightly El Nino-leaning conditions by March. Since then, however, the oceanic and atmospheric signals pointing to a possible El Nino have all weakened. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) last week downgraded the probability of El Nino conditions being present in the fourth quarter of 2017, to just 36 percent. That is down from 53 percent at the time of its March forecast. The agency’s central prediction is now that conditions will be neutral in
NOAA: Noise Affecting Marine Mammals
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) seeks comments on proposed changes to its draft Guidance for Assessing the Effects of Anthropogenic Sound on Marine Mammal Hearing. Comments must be received by 30 March. 81 Fed. Reg. 14095 [located at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-03-16/pdf/2016-05886.pdf] (3/16/16). (Source: Bryant's Maritime Blog - http://brymar-consulting.com)
US Forecaster Predicts Below-average Atlantic Hurricane Season
The Atlantic Ocean will see a below-average number of hurricanes this season due to cooler seas and a strong El Niño effect, the U.S. government weather forecaster announced on Wednesday. The forecast calls for six to 11 tropical storms this year, with three to six reaching hurricane status, including possibly two major hurricanes with winds reaching at least 111 miles-per-hour (178 kph), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said at a press conference in New Orleans. (Reporting by David Adams; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn)
NASA Animations Depict the Formation of Ocean Garbage Patches
Researchers at NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio have produced several animations to depict the formation of garbage patches throughout the world’s oceans. Using two models, one simulating the movement of particles propelled by surface currents and the other tracking the migration of floating buoys distributed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) over the last 35-years, the researchers were able to identify and illustrate how debris in the oceans gathers into garbage patches around the world. The animations are available here.
Interstate Plastics Supply NOAA Reef Monitoring Materials
Interstate Plastics has been chosen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, as their primary supplier of PVC plastics for use in Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures, commonly referred to as ARMS. ARMS mimic the complexity of coral reefs to attract and collect colonizing invertebrates and provide a systematic, consistent, and comparable method to monitor cryptic reef diversity. ARMS enable researchers to obtain information using molecular techniques, particularly for small, cryptic organisms that constitute the bulk of reef diversity. Interstate Plastics has provided
Great Lakes Marine Sanctuary Bill to be Tabled
the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation's (NMSF) 12th annual Ocean Awards Gala June 10, 2014, that he is introducing the Great Lakes Cultural Heritage Assessment Act next month, informs the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF). Sen. Levin's proposed bill would direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to identify underwater areas in the Great Lakes that possess significant historical and archaeological resources and consider recommendation for designation as national marine sanctuaries. The Senator's new bill follows yesterday's announcement from Counselor to the President
TerraSond Awarded 5-year NOAA Survey Contract
TerraSond has been selected by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide hydrographic surveying services anywhere in the U.S under a new five-year contract, the company announced today. Under the new contract beginning in 2015, TerraSond will provide comprehensive, modern hydrographic surveys in assigned areas to support NOAA’s nautical charting mission, which includes the updating of charts in critical areas for navigation safety. TerraSond has been providing hydrographic survey services continuously for NOAA since 1998 under consecutive multi-year contracts.
JMS Hires Business Development VP
has joined Juliet Marine Systems (JMS) as Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, the company announced today. Manley brings over 20 years of experience in the marine technology sector including roles at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). He has also led growth of sales and development of new products at both startup companies and public corporations. At JMS, Manley will lead all aspects of sales, marketing and business development. In addition to his new role at JMS, Manley is involved in the
Sonardyne Appoints Non-Executive Chairman
is retiring after 16 years with the company. Ralph is an internationally recognized figure within the offshore and oceanographic industries. He has extensive senior and Board level international experience with a diverse portfolio of organizations including the BMT Group, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Fugro and is actively engaged with professional and learned societies such as the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST) the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and the Marine Technology Society (MTS). Using his experience, Ralph will
C&C Technologies Wins NOAA Survey Contract
C & C Technologies has been awarded a new five-year contract by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to perform hydrographic surveys throughout U.S. coastal waters. “Our work with NOAA began in 1998 surveying San Francisco Bay near Alcatraz Island and the Oakland Bay Bridge,” stated Thomas Chance, President of C & C Technologies, Inc. This is now the third five-year survey contract NOAA has awarded to C & C. I am pleased with the confidence NOAA has shown in us and for the opportunity to continue supporting the Office of Coast Survey.
Presentations Illustrate Dimensions of Accurate Marine Mapping
support. MarineCadastre.gov allows users to create and customize marine maps, share maps and data, and address critical planning details with partners. MarineCadastre.gov was co-developed by the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center. noaa.gov
Anderson Joins EdgeTech
Erik Anderson has joined EdgeTech as Hydrographic Product Engineer based in the company’s Boca Raton, Fla. office. Previously with National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Coast Survey, Anderson brings extensive hydrographic expertise to the organization. He has a Bachelor of Science in Ocean Engineering from Florida Atlantic University, Master of Science in Hydrography and Category “A” International Hydrographic Certification. Anderson has over 10 years of experience in the field of marine surveying working with equipment such as side
US Coast Guard Shipwreck Found – 100 Years Later
Admiral Todd Sokalzuk, the commander of the 11th Coast Guard District. “The men and women who crew our newest cutters are inspired by the exploits of great ships and courageous crews like the McCulloch. I extend the Coast Guard’s heartfelt thanks to our partners in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for helping us locate this important piece of our heritage and assisting us in preserving its legacy.” At the time of its construction, McCulloch was the largest cutter built at a cost of nearly $200,000. The ship was equipped with a steam engine and three masts
Liquid Robotics, NOAA Sign Forecasting Agreement
Liquid Robotics and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the signing of a multiyear, Cooperative Research & Development Agreement (CRADA) designed to advance ocean observations to improve U.S. weather forecasting, fisheries management and environmental monitoring. The NOAA/Liquid Robotics CRADA combines the significant product capabilities of the Wave Glider, a revolutionary, wave powered unmanned ocean robot, with NOAA’s engineering, data analysis and modeling expertise for applications that will have long-term benefits to the general public. "Over
Marine Ecologist Receives Top National Academy of Sciences Honor
individuals “who have worked tirelessly to promote science for the benefit of humanity.” Lubchenco’s selection as the 2017 Public Welfare Medal recipient was announced January 30. Oregon State University marine ecologist Lubchenco is the former National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Administrator. “It’s an incredible honor, especially since it comes at a time in history when it’s more important than ever for scientists to engage with the public in meaningful ways and demonstrate how our work improves people’s lives
Arctic Ecosystem Study Launched in US, Canadian Waters
research initiative coordinated and planned by BOEM in conjunction with its federal and private sector partners: U.S. Arctic Research Commission, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, Marine Mammal Commission, National Science Foundation, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Naval Research, and Shell Oil Company. BOEM Acting Director Walter Cruickshank, said, “With widespread interest in the Arctic, including potential oil and gas leasing and development, we’re looking to significantly expand our knowledge of the Beaufort
Spinrad Named NOAA Chief Scientist
MTS President-elect Dr. Richard (Rick) Spinrad will be stepping down from his MTS position as he is named chief scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). President Barack Obama announced the appointment May 8, 2014. Spinrad’s appointment was announced among that of several others also nominated to key positions. President Obama said, “I am honored that these talented individuals have decided to join this administration and serve our country. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come.” Dr. Spinrad will bring over 35 years
