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
The value of iron for a seal
WHOI researchers travel to remote Sable Island to determine if iron gives gray seal pups a head start in life
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🌊 Like it or not, sea levels are rising. We can bury our heads in the sand, or adapt to a more watery world.
Knowledge is power! 📲 Register for a live virtual discussion with #WHOI experts at the link in bio.
#OceanEncounters is an official event of @unoceandecade
Apr 17
🪼🦑 How do scientists get a Fitbit on a soft-bodied #jellyfish or #squid? 🤷🏽
Traditional tagging devices are fairly easy to get on lobsters and sharks, but animals with a little more squish– not so much. That`s why experts from #WHOI and @mit developed a new, non-invasive #sensor that attaches to gelatinous animals with quick-drying hydrogel!
📲 Find out how they`re gettin` sticky with it at the 🔗 in our bio!
📹️ by Rachel Mann ©️ WHOI
Apr 17
🪸🎶🪸What makes coral larvae want to settle down and start building? Could sound have something to do with it?
To test this theory #WHOI scientists built an underwater speaker system and played the recorded sounds of a healthy ecosystem in degraded reefs. Their study showed that this method increased #coral settlement, and could also attract fish!
🔈 Head to the link in bio to hear the sweet sound of restoration from @npr!
📸 by @austinanywhere & @dan_mele_photography © WHOI
Apr 16
Want more #WhereTheWeirdThingsAre? Join us at our Ocean Science Discovery Center this Wednesday at 11:15am to hear the rest of this book– and meet some real-life ocean critters!
📲 Check the bio link for more details about our free and fun April #VacationWeek activities!
Apr 16
🌊🌏️🌊The @unoceandecade (2020-2030) is an incredible opportunity to focus worldwide efforts on protecting our ocean planet. At last week’s #OceanDecade24 conference in Barcelona, #WHOI Marine Policy Center director Kilaparti Ramakrishna highlighted the role of the G20 and science partnerships to achieve sustainable development goals. Other members of the WHOI team presented important research and took part in strategy sessions dedicated to increasing #oceanliteracy.
🥂Wrapping up an incredible week of collaboration, we co-hosted a reception with @environmental_defense_fund and @oceanconservancy to celebrate WHOI’s #OceanTwilightZone Project. While toasting the informed decision-making made possible by collaborative research, the co-hosts shared what’s on the horizon for mid-ocean zone protections.
Our ocean advocacy efforts continue this week with @ourocean2024 in Athens, Greece. Stay tuned!
Apr 16
🆘 On this day in 1912, RMS #Titanic sank in the iceberg-studded North Atlantic, killing over 1,500 passengers and crew.
In 1985, a #WHOI + @ifremer_officiel research mission discovered the wreckage 12,000 feet deep off the coast of Newfoundland. The following year, WHOI scientists, led by Bob Ballard, returned to the wreck site for a full survey with ROV Jason Jr and #HOVAlvin.
In honor of last year`s re-release of the #TitanicMovie, we published a video of over an hour of shipwreck survey footage– as seen by the expedition crew– on YouTube. This unprecedented, haunting view of the storied ship went viral.
🛟 Help keep Titanic’s legacy alive– vote for Titanic in the People’s Voice Webby Award at the link in bio!
Apr 15
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
