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
WHOI senior scientist named 2024 MacArthur Fellow
Benjamin Van Mooy receives “genius grant” for his research on biogeochemical networks and the impacts of climate change on ocean health
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Good news! A new study shows the #GulfStream isn’t slowing down as significantly as previous studies suggested. 😅
When properly calibrated, measurements of the #FloridaCurrent are "remarkably stable," according to the study authors, assuaging concerns that a slowdown could disrupt the Gulf Stream and Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or #AMOC.
#WHOI physical oceanographer Sophie Hines, who has not involved in the study, tells @sciencenewsmagazine that the finding underscores the importance of continuing to study one of the world`s most important #currents.
📲Get the full story at the 🔗 in our profile!
📸: The Florida Current bends around the Florida peninsula, whisking warm, salty water from the Gulf of Mexico into the northbound Gulf Stream. Credit: @nasagoddard Scientific Visualization Studio
Oct 6
🦈 Do you have a little shark enthusiast at home?
Check out these “Go Shark Go!” playing cards—an exciting twist on the classic “Go Fish!” 🃏 Each card features beautiful illustrations of various shark species, perfect for sparking curiosity and making memories!
📲 Go #WHOI Shop and support our marine science!
Oct 5
#WHOI marine biologist & veterinarian Michael Moore has spent most of his career studying critically endangered North Atlantic #rightwhales. He’s one of many scientists navigating complicated feelings toward #offshorewind projects.
While more research is needed to determine offshore wind’s impacts on marine mammals, Moore says that unfounded claims of direct harm from the wind industry overshadow other aspects of the conversation. 🐋
📲 Read or listen to Moore`s thoughts, following a recent visit to the Vineyard Wind site, in a story from @wcai_npr (🔗 in bio)
📸 by Eve Zuckoff/WCAI
Oct 5
Rain in the desert? 🏜️🌧️
It’s typical for the #Sahara to get some summer storms, but not a year’s worth of rainfall in a matter of days! #WHOI President & Director Peter De Menocal tells @abcnews that record-high ocean temperatures likely caused the tropical rain belt to shift, causing catastrophic flooding across West + Central Africa.
Will this trend continue? 📲 Find out in the full story (link in bio)!
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1- @nasa satellite view of the African continent, showing a band of green across the southern Sahara
2 - Flash flooding in Merzouga, a small Moroccan town in the Sahara Desert, near the Algerian border. Credit: Majority World/ Universal Images/Getty Images
3 - Extensive flooding in the Diffa region in Niger. Credit: Giles Clarke/Getty Images
Oct 4
🫧 Immerse yourself in the beauty of #bioluminescence this weekend at a special #ARTECHOUSEDC x #WHOI exhibit! This #immersive #audiovisual experience highlights the nightly migration of marine animals that live in the #OceanTwilightZone, a mid-ocean ecosystem that`s critical to maintaining the health of our planet!
@thegeorgetowner calls the exhibit a “journey into the heart of our planet’s vital resources.” Get a glimpse of what to expect at the 🔗 in our profile– or just head over to @artechouse!
Oct 4
What happens to #seaweed when it sinks? A new #WHOI-led and @nsfgov-funded study found that #sargassum is becoming a food source for #deepsea #isopods! The rarely-seen crustacean`s snack of choice can tell us a lot about their role in easing climate change (and stinky beaches)– and even more about how they’ve adapted over time.
📲Dive into the @miamiherald story at the 🔗 in our profile!
📸: A close-up image of an isopod enjoying sargassum. Credit: @the_hentzoriginal ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Oct 3
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