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OUR OCEAN. OUR PLANET. OUR FUTURE.®

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's premier independent organization dedicated exclusively to ocean research, technology, and education. We combine state-of-the-art science, engineering, and ship operations to unravel the mysteries of the deep and devise science-based solutions to planet-wide problems.

It’s not a view you get every day… but having your mind blown is just one of the perks of diving in #Alvin! ⁠
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#WHOI deep-sea biologist Tim Shank and ALVIN pilot Bruce Strickrott were exploring a #hydrothermalvent field along the #EastPacificRise (~200 miles off of western Mexico) when they turned off the vehicle lights and saw the vent chimneys silhouetted by a research camera system known as the MISO elevator.⁠
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ALVIN is the only human-occupied submersible in the US capable of bringing three people as deep as 6500 meters, or nearly four miles! ⁠
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📲Check out more mind-blowing milestones from ALVIN’s 60-year history at the bio 🔗 ⁠
📣We’re at @cop29_azerbaijan, to #speakfortheocean! ⁠
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With over two dozen signatories to the #BakuDeclaration, we’re calling on #oceanleaders to recognize the ocean’s role in mitigating the #climatecrisis –and urge them to support the quest for collaborative, equitable solutions based in ocean #science.⁠
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The #ocean has already absorbed 90% of the excess heat­– and 30% of the carbon– produced by human greenhouse gas emissions. To tackle the climate, biodiversity, and freshwater triple-threat, we need to dramatically scale up research that will enable informed decisions to protect our ocean planet.⁠
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📲 Head to the 🔗 in our bio to read the full Baku Declaration! ⁠
🎖️In honor of #VeteransDay, get to know @us.marine.corps #vet and #WHOI Business Analyst Ron Timm!⁠
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My time in the Marine Corps certainly molded me in a way that helped my career over the years. We learn the importance of teamwork and relying on one another. No project is successful unless people work together to accomplish the task. The trick is to learn what works best for each individual and work with them so they can excel. Now, when we’re in situations where we’re unsure of how to do something, I’ve learned to keep pressing forward and pay attention to find solutions. ⁠
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If I could give any advice to my younger self, it would be, “Don't be afraid to take calculated risks, especially if you are confident that the outcome will help others.”⁠
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For many years at WHOI, I’ve had the freedom to make suggestions, provide input, and seek out ways to simplify processes. I’ve been given the opportunity to assist many different departments and bring in software solutions to make things easier or better. I look forward to what we'll be able to accomplish in the near future. Technology is moving fast, and I’m fortunate to play a small role in trying to keep up with it for our Business Systems.⁠
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📲Find more #HumansofWHOI at the 🔗 in bio!
It’s #NativeAmericanHeritageMonth! In celebration, we invite you to view Shellfish: Sustaining Communities, a video series produced by members of @mwtribeofficial in collaboration with @whoiseagrant.⁠
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🐚 Explore the history of shellfish in #Wampanoag culture– and the challenges facing our shared marine resources. Watch the full series at the 🔗 in our profile!⁠
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📹️ by T Moon Productions
#Tico, an endangered #manatee, had just been released back into the wild off the coast of Brazil when he got caught in a current that took him 2,500 miles north to Venezuela!⁠
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📲 Float over to the 🔗  in our profile to read the incredible true story of Tico's survival, the determination of his @ongaquasis caretakers, and how one #WHOI scientist helped to bring him home!⁠
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🎨 by @charin.park © WHOI

OUR WORK

WHOI is at the forefront of groundbreaking science and technology development, unlocking the mysteries of our ocean, its connections to life on Earth, and solutions it may hold to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.

Our scientists and engineers lead more than 800 concurrent projects, tackling some of the most challenging and important problems of our time, from climate change and ocean pollution to sustainable food and energy production.

We operate a fleet of research vessels and vehicles, including two large ships (R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis), a smaller coastal research vessel, the iconic human-occupied submersible Alvin, and dozens of other underwater robots.

Through our higher education programs, including the prestigious MIT-WHOI Joint Program, we train new generations of ocean scientists, engineers, and leaders-providing access to cutting edge facilities and unparalleled access to the sea.

WHOI plays a leading role in ocean communications, sharing our insights and knowledge about the ocean to the general public, policymakers, educators, and more, so we can make wise decisions about our ocean, our planet, and our future.

KNOW YOUR OCEAN

The ocean covers more than 2/3 of Earth's surface and is a fundamental reason why life exists on Earth-but yet many know so little about it. Dive in to learn more about our ocean planet.

EXPLORE WITH US

For nearly a century, WHOI has been one of the best known and most trusted names in ocean science and exploration. Become a part of the research that shapes our understanding of the ocean, our planet, and life on Earth.