National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA was created in 1970 as a science-based agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce. Its mission is “to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment and to conserve, protect, and manage coastal, marine, and Great Lakes’ resources to meet our nation’s economic, social, and environmental needs” Lubchenco J., What is NOAA?, January 2010.

The main activities of NOAA are focused on the following services:
• NOAA National Weather Service
• NOAA National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS)
• NOAA Fisheries Service
• NOAA National Ocean Service (NOS)
• NOAA Research
• NOAA Office of Marine & Aviation Operations