NOAA Centers for Coastal Ocean Science

NCCOS scientists identify and measure chemical contaminants that pollute our U.S. coastlines and Great Lakes, and conduct research to lessen their potential effects to ecosystems, humans, and animals. This data allows officials to make better decisions affecting health, seafood safety, and crisis management. https://lnkd.in/et_5nbtK

Underwater built structures – like oil and gas platforms – are installed in the ocean to meet human needs. Typically, these structures are not designed to benefit natural habitats. However, there is growing recognition that these structures can be strategically designed to fulfill their original function, while also minimizing negative environmental impacts and supporting ecosystem restoration. NOAA and partners have published two new studies that address the opportunity to harness the ability of new and existing built marine structures to better support ecosystem functioning. https://lnkd.in/esyENmR8 Partners in this effort: Duke Marine Geospatial Ecology Lab, NOAA Fisheries, The Nature Conservancy, East Carolina University, Florida State University

To help inform the U.S. Navy’s monitoring and management of the Tinian Military Lease Area in CNMI, NCCOS scientists are working to develop nearshore habitat maps that depict the distribution of key benthic habitats. This data will help preserve sensitive habitat areas while supporting the Department of Defense operational requirements. https://lnkd.in/eHamE5bi

To help protect U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune in North Carolina from more frequent flooding, NCCOS scientists implemented nature-based ecosystem and shoreline management practices. This effort will help ensure long-term resilience of this military installation, protecting the shoreline from erosion while safeguarding the base’s infrastructure.? https://lnkd.in/ecjcbeBw?

A new study has found that the invasive reed grass, Phragmites australis, may be more effective at dampening wave energy during extreme hurricane events and increased wave heights than local species. However, models showed that the differences between how marsh grasses perform may disappear with projected sea level rise by the year 2100. Instead, actions that increase marsh slope and height above sea level may be needed to enable marshes to continue protecting coastlines from strong waves during extreme weather events in the future. https://lnkd.in/ex7_MTYh

A single harmful algal bloom event can cost millions of dollars annually through lost tourism, damaged fisheries, and water treatment costs, and losses to other businesses. NOAA is investing in a comprehensive range of research efforts? to advance our nation's ability to observe, monitor, forecast and manage blooms and hypoxia to safeguard communities and economies from harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eKks778B #HarmfulAlgalBlooms #Hypoxia

Did you know that harmful algal blooms can occur in every U.S. coastal and Great Lakes state and can affect the health of people, animals, and even contaminate drinking water? We produce forecasts in the Gulf of America, the Gulf of Maine, and Lake Erie so beach-goers can adjust their plans; health officials and water treatment facility operators can focus their testing procedures; and seafood and tourism industries can minimize impacts to their businesses; and the public can remain healthy and well. https://lnkd.in/dS57SJXk #HarmfulAlgalBlooms

Understanding the fish and habitats of the York River is key to making decisions that lead to sustainable management of commercially and recreationally important species. ?? We developed an interactive map to help managers make informed decisions about permitting and building activities in the area – check it out: https://lnkd.in/eXG9NUVn

Aquaculture helps protect food security and promotes economic growth. The NCCOS aquaculture team provides critical mapping and science that informs the site selection process. https://lnkd.in/ebsk-E5q #Aquaculture #CoastalEconomy #EconomicGrowth

NOAA and USGS scientists have documented mesophotic coral spawning in captivity for the first time, a breakthrough for coral conservation. This success – which occurred simultaneously at two federal laboratories – supports efforts to understand and restore these deep-water ecosystems. https://lnkd.in/eAUV9HgP? #CoralRestoration #Spawning Partners in this effort: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), NOAA Fisheries, NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation