National Aquarium Dolphins Take a Deep Breath on Camera for Oil Spill Science

Posted Tue, 03/29/2022 - 13:52
By Megan Ewald, Office of Response and Restoration

Dolphin anatomy and behavior put them at high risk of inhaling oil during spills. They breathe at the surface, where oil floats. Unlike humans, who have noses that serve as air filters, dolphins blow holes connect almost directly to their lungs. This creates a more direct pathway for toxic oil to enter their bodies.

Rachel Carson: Biologist, Writer, Role Model

Posted Wed, 03/16/2022 - 16:00
By Megan Ewald, Office of Response and Restoration

Remembering Rachel Carson and the books that ignited the environmental movement for Women's History Month.

March is Women's History Month, a federal celebration honoring the achievements of women’s contributions to American history. Recognizing the achievements of women creates role models for the next generation and inspires women and girls to reach their full potentials. This is particularly important in the sciences.

Incident Responses for February 2022

Posted Fri, 03/11/2022 - 13:33

Every month OR&R’s Emergency Response Division provides scientific expertise and services to the U.S. Coast Guard on everything from running oil spill trajectories to model where the spill may spread, to possible effects on wildlife and fisheries and estimates on how long the oil may stay in the environment. This month OR&R responded to 12 incidents in February, including oil discharges, grounded vessels, and other pollution-related incidents.  

How OR&R’s Partners in Florida Use Environmental Sensitivity Index Maps and Data

Posted Fri, 02/25/2022 - 13:35
Shane O'Neal, Office of Response and Restoration, and Timyn Rice, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute.

The state of Florida has the most coastline of any in the contiguous United States, from sandy beaches to subtropical islands, estuaries, mangroves, and everything in between. Protecting these critical coastal resources is a major task, and NOAA’s Environmental Sensitivity Index product is a crucial tool in the state’s belt. 

Incident Responses for January 2022

Posted Fri, 02/11/2022 - 16:19

Every month OR&R's Emergency Response Division provides scientific expertise and services to the U.S. Coast Guard on everything from running oil spill trajectories to model where the spill may spread, to possible effects on wildlife and fisheries and estimates on how long the oil may stay in the environment. This month OR&R responded to eight incidents in January, including oil discharges, grounded vessels, and other pollution-related incidents.  

Protecting Protected Species: Breaking Down How NOAA Helps Conserve Protected Species as Part of its Mission
By Dale Youngkin, NOAA's Office of Protected Resources
alyssa.gray Tue, 01/25/2022 - 22:41

A whale breaching out of icy water, a sea turtle crawling onto the sandy shore to lay eggs, or a salmon swimming upriver to spawn, few species capture our hearts and imaginations more than protected species. However, it wasn’t until relatively recently that they were protected under U.S. law. 

Are You Prepared for Remote Work Disruptions?
By Savannah Turner, Office of Response and Restoration
alyssa.gray Tue, 01/18/2022 - 00:36

A full-scale business continuity exercise occurred worldwide, in early 2020, when the coronavirus outbreak forced employees to work from home. While never before on this kind of scale, continuity of operations is not a new concept, evidenced by the protracted telework situation many of us still find ourselves in. However, continuity plans require review and need to be updated, which gives rise to the question, after 22 months of working from home, have you identified or assessed what hazards pose the greatest risk to your ability to safely continue to work from home? 

Incident Responses for December 2021

Posted Mon, 01/10/2022 - 13:04

Every month our Emergency Response Division provides scientific expertise and services to the U.S. Coast Guard on everything from running oil spill trajectories to model where the spill may spread, to possible effects on wildlife and fisheries and estimates on how long the oil may stay in the environment. This month OR&R responded to 11 incidents in December, including oil discharges, grounded vessels, and other pollution-related incidents.