By Dennis Powell, e-Management

What do seafood, beach communities, and national security have in common? The answer is simple: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). A few years back I was surprised to learn that NOAA, pronounced “Noah,” is an operating unit with the U.S. Department of Commerce. Although its mission does affect commerce, NOAA is also an agency focused on the science of the environment, water masses, and the atmosphere. The agency consists of several organizations called line offices including the National Weather Service (NWS), the National Ocean Service (NOS), and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Other NOAA line offices include the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS); the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR); and the Office of Program Planning & Integration (PPI).

What’s the Deal with NOAA?
On the surface, NOAA may seem slightly boring or even somewhat uninteresting; but NOAA’s work is more interesting and far-reaching than you may think. Here are a few interesting aspects of NOAA’s work.

1. NOAA supports our national security operations. Information from NESDIS satellites helps our military around the world by providing real-time data. For example, the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) provides intelligence on global environmental data, including surface conditions, cloud covering, and snow. Such data are crucial to military operations.
2. NOAA promotes commerce and a stronger economy. Research from NOAA encourages economic development and commerce. The NOS focuses on the well-being and resiliency of coastal communities around the U.S.A. including the Great Lakes region. Coastal communities around the country attract tens of millions of visitors annually and add more than $6.6 trillion to the U.S. economy every year according to NOS.  The NOAA agency is supporting the Hurricane Sandy Rebuilding Strategy, which will help the economic recovery of New Jersey and other coastal areas affected by Superstorm Sandy.  Additionally, NOS data and services help to “inform decision making” and to ensure the future safety of our shores.
3. NOAA forecasts potential disasters. NOAA scientists are committed to providing research that supports better understanding of the weather, climate, air quality, as well as costal and oceanic resources.  OAR sometimes referred to as “NOAA Research” provides information, which enables better forecasts of natural disasters and other phenomena. OAR assisted in the modernization of the NWS, which provides “weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy.” This means that forecast of potentially devastating weather events will improve overtime and allow us to be better prepared for looming catastrophes.
4. NOAA protects our seafood. If you like seafood, then you may love NOAA even more. Why? One of the agency’s responsibilities is to safeguard the food you eat.  Specifically, NOAA’s Law Enforcement Program keeps a watchful eye over coastal regions to ensure “domestic laws and international treaties” are followed by people and corporations. NOAA monitors seafood mislabeling, unlawful fishing, and other infractions. So, the next time you have your favorite crab cake, tilapia, or salmon dish, be sure to think about how NOAA helped to ensure your safety.

From 1807 to Today
NOAA’s origin goes way back to 1807. Then, it was known as the Survey of the Coast—the first science-based agency in the U.S.A.  Today, NOAA warns the public on weather disturbances and operates satellites that provide important data for commerce, national security, and the scientific community.  So, (1) were you familiar with NOAA or any of its line offices (e.g., NWS, NOS) prior to reading this blog posting? (2) What are your impressions of NOAA? (3) What are the kinds of projects you would like to see from NOAA in the future?