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.
30 by 30: How do we get there?
Researchers contribute to a bold initiative to conserve 30% of the global ocean by 2030
Read 
Read 
🤔Could increasing the ocean`s alkalinity help it take up more CO2 from the atmosphere? And even if so, is it safe and effective?
#WHOI scientist Adam Subhas, who is leading an investigation into these questions, shared his research goals during the recent @bostonglobe Summit.
📲 Watch the rest of the discussion at the 🔗 in bio!
#oceanclimatesolutions #mCDR #marinecarbondioxideremoval #oceanalkalinity
Oct 2
🤔 Why did 6 communities experience record-breaking storm surge during #HurricaneHelene`s rampage across Florida`s #GulfCoast?
As #WHOI physical oceanographer Chris Piecuch explains in @washingtonpost, the area has "seen anywhere from 9-10 or 12 inches of sea level rise over past the past century. If the same storm had hit two decades ago, there would have been a considerably lower water level there.”
📲 Get the full story at the 🔗 in our profile!
📸: A storm surge hits Gulfport, FL as Hurricane Helene passed through the Gulf of Mexico © Thomas Simonetti for The Washington Post
Oct 1
🎉Please join us in celebrating today’s announcement from @macfound that Benjamin Van Mooy, a #WHOI senior scientist + Interim Vice President for Science and Engineering, has been awarded a prestigious #MacArthur Fellowship, informally known as a #geniusgrant.
According to the MacArthur team, “Van Mooy is filling critical gaps in our understanding of intricate biogeochemical networks that sustain life on Earth and of how climate change could impact the health and productivity of our oceans.”
In a statement, Van Mooy expressed “extreme gratitude for all the folks that have touched my life, particularly the WHOI technical staff members, postdocs, and graduate students that have made my lab group a place to explore creative ideas about how the ocean works.”
📲Learn more about Van Mooy`s research + impact at the 🔗 in our profile!
Oct 1
🍂🐡🍃Although the land and open ocean may seem worlds apart, coastal #debris such as fallen leaves, broken twigs, and discarded fruit are an essential part of the #planktonic ecosystem. Before they’re broken down by marine microbes, these bits of terrestrial matter serve as lifeboats for vulnerable juvenile fish and small octopuses navigating the vast, perilous waters.
With no solid ground beneath them and predators lurking everywhere, these tiny planktonic animals are exposed and defenseless. But by attaching themselves to floating debris, they gain a critical advantage. These natural rafts allow them to stay suspended at their preferred depth, conserving energy they would otherwise expend swimming against currents.
Floating leaves and twigs also conceal small creatures from view or making them appear larger, thereby increasing their chances of survival during their long planktonic journey.
📲 Have you ever seen an animal using debris as a survival technique? Share your observations in the comments! Words + 📸 by Jialing Cai @homoplankton
Oct 1
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
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.
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