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.
RECENT NEWS
Ocean Pavilion kicks off COP28 with powerful declaration
Ocean leaders deliver Dubai Ocean Declaration, underscoring the sea’s vital role in regulating our climate

🧦 "And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care..."
🎄Get into the festive spirit with the #WHOI Shop`s delightful collection of socks and accessories! Best of all, every purchase supports our marine research! 🔬 🌊
📆 Order your goodies by December 14 to get them in time for Christmas!
#HolidayCheer #GiftsThatGiveBack #SupportScience
Dec 6

Are fish the real climate heroes? 🐟Scientists estimate #OceanTwilightZone creatures may help shuttle billions of tons of carbon annually into the ocean depths, away from the atmosphere. #WHOI scientist Ken Buesseler made an appearance on @NPR to explain why that may be the case. Dive deeper at #linkinbio 🌊 #ClimateHeroes
📸 @UndercurrentVideo
Dec 5

#WHOI microbiologist @julesdeep takes you back to the #DoradoOutcrop, site of the original #octopusgarden discovery 10 years ago. She’s sailing on the @schmidtocean ship #FalkorToo with a high-power team of hydrogeologists, microbiologists, ecologists, and geochemists to better understand conditions in these vibrant, life-giving seamounts.
📲 See the #linkinbio to follow the journey!
#OctoOdyssey #DeepLife
📸 courtesy of Schmidt Ocean Institute
Dec 4

🌊🌊🌊 We`re making waves this weekend at the @cop28uaeofficial #OceanPavilion!
Several dignitaries joined us on stage and off, including Prince Albert II of Monaco, UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis, and @unenvironment #GoodwillAmbassador and Grammy nominee @rockydawuni!
Following talks on ocean alkalinity, declining oxygen levels in the deep sea, and international efforts to save our oceans (and the planet) with science, Patti Harris of @bloombergdotorg announced a $250 million fund to mitigate the effects of climate change with the power of the #ocean.
Stay tuned, we`re only on Day 4 of the two-week UN climate conference!
#ForOurBluePlanet #UniteActDeliver
Dec 3

🌊 Does someone on your holiday shopping list love the #ocean? Show them you care, too, with the gift of a #WHOI membership!
🐋 WHOI members are passionate about marine conservation and science. Join them in making a lasting impact: a healthier, more sustainable ocean for generations to come.
🎁 This holiday season, give the gift of membership! Visit the link in bio for details.
#GiftTheOcean #ATreasureWorthSharing
Dec 3

🎁 💡🎁 Need some inspiration this holiday shopping season? Elevate your gift-giving game with amazing finds from #WHOI`s online store! Discover a range of fantastic ideas for the #ocean-lovers on your list, from shirts and onesies to hats, ornaments, and puzzles.
🌊🔬 Best part? Your purchase supports ocean science! Unwrap the joy of giving and make a meaningful impact this season at shop.whoi.edu
#GiftsThatGiveBack #HolidayShopping #SupportScience
Dec 2

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.
FEATURED PROJECTS
We have over 1,000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff working around the globe and cutting edge laboratories to push the boundaries of knowledge about the ocean.

Ocean and Climate Innovation Accelerator
Bringing together industry, academia, and philanthropy to develop and accelerate new climate change solutions.

Ocean Twilight Zone
Exploring the globe-spanning region beneath the sunlit upper ocean where life thrives

Ocean Worlds
Discovering the links between life in our ocean and the search for life beyond Earth

Marine Microplastics Initiative
Investigating the fate of microplastics and their impacts on marine life and human health

Super Reefs
Searching for corals around the world to help ensure a future for reefs in a warming ocean

Ocean Observatories Initiative
The NSF-funded program measures physical, chemical, geological and biological properties from the seafloor to the air-sea interface.

HADEX
Research and exploration of the deepest parts of the ocean, Earth’s final frontier

Reef Solutions
Working to protect corals and reverse the global decline of reef ecosystems
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.
Exploring the oceans in depth, highlighting the research and researchers at WHOI in news, features, and interviews.
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.