NOAA: Diving Deeper

Ocean observing data benefits us every single day and is used to increase understanding on the effects of climate change, getting goods in and out of our ports safely and efficiently, and protecting our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes. Learn more about the many benefits of ocean observing data in this interview with Zdenka Willis, director of NOAA’s Integrated Ocean Observing System Program.

Marine spatial planning is a relatively new concept. Similar to land use planning, it's the process used to make smart ocean-related decisions and policies. Learn all about marine spatial planning in this interview with Brian Smith from NOAA's Coastal Services Center.

Learn about harmful algal blooms, also known as HABs, in this interview with Allison Still, former coordinator of the Phytoplankton Monitoring Network with the National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. These blooms occur when phytoplankton, which are tiny microscopic plants, grow quickly in large quantities while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, marine mammals, and birds.

Learn about maritime heritage in this interview with Dave Alberg from the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. The discussion highlights what maritime heritage is, which of our national marine sanctuaries have maritime heritage components, and what we can learn about our history from these resources.

Learn about currents in this interview with Laura Rear from the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services. The discussion highlights the difference between tides and currents, how we monitor currents, and how we use current data every day.

Learn about land cover data in this interview with Nate Herold from the NOAA Coastal Services Center. The discussion highlights the difference between land cover and land use, how land cover data is collected, and some of the many applications of land cover data.

Learn about hydrography in this interview with Jerry Mills from the Office of Coast Survey. The discussion highlights why hydrography is important, the tools used to collect hydrographic data, and how it is used.

Learn about dead zones in this interview with Dr. Rob Magnien from the Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research. The discussion highlights what a dead zone is, where it exists, and what we can do to help.

Learn about PCBs in this interview with Lisa DiPinto from the Office of Response and Restoration. The discussion highlights what PCBs are, why they are still a problem today in the environment, and what NOAA is doing to help.

Learn about resilience in this interview with Sandy Eslinger from the NOAA Coastal Services Center. The discussion highlights what resilience is and examples of communities striving to become resilient.