Weekly News: November 2008

Close-up of Channel Island Whale-Spotting Map

New Plan to Protect Marine Natural, Cultural Resources

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. More...

Example of habitat data overlaid on imagery

New Plans to Manage, Protect California Sanctuaries

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. More...

Joining Forces to Halt Marine Pollution in the Caribbean

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. More...

Scientist Uses Calipers to Measure Bone Sample

NOS Participates in First Coastal Cities Summit

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. More...

NOS Forensic Experts Save Time, Money in Latest Case

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. More...

Sanctuary Staff Work to Keep Whales, Ships Apart

In fall 2007, four blue whales died after being struck by vessels in the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of California. This year, NOAA’s Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA Fisheries, the National Weather Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard are working closely with the shipping industry to keep this from happening again. More...

New Underwater Map of Shallow Coastal Waters

A new map of shallow water seabed habitats along the Texas Coastal Bend is now available. The new product from NOAA’s Coastal Services Center (CSC) joins a growing list of mapped coastal regions providing critical data about the condition of underwater vegetation around the nation. More...

Mapping the Mysterious Arctic Ocean Sea Floor

Scientists from NOAA's Office of Coast Survey and the University of New Hampshire recently completed a three-week expedition to map one of the least-known sea floor areas in the world. More...

Observing Gravity to Protect Lives, Property

The National Geodetic Survey (NGS) is moving forward with an effort to measure and monitor variations in the gravity field of the earth, part of an ambitious program to provide a better, faster, and less expensive way to acquire accurate elevations for the nation. More...

Ship Collisions, Hurricanes Mean Busy Season for Spills

Two hurricanes and two major ship accidents marked the busiest season ever for the NOS Office of Response and Restoration over the past Fiscal Year. In total, the NOS office responded to 179 incidents, three-quarters of which were oil spills. Thousands of incidents occur each year in which oil or chemicals are released into the environment as a result of accidents or natural disasters. More...

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