National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

National Marine Fisheries Service

Manages living marine resources for commercial and recreational use, and protects imperiled species and habitats

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov

Office of Constituent Services

Provides the principal source of advice and guidance on matters relating to constituent outreach, trade services, and recreational fisheries affairs

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ocs/

Provides liaison, communications, and outreach between NMFS and the recreational fisheries/industry constituency, traditional and other industry, and professional fisheries organizations

N/A

Office for Law Enforcement

Enforces all federal statutes and regulations under the jurisdiction of NOAA regarding the protection of fisheries, marine sanctuaries, marine mammals, endangered species, and other ocean resources

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/

Ensure compliance with the federal fish and wildlife laws within NOAA's jurisdiction and manage all facets of the regional law enforcement program

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/ole/

Office of Sustainable Fisheries

Provides the principal source of advice and guidance on matters relating to fishery management, international fisheries, fisheries utilization, and aquaculture, and administers financial assistance programs

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/sfweb/index.htm

Manages tunas, billfish, swordfish, pelagic sharks, and other highly migratory species

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms

Coordinates the review of informal and draft fishery management plans and amendments

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/domes_fish/index.htm

Coordinates NMFS activities relating to foreign developments having an impact on living marine resources other than those assigned to the Office of Protected Resources

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/international/index.htm

Advises on fishery management policies

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/reg_svcs/index.htm

Provides technical support services to the National Seafood Inspection Program

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/sfweb/nsil/index.htm

Develops and promotes federal/state "partnership" programs for resource conservation, enhancement, and utilization among NMFS, the coastal states, and the interstate marine fisheries commissions

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/
state_federal/state_federal.htm

Office of Protected Resources

Provides program oversight, national policy direction, and guidance on the conservation and management of marine mammals and endangered species, and their habitats, under the jurisdiction of the secretary of commerce

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/prot_res/prot_res.html

Implements the Marine Mammal Protection Act's regulations concerning marine mammal scientific research, commercial and educational photography, and public display permits and authorizations

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/prot_res/
PR1/Permits/PR1overview.html

Develops, implements, and administers programs for the protection, conservation, and recovery of marine mammals under the jurisdiction of the secretary of commerce

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/

Develops and implements policies, procedures, and regulations for the protection, conservation, and recovery of marine resources and their habitats listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and under the jurisdiction of the secretary of commerce

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/about/

Office of Habitat Conservation

Promotes, influences, and enhances federal actions related to conserving, protecting, managing, enhancing, restoring, and mitigating damage to NOAA trust resources, including species and their habitats

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/

Provides day-to-day oversight and coordination on implementing the strategic plan for the National Habitat Program, NMFS Habitat Conservation Policy, and the habitat provisions of the NOAA and NMFS strategic plans

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/habitatprotection/

Advises and guides NOAA's efforts to restore degraded habitats

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/

Develops and applies interdisciplinary approaches to studying, monitoring, and managing integrated marine and estuarine systems, and manages NMFS involvement in the NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/ead/EADhome.htm

Office of Science and Technology

Advocates and ensures a sound scientific basis for NMFS science programs and resource conservation and management decisions

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/st/

Oversees the implementation of the NMFS strategic plan for fisheries scientific-related information management

http://www.st.nmfs.gov/st1/

Provides strategic scientific advice on resource conservation and management issues and operational resource management decisions, and evaluates scientific activities and NMFS performance of its mission from a scientific perspective

http://www.st.nmfs.gov/st2/

Monitors international trends in science, technology, and global fisheries, and coordinates international scientific activity

http://www.st.nmfs.gov/

Regional Offices

Administer programs to manage living marine resources and their habitats, and fishing industries in NOAA's Alaska Region, Northeast Region, Northwest Region, Southeast Region, and Southwest Region

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/regional.htm

Science Centers

Conduct multidisciplinary research and data collection programs on living marine resources and their habitats, and fishing industries to develop scientific and technical information for the management of these resources

http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/regional.htm

National Ocean Service

Develops the national foundation for coastal and ocean science, management, response, restoration, and navigation

http://oceanservice.noaa.gov

Staff Office for International Programs

Provides a single focal point for NOS-wide international activities and coordinates activities between NOS and national and international governmental agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and donor organizations

http://international.nos.noaa.gov

NOAA Coastal Services Center

Serves the nation's local and state coastal resource management programs with new technology, information, and expertise; projects focus on a site-specific issue; lessons learned are then transferred to others in the coastal management community

http://www.csc.noaa.gov

Special Projects Office

Promotes integration of program capabilities within and across NOS and NOAA to ensure more effective and efficient delivery of products and services to the coastal stewardship community

http://spo.nos.noaa.gov

Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services

Collects and distributes observations and predictions of water levels and currents to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sound maritime commerce

http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov

Office of Coast Survey

C ollects, manages, and compiles the data and information necessary to maintain the national suite of nautical charts and related information

http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov

Plans and manages the development and improvement of charting, hydrographic, and oceanographic systems to provide products and services for the coastal marine community

http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/csdl/

Manages the national database of nautical charting and marine mapping information, the aggregation of information from external sources for database maintenance, and the production of charting products

http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/

Coordinates overall hydrographic, bathymetric, and oceanographic survey activities, including data acquisition and processing in support of the suite of NOAA's nautical charts

http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/hsd/hsd-0.html

Provides a focal point for customer requests and associated responses on charting issues, short-term hydrographic surveys, and Coast Pilot updates

http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/nsd/

National Geodetic Survey

Defines and manages the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS) and contributes to the coastal mapping program, geodetic surveys, and new surveying instrumentation and procedures

http://www.ngs.noaa.gov

Provides a direct relationship between NGS and its clients through the state advisor program, geodetic equipment testing and evaluation, product evaluation, marketing, distribution, and various training programs

N/A

Plans and coordinates geodetic field projects required to preserve and develop the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS)

N/A

Plans, coordinates, monitors, and provides technical direction for all NGS programs and activities requiring the use of aerial photographs and remotely sensed data

http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/RSD/rsd_home.shtml

Conducts geodetic surveys to support the National Spatial Reference System, the location of aeronautical aids to navigation, and the production of airport obstruction charts and coastal maps, charts, and special products in the coastal zone

N/A

Conducts research and development in geophysics, including geodynamics and geodesy, and involving the allied fields of radio astronomy and computer science

http://www.ngs.noaa.gov/GRD/

Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management

Directs the development, implementation, evaluation, and funding of state coastal zone management programs, coastal nonpoint source pollution programs, National Estuarine Research Reserves, and related activities under the Coastal Zone Management Act

http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov

Implements the national dimension of the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program, supports the national system of state, territorial, and commonwealth CZM programs managing coastal resources, and provides policy and program support on coastal management issues

http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/czm/

Responsible for directing the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), and acts as OCRM's representative to states, territories, and other federal agencies on activities related to that program

http://nerrs.noaa.gov

Responsible for providing leadership and coordinating the development of policy analysis and position papers on issues affecting the Coastal Zone Management Act; and works with NOS and NOAA policy offices to ensure that information about the potential impact of legislation on the coastal states is fully understood by Congress

N/A

Identifies, designates, and operates coastal and marine protected areas for purposes of resource protection, monitoring, research, interpretation, and education

http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov

Facilitates the effective use of science, technology, training, and information in the planning, management, and evaluation of the nation's system of marine protected areas

http://www.mpa.gov/mpa_center/mpa_center.html

Office of Response and Restoration

Prevents and mitigates risks to coastal habitats and resources from oil and hazardous materials releases

http://response.restoration.noaa.gov

Responds to oil and chemical spills in U.S. coastal and navigable waters

http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/intro/orr.html#hmrd

Protects and restores coastal habitats and resources affected by hazardous materials releases

http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/cpr/cpr.html

C a rries out natural resources damage assessments for releases of oil and hazardous substances

http://response.restoration.noaa.gov/intro/orr.html#dac

National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science

Provides national leadership in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes science that builds the strong scientific foundation essential for sustainable use of coastal resources

http://coastalscience.noaa.gov

Evaluates the environmental quality of U.S. coastal, estuarine, and Great Lakes areas, and the ecosystem consequences of current and potential anthropogenic stresses on these areas

http://www.ccma.nos.noaa.gov

Conducts research to improve the understanding and prediction of coastal, estuarine, and Great Lakes dynamics and resources to support sustainable use of living and nonliving resources and to protect life and property

http://www.cop.noaa.gov

Conducts research on coastal habitat requirements of early life stages of economically important fish, development of ecologically based habitat restoration criteria, and effects of contaminants on living resources

http://shrimp.ccfhrb.noaa.gov

Conducts interdisciplinary research to resolve issues related to coastal ecosystem health and environmental quality, including public health impacts

http://www.chbr.noaa.gov

National Weather Service

Provides weather, hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories, adjacent waters, and ocean areas

http://www.nws.noaa.gov

International Activities Office

Promotes the international interests of the U.S. meteorologic and hydrologic communities, improving the levels of science, technology, operations, and services worldwide

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/iao/site/iao_home_ie.htm

Office of Science and Technology

Plans, develops, demonstrates, and integrates scientific techniques and system capabilities in response to service requirements of NWS warning and forecast operations at field offices and national centers

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ost/

Develops and implements scientific techniques into NWS operations

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/mdl/

Office of Hydrologic Development

Identifies requirements for the development, testing, and support of hydrologic forecast algorithms/tools and hydrologic data to improve efficiency and effectiveness of NWS hydrologic operations and services

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/

Conducts studies, investigations, and analyses leading to the application of new scientific and computer technologies for hydrologic forecasting and related water resource problems

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/oh/hrl/

Office of Climate, Water, and Weather Services

Oversees delivery of hydrometeorological and climate services and the design and implementation of future products and services

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/

Oversees NWS meteorological warning and forecast operation plans, policies, and procedures

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/msd//index.shtml

Oversees NWS hydrologic warning and forecast operation plans, policies, and procedures

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/water/index.shtml

Oversees NWS climate prediction operations plans, policies, and procedures

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/csd/index.shtml

Oversees plans, policies, and procedures for observing systems critical to NWS operations

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/osd/index.shtml

Office of Operational Systems

Manages operational weather systems and provides system engineering, software management, facilities engineering services, communications, and logistical services

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/oos/index.html

Develops maintenance, logistics, acquisition, engineering, configuration management and safety/environmental compliance policies, procedures, and directives for NWS systems

http://www.ops1.nws.noaa.gov

Manages the development, operations, and maintenance of the national data buoy network

http://seaboard.ndbc.noaa.gov/

National Centers for Environmental Prediction

Develop, produce, and process meteorological, short-term climate, and oceanographic guidance forecast and enhanced forecast and warning products

http://www.ncep.noaa.gov

Improves numerical weather, marine, and climate predictions at NCEP through a broad program of research in data assimilation and modeling

http://www.emc.ncep.noaa.gov

Provides basic hydrometeorological analyses and forecasts for NWS field offices and other meteorological interests

http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov

Originates and issues marine warnings and forecasts, continually monitors and analyzes maritime data, and provides guidance on marine atmospheric variables

http://www.opc.ncep.noaa.gov

Provides climate services consisting of operational prediction of climate variability, monitoring of the climate system and development of databases for determining current climate anomalies and trends, and assessments of the origins of major climate anomalies

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov

Enhances aviation safety by issuing accurate warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather for aviation interests

http://aviationweather.gov

Provides timely and accurate forecasts and watches for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes over the contiguous United States

http://www.spc.noaa.gov

Issues watches, warnings, forecasts, and analyses of hazardous weather conditions in the tropics, both in domestic and international communities

http://www.nhc.noaa.gov

Regional Offices

Manage all operational and scientific meteorological and hydrologic programs of the respective field offices, and adjust plans, policies, and resources affecting these programs

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/organization.html

Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research

Conducts research, develops products, and provides scientific information and leadership toward fostering NOAA's evolving environmental and economic mission

http://www.oar.noaa.gov

Arctic Research Office

Serves as the focal point for NOAA's research activities in the Arctic, Bering Sea, North Pacific, and North Atlantic regions

http://www.arctic.noaa.gov/aro/

Office of Weather and Air Quality

Provides leadership and direction in the development of weather and air quality research programs, priorities, and policies in OAR and across NOAA

N/A

National Sea Grant College Program

Encourages the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, education, outreach, and technology transfer

http://www.nsgo.seagrant.org

Office of Global Programs

Leads the NOAA Climate and Global Change (C&GC) Program and sponsors focused scientific research aimed at understanding climate variability and its predictability

http://www.ogp.noaa.gov

NOAA's Undersea Research Program

Provides undersea scientists with the tools and expertise they need to work in the undersea environment

http://www.nurp.noaa.gov

Ocean Exploration Program

Supports expeditions, exploration projects, and a number of related field campaigns for the purpose of discovery and documentation of ocean voyages

http://explore.noaa.gov

Environmental Research Laboratories

Conduct theoretical and analytical studies and laboratory and field experiments to improve NOAA'ss capabilities, and provide leadership on environmental science issues of national and international importance. The Environmental Research Laboratories include the following: Aeronomy Laboratory, Air Resources Laboratory, Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory, Climate Diagnostics Center, Climate Monitoring & Diagnostics Laboratory, Environmental Technology Laboratory, Forecast Systems Laboratory, Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, National Severe Storms Laboratory, Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, and the Space Environment Center

http://www.oar.noaa.gov/organization/programs/labs.html

National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service

Administers the development and use of all operational civilian satellite-based environmental remote sensing systems and the national and international acquisition, processing, dissemination, and exchange of environmental data

http://www.nesdis.noaa.gov

Geospatial Data and Climate Services

Provides data, information, and services needed to support environmental studies and predictions, resource assessments, data archiving, and dissemination

http://www.eis.noaa.gov

National Oceanographic Data Center

Develops and maintains a national marine environmental database, including acquisition, processing, storage, and retrieval of marine data and information generated by domestic and foreign activities

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov

Acquires, inventories, processes, provides quality control for, and distributes marine environmental data

N/A

Oversees a national library and information system for the collection, evaluation, and dissemination of specialized information in the environmental and related sciences and in marine and coastal resources and engineering

http://www.lib.noaa.gov

Performs scientific analyses; develops improved ocean climatologies for annual, seasonal, and monthly compositing periods; investigates ocean climate variability; builds scientifically, quality-controlled global oceanographic databases; and facilitates international exchange of oceanographic data

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/OC5/

Participates in the acquisition of global oceanographic data, with emphasis on the coastal oceans, estuaries, bays, adjoining seas, and the Great Lakes; processes the data; and ingests the data into databases

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/col/

Provides for the archive of, and access to, the long-term coastal data record

http://www.ncddc.noaa.gov

Office of Satellite Data Processing & Distribution

Manages and directs the operation of the central ground facilities that ingest, process, and distribute environmental satellite data and derived products to domestic and foreign users

http://www.osdpd.noaa.gov

Provides data, analyses, and interpretations from polar orbiting and geostationary satellites

http://www.ssd.noaa.gov

Manages the NOAA central satellite information technology systems necessary for the production, distribution, and on-line access of operational environmental satellite products and services that NESDIS generates to meet the requirements of a wide variety of users

http://www.osdpd.noaa.gov/IPD/IPD.html

Serves as the primary user interface for all direct satellite services from United States operational environmental geostationary and polar orbiting satellites

http://noaasis.noaa.gov/DSD

National Geophysical Data Center

Conducts a data and data-information service in all scientific and technical areas involving solid earth geophysics, marine geology and geophysics, glaciology, the space environment, solar activity, and the other areas of solar-terrestrial physics

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov

Manages environmental data related to the solid earth collected from land, aircraft, and satellite platforms

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/seg/

Provides services for solar-terrestrial environmental data, including data and information acquisition, management, and analysis, and disseminates data electronically and in publications

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/stp/

Responsible for full data services for marine geological and geophysical data, including acquisition, management, and analysis, and dissemination of data and preparation of manuscripts for publication

http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/

National Climatic Data Center

Responsible for data management activities in support of scientific and technical programs involving remotely sensed and in-situ retrospective meteorological data and climatological information

http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov

Acquires, inventories, organizes, processes, and performs quality control of surface (land and marine), upper-air meteorological/climatological data, weather radar, and other information

N/A

Responsible for the scientific integrity and quality of NCDC's data sets and products

N/A

Provides access to climatological data and information originating from both satellite and in-situ data platforms

N/A

Provides scientific leadership in the use of NCDC's satellite and radar data sets, and is responsible for managing the NCDC Technical Library, a component of the NOAA Library System

N/A

Office of Research and Applications

Provides guidance for the development and evolution of spacecraft and sensors, and conducts atmospheric, climatological, and oceanographic research on the use of satellite data for monitoring environmental characteristics and their change

http://www.orbit.nesdis.noaa.gov/star/

Conducts research on the use of satellite data for understanding and monitoring the ocean and coastal environments

N/A

Conducts research on the use of satellite data for monitoring meteorological, climatological, and environmental characteristics

http://www.orbit.nesdis.noaa.gov/smcd/

Provide oversight, management, and direction to a coast-to-coast government and university-based research coalition for remote sensing in the environment

http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/corp/