NOAA Ocean Podcast
- Episodes
- 122
- Released
- monthly
- Latest episode
- Sep 21, 2026
About the podcast
From corals to coastal science, connect with NOAA experts in our podcast series that explores questions about the ocean environment.
Episodes 122
The Origins of NOAA's National Ocean Service
NOAA’s National Ocean Service started as a small scientific agency with one mission, to chart our new nation’s coasts and coastal waters so the many ships that traversed the Atlantic and Caribbean could arrive …
Show notes
NOAA’s National Ocean Service started as a small scientific agency with one mission, to chart our new nation’s coasts and coastal waters so the many ships that traversed the Atlantic and Caribbean could arrive safely. As the years passed, new ocean- and coast-related missions were added to the agency. In this episode, discover the origins of the National Ocean Service, including how two U.S. founding fathers, president Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, played a part in this ocean history lesson.
NOAA Ocean Podcast: Episode 86 - The Origins of NOAA’s National Ocean Service
Sanctuary Spotlight: Olympic Coast
In this episode, we travel to Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Boasting rugged coastlines and encompassing over 3,000 square miles, this special place is home to a rich abundance of marine mammals …
Show notes
In this episode, we travel to Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. Boasting rugged coastlines and encompassing over 3,000 square miles, this special place is home to a rich abundance of marine mammals, seabirds, fish, and invertebrate communities. We explore this area’s origins, maritime culture, and historical legacy, as well as ways you can dive into all our sanctuaries. Our featured expert is Chris Butler-Minor, a community engagement specialist with NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
NOAA Ocean Podcast: Episode 76 -Sanctuary Spotlight: Olympic Coast
Artificial Reefs
Not all reefs in the ocean are naturally occurring. Artificial reefs are human-made structures that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In this episode, we learn about what they are, the benefits they …
Show notes
Not all reefs in the ocean are naturally occurring. Artificial reefs are human-made structures that come in a variety of shapes and sizes. In this episode, we learn about what they are, the benefits they provide, and how the first study was conducted to calculate how much of the seafloor is covered by these reefs.
Hurricane Preparedness and Response
Hurricanes are powerful storms that can threaten life and property. We revisit an episode with our podcast hosts as they discuss the roles of the National Ocean Service in hurricane preparedness, response, and …
Show notes
Hurricanes are powerful storms that can threaten life and property. We revisit an episode with our podcast hosts as they discuss the roles of the National Ocean Service in hurricane preparedness, response, and recovery and how you can prepare for this year’s hurricane season.
Behind the Scenes at NGS
With origins tracing back more than 200 years, NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey is in the business of "knowing where things are." In this episode, we go behind the scenes with NGS Director Juliana Blackwell to …
Show notes
With origins tracing back more than 200 years, NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey is in the business of "knowing where things are." In this episode, we go behind the scenes with NGS Director Juliana Blackwell to get an insider perspective on NGS’s history and mission. She also shares her personal experience as the office’s first female director.
Say Cheese: Wetland Wildlife Inventory
In this episode, we explore how scientists across the National Estuarine Research Reserve System conducted the first-ever North American wildlife inventory of these habitats. We chat with Dr. Kenny Raposa …
Show notes
In this episode, we explore how scientists across the National Estuarine Research Reserve System conducted the first-ever North American wildlife inventory of these habitats. We chat with Dr. Kenny Raposa, research coordinator at Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and lead scientist for the study.
Coral Bleaching
When temperatures rise, coral bleaching can occur. In this episode, we explore what happens during bleaching events, how corals are affected, and how we can help protect these important ecosystems. We’re joined …
Show notes
When temperatures rise, coral bleaching can occur. In this episode, we explore what happens during bleaching events, how corals are affected, and how we can help protect these important ecosystems. We’re joined by coral expert Dana Wusinich-Mendez, Atlantic and Caribbean team lead, and Florida management liaison for NOAA's Coral Reef Conservation Program.
Meteotsunamis
In this episode, we revisit a previous podcast on these storm-fueled waves and discuss how they differ from tsunamis. We're joined by Dr. Gregory Dusek, senior scientist with NOAA's National Ocean Service, to …
Show notes
In this episode, we revisit a previous podcast on these storm-fueled waves and discuss how they differ from tsunamis. We're joined by Dr. Gregory Dusek, senior scientist with NOAA's National Ocean Service, to discuss his study on meteotsunamis.<
Weird Facts About Oil and Oil Spills
When it comes to oil spills and their impacts on marine environments, water and oil don’t mix. In this episode, we chat with an oil spill response expert and share some weird facts about oil and oil …
Show notes
When it comes to oil spills and their impacts on marine environments, water and oil don’t mix. In this episode, we chat with an oil spill response expert and share some weird facts about oil and oil contamination.
The Florida Keys: Dive into History
In this episode, we're heading to the Florida Keys, the only place in the continental United States with shallow water coral reefs. But these corals are not the only thing that make the Keys special. We're …
Show notes
In this episode, we're heading to the Florida Keys, the only place in the continental United States with shallow water coral reefs. But these corals are not the only thing that make the Keys special. We're joined by Brenda Altmeier, maritime heritage coordinator for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to tell us the story of the Florida Keys through maritime history to give you just a taste of why this place is unlike anywhere else in the nation.
Digging into the Science of Sand
In this podcast, we dig into the science behind sand: the ways it’s formed, the benefits it provides ecosystems, and the protection it offers coastal communities. We’re joined by Dr. Matt Kendall, marine …
Show notes
In this podcast, we dig into the science behind sand: the ways it’s formed, the benefits it provides ecosystems, and the protection it offers coastal communities. We’re joined by Dr. Matt Kendall, marine biologist with NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science.
Rip Currents: Preparedness and Prevention
Rip currents pose a threat to those that spend time in the ocean or Great Lakes. In this episode, Dr. Gregory Dusek, senior scientist with NOAA’s National Ocean Service, talks with us about rip currents, NOAA’s …
Show notes
Rip currents pose a threat to those that spend time in the ocean or Great Lakes. In this episode, Dr. Gregory Dusek, senior scientist with NOAA’s National Ocean Service, talks with us about rip currents, NOAA’s national rip current forecast model, and ways to protect yourself and others from this public safety risk.
Gliders: Versatile Vehicles for Underwater Observation
Gliders are autonomous, uncrewed, underwater vehicles that collect data — providing scientists with a more complete picture of what is happening in the ocean and the Great Lakes. In this episode, we dive deep …
Show notes
Gliders are autonomous, uncrewed, underwater vehicles that collect data — providing scientists with a more complete picture of what is happening in the ocean and the Great Lakes. In this episode, we dive deep with Kathleen Bailey, glider program manager with NOAA’s U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, to learn more about these versatile vehicles.USACE: Foundational Research on Rebalancing with Blue Carbon
In this episode, we present a podcast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) called Engineering with Nature®. The show features a panel of experts discussing their research on how blue carbon is helping …
Show notes
In this episode, we present a podcast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) called Engineering with Nature®. The show features a panel of experts discussing their research on how blue carbon is helping to address climate change.Seagrass: Ecosystem Services Provider
Seagrasses are plants that grow in semi salty water to full seawater in the intertidal and subtidal zones of the ocean. As one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, seagrasses offer myriad benefits to …
Show notes
Seagrasses are plants that grow in semi salty water to full seawater in the intertidal and subtidal zones of the ocean. As one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, seagrasses offer myriad benefits to both humans and the organisms that call them home. In this episode, we explore some of the ecosystem services they offer.
Recording Oral Histories
The NOAA Voices Oral History Archive is a collection of more than 2300 oral histories. In this episode, we explore how this valuable resource helps us better understand the impact of weather events, coastal …
Show notes
The NOAA Voices Oral History Archive is a collection of more than 2300 oral histories. In this episode, we explore how this valuable resource helps us better understand the impact of weather events, coastal changes and climate change.
Capturing Snapshots of the U.S. Population
For over six decades, the National Geodetic Survey has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to calculate the U.S. center of population — the precise location where an imaginary, flat, weightless, and rigid map …
Show notes
For over six decades, the National Geodetic Survey has partnered with the U.S. Census Bureau to calculate the U.S. center of population — the precise location where an imaginary, flat, weightless, and rigid map of the United States would balance perfectly if all Americans were of identical weight. Tune in to the latest episode of the NOAA Ocean podcast to learn about the center of population, and how capturing snapshots of the U.S. population reveals long-term migration patterns and even helps us use maps on our smartphones.
Understanding Disease Impacts to Long-Spined Sea Urchins
In this episode, an expert from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program discusses a disease affecting long-spined sea urchin populations in the Caribbean. We explore how disease has impacted these organisms in …
Show notes
In this episode, an expert from NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program discusses a disease affecting long-spined sea urchin populations in the Caribbean. We explore how disease has impacted these organisms in the past, their important role in keeping coral reef systems healthy, and how you can help save them.
Surveying in the Great Lakes
Keeping our marine transportation system moving safely and efficiently through our busy national waterways depends upon hydrography — the science that measures and describes the physical features of bodies of …
Show notes
Keeping our marine transportation system moving safely and efficiently through our busy national waterways depends upon hydrography — the science that measures and describes the physical features of bodies of water through a process called surveying. In this episode, hear how and why this work is done from two NOAA experts who talk about ongoing hydrographic survey missions within the Great Lakes.
Engineering with Nature: USACE, NOAA, and the Value of Partnership
In this episode, we present a podcast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers called Engineering with Nature. Host Sarah Thorne and Todd Bridges, Senior Research Scientist for Environmental Science with the U.S …
Show notes
In this episode, we present a podcast from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers called Engineering with Nature. Host Sarah Thorne and Todd Bridges, Senior Research Scientist for Environmental Science with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the National Lead of the Engineering With Nature® program, are joined by Steve Thur, Director of NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. Sarah, Todd, and Steve discuss how the practice of Engineering With Nature and the application of nature-based solutions are evolving and the importance of protecting critical coastal ecosystems. They also tell the story of the collaboration and partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers and NOAA.
Water Level Stations and their Role in Tsunami Detection
Tsunamis pose a threat to our nation’s coastal communities and can have devastating impacts to lives and property. These powerful forces of nature can be caused by events like earthquakes, landslides, and even …
Show notes
Tsunamis pose a threat to our nation’s coastal communities and can have devastating impacts to lives and property. These powerful forces of nature can be caused by events like earthquakes, landslides, and even volcanic activity like the January 2022 eruption in the Tonga Islands region. Although they can’t be stopped, detecting and monitoring these waves when they occur can help warn the public of possible danger. In this episode, we speak with Paul Fanelli, Lead Oceanographer for NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services to learn how water level stations provide critical data to help issue alerts, and about the unique wave caused by the Tonga eruption.
2022 Sea Level Rise Technical Report
In this episode, we talk with two members of the Federal Sea Level Rise Task Force about the new Sea Level Rise Technical Report, released in 2022. This landmark interagency report provides updated sea level …
Show notes
In this episode, we talk with two members of the Federal Sea Level Rise Task Force about the new Sea Level Rise Technical Report, released in 2022. This landmark interagency report provides updated sea level rise projections based upon global warming amounts for the U.S. coastlines by decade to 2150, and provides data to assess current and changes in minor-to-major flood probabilities out to year 2050. The information is intended to inform coastal communities and others about the effects of current and future sea level rise to aid in decision making.
Episode permanent link, transcript, and show notesThe Future Ocean
In this podcast, we share a new series from the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network called The Future Ocean. It's about the effects of ocean acidification and ocean warming on coastal Alaskans and the seafood …
Show notes
In this podcast, we share a new series from the Alaska Ocean Acidification Network called The Future Ocean. It's about the effects of ocean acidification and ocean warming on coastal Alaskans and the seafood industry. However, you don’t need to live in our 50th state to listen: the themes featured in this series are global. Hear interviews with a number of experts talking about changing ocean conditions and what it means to put a price on carbon emissions as a tool to accelerate renewable energy infrastructure and drive down carbon emissions.
Episode permanent link, transcript, and show notesRestoration: Replacing What Was Lost
When pollution harms our waterways from single events like oil spills or from industrial sites over a span of decades, the cleanup phase is just the beginning. Ultimately, through a process that can take years …
Show notes
When pollution harms our waterways from single events like oil spills or from industrial sites over a span of decades, the cleanup phase is just the beginning. Ultimately, through a process that can take years to decades, settlements are reached with the parties that caused the pollution to fund restoration projects. The goal: to put back what was lost. In this episode, learn how good things like restoration can come from bad things like oil spills and superfund sites.
Marine Protected Areas
From protecting kelp forests and corals to inspiring international collaboration with a common goal, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a vital role in conserving our Earth’s special marine places. In this …
Show notes
From protecting kelp forests and corals to inspiring international collaboration with a common goal, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) play a vital role in conserving our Earth’s special marine places. In this episode, we speak with Lauren Wenzel, director of NOAA’s National Marine Protected Areas Center, about the importance of MPAs, NOAA’s role in managing them, and what the future might look like for these special places.
Connecting the Dots with Modeling (Part Two)
What do harmful algal blooms, dust from the Saharan desert, and hurricanes have in common? They are all pieces of the puzzle that modeling puts together to give us the big picture when it comes to studying and …
Show notes
What do harmful algal blooms, dust from the Saharan desert, and hurricanes have in common? They are all pieces of the puzzle that modeling puts together to give us the big picture when it comes to studying and understanding our ocean and coasts. In part two of this two-part episode, we continue our conversation with scientist Dr. Tracy Fanara about how modeling supports NOAA mission areas and supports coastal communities. We discuss how modeling helps these communities reduce risks to their lives and livelihoods, and how the National Ocean Service works to meet the evolving needs of those who are impacted.
Connecting the Dots with Modeling (Part One)
What do harmful algal blooms, dust from the Saharan desert, and hurricanes have in common? They are all pieces of the puzzle that modeling puts together to give us the big picture when it comes to studying and …
Show notes
What do harmful algal blooms, dust from the Saharan desert, and hurricanes have in common? They are all pieces of the puzzle that modeling puts together to give us the big picture when it comes to studying and understanding our ocean and coasts. In part one of this two-part episode, we take a deep dive into why modeling is important, what kind of data is provided and how collaboration with stakeholders strengthens our knowledge base.
NOAA Custom Chart Tool
NOAA is moving into the digital age by phasing out paper nautical charts over five years. In this episode, we talk with NOAA Corps Capt. EJ Van Den Ameele, chief of Coast Survey's marine chart division, to …
Show notes
NOAA is moving into the digital age by phasing out paper nautical charts over five years. In this episode, we talk with NOAA Corps Capt. EJ Van Den Ameele, chief of Coast Survey's marine chart division, to learn how this transition will affect mariners and why electronic charts offer many advantages over paper. And if you still need paper charts, Coast Survey has you covered. EJ discusses how an online tool called NOAA Custom Chart makes it easy to export printable charts for all maritime areas.
A Laser is Worth a Thousand Words
Lidar stands for light detection and ranging. We explore how this popular remote sensing method supports NOAA’s mission and enables scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and manmade …
Show notes
Lidar stands for light detection and ranging. We explore how this popular remote sensing method supports NOAA’s mission and enables scientists and mapping professionals to examine both natural and manmade environments with accuracy, precision, and flexibility.
Explore Your Ocean with NOAA Ocean Today
Let's dive into the ocean! NOAA Ocean Today offers more than three hundred exciting, scientifically vetted short videos on topics ranging from deep sea exploration to climate change to marine life. Visit Ocean …
Show notes
Let's dive into the ocean! NOAA Ocean Today offers more than three hundred exciting, scientifically vetted short videos on topics ranging from deep sea exploration to climate change to marine life. Visit Ocean Today online, participate in a monthly 'Full Moon' live online show, or visit one of the many Ocean Today interactive kiosks located in museums, aquaria, and zoos around the world. Kurt Mann, Ocean Today Executive Producer, joins us to tell us all about this program.
These are the latest 40 of 122 episodes. You’ll find older episodes in the podcast’s feed.
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