What do you know about NOAA?  First, do you know what NOAA stands for? Second, do you know what NOAA does and third do you know how you can be part of NOAA?

NOAA is the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, a division of the US Department of Commerce.  “NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them.”

NOAA has many programs is an information source for both divers and non-divers.  One of the many programs available is CoRis or Coral Reef Information System.  Anyone can find out information about the health of coral reefs throughout the world.  Nice information to know as you plan your next dive/snorkel trip.  NOAA also maintains the National Marine Fisheries Service, which monitors and informs the public about fish programs in the US including FishWatch that will help you as a consumer, make sensible decisions about eating sustainable seafood.  An example of this is the Right Bite program at Shedd Aquarium.

Did you know that NOAA also has an ocean website called Ocean Explorer?  Ocean Explorer offers a lot of information about our oceans (dah, the name).  This is one of my favorite sites.  In addition to current information you can even get lesson plans to teach whole units on our oceans from grades 5 - 12.

So now you know who NOAA is and what it does.  You can get involved by following such programs as Right Bite and teaching others about our oceans and what affect we as humans are having on them and the creatures that live in them.  I hope some part of NOAA becomes one of your favorite sites too.