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
30 by 30: How do we get there?
Researchers contribute to a bold initiative to conserve 30% of the global ocean by 2030
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50 million years ago, during the Eocene, the ocean was much hotter than it is today. But marine life didn’t wane under the stress. It exploded! 🦈🐠🦐🪸
🤔What does this mean for our #climatefuture? #WHOI paleobiologist Elizabeth Sibert @upsidedownelizabeth turns to tiny fish #fossils for answers.
📲 Find out what she knows in the #Oceanus story– 🔗 in bio!
📸 by @the_hentzoriginal ©️ WHOI
Sep 30
🌀🌊🌏️ WHOI scientists study ocean circulation to better understand its influence on our lives and ecosystems. WHOI members help support this research, which is so critical to understanding our changing planet. That`s why we`re giving away a #WHOI membership to a lucky someone who responded to our #OceanInMotion trivia last week!
We`re tallying the correct answers and will be contacting the winner soon. Meanwhile, you can still tickle your brain (and get the correct answers) by swiping 👉🏾
P.S. You can always join our community at the 🔗 in our profile!
Sep 30
♻️ In the big picture of the #carboncycle, phytoplankton at the ocean surface transform CO2 from the atmosphere into energy that fuels the marine food chain. This #biologicalcarbonpump is responsible for much of the organic carbon that eventually sinks to the bottom of the ocean, where it`s locked away for centuries. But how does it get there– and where is that pump most productive?
A new study from #WHOI researchers and partners shows that shallow waters make the best carbon sinks– and deeper, low-oxygen waters are some of the least productive.
📲Learn more about this @nsfgov funded research from @agu.oceans at the 🔗 in our profile!
📸: An algae bloom in the Baltic Sea captures carbon when the algae dies and sinks to the seafloor. Credit: contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2019), processed by the European Space Agency, CC BY-SA IGO 3.0
Sep 30
🪼🕺🏽👕Want this groovy, limited-edition #PsychedelicJellyfish T-shirt? Become a WHOI member!
All gifts of $60 or more before midnight TONIGHT will be DOUBLED, up to $50,000– thanks to the generosity of a WHOI Trustee and #MIT_WHOI Joint Program alum!
#WHOI members directly support our research programs, which are so critical to understanding our changing planet. Please consider joining our community at the 🔗 in our profile!
Sep 29
☕ Did you know that it`s #NationalCoffeeDay?!
Whether you`re feelin` #pumpkinspice or you like it iced, our insulated travel mug will keep your favorite brew hot (or cold) for up to 6 hours—ideal for caffeine-fueled adventures on land or sea.
Plus, every sip helps support ocean research. Give the gift of coffee and conservation today! 🐠
Sep 29
🌡️🌏🌊 Global warming is ocean warming. That`s not only bad for animals like coral and fish: it has the potential to change how ocean currents distribute heat and nutrients around the globe.
So, just how much additional heat from the atmosphere has been taken up by the ocean since the 1850s? Share your best guess in the comments and we`ll enter you in a raffle to become a #WHOI member –and get our latest Psychedelic Jellyfish T-shirt!
Already a member, or just want to support our ocean research? Sign up at the 🔗 in our profile!
Sep 28
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