The foggy wave-torn coast of northern California may not seem like a haven for coral at first glance, but NOAA researchers say they’ve recently discovered a treasure trove of new deep sea habitats in the Gulf of Farallones Sanctuary, not far from San Francisco. The area is a melting pot for deep sea corals, sponges, [...]
Newly discovered habitats in NOAA’s Gulf of the Farallones Sanctuary are an underwater melting pot for deep sea corals, sponges, rockfish, and other species. A partnership of federal and independent scientists found the rocky reef habitats in October in an area with depths reaching 457 meters, where such corals and sponges had not been seen [...]
NCCOS-funded scientists working under the auspices of the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program were recently introduced to the internal research community at special roll-out and open discussion at the Third International Symposium on the Ocean in a High-CO2 World. Three U.S. ocean acidification researchers were recently awarded NOAA Ocean Acidification Program extramural funding. The roll-out introduced [...]
The repair of a massive pipe that carries wastewater to the ocean is inspiring one of the most elaborate scientific investigations in years along the Orange County coast. Missile-shaped robotic gliders, sensors tethered offshore and boats crisscrossing the ocean with instruments in tow – all are part of an attempt to learn which life forms [...]
Beginning in mid-September, the California Orange County Sanitation District (OCSD) is temporarily diverting wastewater effluent from the main discharge pipe located 5 miles offshore (60m depth) of Los Angeles to a shorter pipe 1 mile offshore (17m depth) in order to evaluate the main pipe for maintenance. The diversion will last between 3-8 weeks. An [...]
A recent research paper presents the state-of-knowledge on harmful algae along the west coast of North America. Along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to Mexico, harmful algal blooms (HABs) are responsible for losses to natural resources and coastal economies, and have sickened and killed humans and animals for decades. Recent reports indicate [...]
Take three minutes out of your day to watch this amazing virtual ‘fly-through’ of deep-sea areas within NOAA’s Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary in California. (3:28 minutes) Visualizations like this one help the sanctuary’s managers protect plants and animals important to the area’s fragile habitats. Safeguarding productive places today can ensure a healthier [...]
A new mapping tool has given scientists a first glimpse of an area of the seafloor just west of the San Francisco Bay and, thanks to a new animation, ordinary people can take a ride over the newfound and dramatic topography. The newly mapped ocean floor lies within the Gulf of the Farallones National Marine [...]