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NOS Mission

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

 

NOS Assistant Administrator John H. Dunnigan

John H. Dunnigan

John H. Dunnigan, NOS Assistant Administrator

"America's oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes offer so much to our lives, livelihood, and quality of life.

The sea provides us with energy, raw material, recreation, natural beauty, and food.

Our waterways form the backbone of our national commerce system, generating more than a trillion dollars in commerce annually.

Our coastal regions are home to more than half of our population (and the number of people on our coasts keeps growing).

But as we continue to demand more and more from our oceans and coasts, these fragile areas — and the people who live near them — face increasing pressure and threats.

At NOAA's National Ocean Service, we're working to conserve marine and coastal places. We're helping to keep maritime transportation safe and efficient. We're working on innovative science and technology solutions to solve coastal problems. And we're working to make sure that you and your family are safe.

Our challenge is to manage our vast ocean and coastal resources in the face of mounting problems such as climate change, sea-level rise, storms, marine debris, pollution, water quality, erosion, port congestion, and population growth.

We all have a stake in ensuring we keep our oceans and coasts safe, healthy and productive - not just now, but for future generations.

I encourage you to explore NOS to learn about our many services, products, and tools."