About the National Ocean Service

NOAA's National Ocean Service (NOS) is the nation's premier science agency for oceans and coasts.

The National Ocean Service keeps America's oceans and coasts safe, healthy, and productive.

NOS delivers the tools and services needed to understand, predict, and respond to the challenges we face along America's 95,000 miles of shoreline and 3.5 million square miles of coastal, Great Lakes, and deep-ocean waters.

This vast area, home to great biological wealth, generates more than 60 percent of the nation's gross national product each year. Yet our oceans and coasts are facing unprecedented pressure from threats such as climate change, marine debris, and port congestion.

In response to these threats, NOS scientists, natural resource managers, and specialists are seeking solutions that continue to grow our nation's coastal economy while sustaining a healthy and productive environment.

In partnership with other NOAA offices; federal, state, and local agencies; industry representatives; members of the academic community; and others, the men and women of NOS focus on science, technology, innovation, and education to keep our oceans and coasts safe, healthy and productive.

NOS protects coastal communities

Assessing the effects of natural hazards such as climate change, hurricanes, tsunamis, and erosion.
Providing tools, information, and training to help coastal managers make good decisions
Responding to, assessing, and cleaning up after oil and chemical spills
Providing tools and information needed to restore damaged natural resources
Managing habitat loss

NOS monitors our oceans and coasts

Leading efforts to develop an integrated ocean observing system
Measuring and predicting tides and currents
Monitoring sea-level rise and providing data for tsunami and storm warnings
Providing accurate aerial photography and coastal survey maps along 95,000 miles of coastline
Developing ecosystem forecasts

NOS promotes safe, efficient, and environmentally sound marine transportation

Providing updated nautical charts and hydrographic surveys to navigators and mariners
Coordinating more than 1,100 global positioning reference stations
Developing the standards, specifications, and techniques needed to establish accurate elevations
Delivering real-time oceanographic information
Conducting hazardous obstruction surveys and emergency response

NOS reduces ocean and coastal health risks

Evaluating and addressing contaminants and monitor cleanup efforts to improve water quality
Studying and monitoring both natural and human impacts on ecosystems
Providing early-warning systems and forecasts for threats to human health and coastal economies
Forecasting harmful algal blooms
Establishing links between land use and chemicals in the marine environment

NOS protects coastal and marine places

Managing national marine sanctuaries, estuarine research reserves, and marine protected areas
Helping to conserve the nation's coral reefs
Identifying, reducing, and preventing debris in the marine environment
Monitoring sensitive habitats to assess environmental change
Preserving our nation's maritime heritage

NOS headquarters and major program offices are located in Silver Spring, Maryland, with regional and field offices across the nation.

NOS Vision

A nation with safe, healthy, and productive oceans and coasts

NOS Mission

To provide science-based solutions through collaborative partnerships to address evolving economic, environmental, and social pressures on our oceans and coasts.

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