March 14, 2025
What Does NOAA Do?
BY: Erin Vande Ven
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a world-renowned science agency whose mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts; to share that knowledge and information with others; and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. NOAA’s roots date back to 1807 under President Thomas Jefferson. It is the single most important government agency supporting our oceans and coasts and the millions of people that rely on them. NOAA’s value extends well beyond our coasts; NOAA experts provide critical data and services nationwide, supporting American businesses and innovation.
NOAA has a proven legacy of success, from improving the health of our oceans and fisheries; keeping the American public informed about important weather events; and supporting the billion-dollar U.S. marine economy. In 2022, the U.S. marine economy generated $777 billion in sales, and supported 2.4 million jobs, and contributed a total of $476 billion in economic impact. Let’s take a deeper look to really answer the question: “What does NOAA do?”
What does noaa do
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
The National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather, climate forecasts, and warnings for the United States, its territories, adjacent waters and oceans.
With a lack of information about severe weather events to convey timely and life-saving information, more lives and property could be lost in disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and blizzards.
PROTECTED MARINE SPECIES
NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources plays a key role in protecting our oceans through the management of the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. This part of NOAA provides support for fisheries and other activities in marine habitats to foster ongoing recovery of animals at risk of extinction, while supporting marine industries. Endangered or threatened marine wildlife like North Atlantic right whales, oceanic whitetip sharks, Hawaiian monk seals, and some sea turtles are a few examples of species that need NOAA.
FISHERY MANAGEMENT
Sustainable fishing and aquaculture are a significant economic driver for our coastal communities and states. NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service ensures the productivity and sustainability of fisheries and fishing communities through science-based decision-making and management of U.S. waters. NOAA’s Office of Sustainable Fisheries supports the management of hundreds of fish populations from Alaska to the Pacific Islands to New England and the Caribbean. They do this through science and policy that provides the greatest benefit to the nation under the Magnuson Stevens Act and other laws.
U.S. fisheries set the bar as some of the best managed, most abundant fisheries in the world and without effective management U.S. waters could be overfished, depleted, and empty.
COASTAL IMPACT
NOAA also conducts scientific research to better manage and restore the environment and protect Americans from natural disasters. Part of this includes operating a fleet of marine research vessels essential to our understanding and management of our coasts and oceans.
why this matters
NOAA faces a myriad of threats right now, including cuts to its personnel and programs. They are a stark reminder that hurricanes won’t wait to form, species won’t recover on their own, and our oceans won’t save themselves.
The role NOAA plays is essential to keeping Americans informed about weather events, ensuring U.S. fish populations are abundant, protecting endangered animals like whales and turtles, and supporting critical scientific research. Without NOAA, our oceans, Great Lakes, and coastal economies — and the people who rely on them — will suffer severe consequences.
No matter where you live, NOAA’s programs impact you and our oceans. That’s why it’s so important to make sure the agency is fully funded, staffed, and able to function at its fullest potential.
How You Can Get Involved
Your representatives answer to you! Join Oceana and take action today to call on your members of Congress to save NOAA and its programs that are critical to our oceans, coastal communities, economy, and communities.
