With sterile sample bottles at the ready, scientists in the Molecular and Environmental Microbiology Lab at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) prepare to capture water samples for analysis in the lab. Invisible to the naked eye, nutrients, pollutants, and entire communities of bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms drift through these waters leaving clues […]
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Last week, scientists with AOML’s Ocean Carbon Cycle team led a workshop under the international Surface Ocean CO2 Reference Observing Network (SOCONET) on best practices for maintaining an underway pCO2 system and quality-controlling data to standardize crucial measurements of the surface ocean’s uptake of carbon. The global ocean takes up carbon from the atmosphere on […]
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In a new study led by scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) and the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), a novel form of alkalinity enhancement (AE) was demonstrated to significantly enhance the growth rates of corals, a finding that could promote the scaling of coral reef restoration. Coral reef […]
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A new study led by scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) and the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) indicates that stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has long-lasting impacts not only on corals, but also on their bacteria. Just as humans have bacteria and other microbes essential to our […]
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Scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Lab and the Northern Gulf Institute applied omics techniques to provide the first basin-scale assessment of the microbial communities at the base of marine ecosystems across the Gulf region. The new study from Dr. Luke Thompson’s group, conducted by Dr. Sean Anderson and co-authors, is the largest environmental […]
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Scientists at AOML and the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) are employing advanced ‘Omics techniques to holistically examine the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to restore coral reefs throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) under the ambitious Mission: Iconic Reefs initiative. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary consists of 350 miles […]
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As 2025 comes to an end, NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) is proud to present a recap of some of our research accomplishments, creative tools, and significant impacts. Enjoy our “12 days of research” series where we highlight the vital work AOML is conducting to protect life, property, and our natural resources.
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Alkalinity enrichment in the lab may be the key to more effective reef restoration. An innovative Ph.D. student puts this hypothesis to the test using cutting-edge technology. In a tank filled with glass jars, stir bars, and coral babies settled onto ceramic tiles, a robotic arm glides with precision, dosing each jar with various levels […]
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Juvenile Sportfish Project Conducting holistic, longterm assessments of marine ecosystems <!-- JUMP TO DATA OR SCROLL TO LEARN MORE --> What We Do As part of the RECOVER program led by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the Ecosystem Assessment Lab has partnered with NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) to investigate responses of [...]
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Dredging Environmental Monitoring Conducting holistic, longterm assessments of marine ecosystems <!-- JUMP TO DATA OR SCROLL TO LEARN MORE --> What We Do Seafloor dredging of major navigation channels of ports is essential for economic development and maritime safety. However, dredging can lead to environmental degradation and loss of invaluable benthic habitat, and associated loss [...]
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