MISSION: ICONIC REEFS EDNA SAMPLING

Employing ‘Omics techniques to examine crucial restoration efforts across the Mission: Iconic Reefs

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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AOML Presents: 12 days of Research

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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A silohuetted researcher stands in front of an aquarium and robotic arm in a dark room dimly lit by blue lights.

The robot and the reef: Can enriched seawater fast-track coral restoration?

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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Point of view looking over the right wing of a Hurricane Hunter P-3 aircraft as it flies overtop pathcy clouds at sunrise.

Inside the Storm: Meet the NOAA team behind hurricane research

Hurricanes are among some of the most destructive natural disasters and pose major risks to coastlines. Given warming oceans, increasing storm intensities, and population growth, advancing hurricane research is vital for tracking storms and predicting their strengths and landfalls. A complex team, from program managers to meteorologists, is essential for successfully predicting, observing, and forecasting […]

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Satellite image of Hurricane Melissa. 2025

Breaking records in the sky and sea: Innovations in research through the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has officially come to an end. Throughout this record-breaking season, NOAA scientists conducted innovative research on tropical cyclones that will improve forecasting accuracy, enhance understanding of storm behavior, and strengthen preparedness efforts for communities. Their work and dedication contributed to a safer and more resilient future for those facing the impacts of extreme weather events.

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Taylor Gill performing a photomosaic on Cheeca Rocks in the SUMMER

Scientists at AOML employ photogrammetry to monitor coral reef infrastructure at unprecedented scale

In a new study, scientists at AOML and the University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) demonstrate how photogrammetry-based techniques enable their team to monitor the persistence and structural complexity of coral reef habitats at an unprecedented scale.  Led by John Morris, Ph.D., a CIMAS Postdoctoral Associate with AOML’s Coral Program, […]

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Oshen C-Star sits in ocean with dark skies in the background.

World first: Mini ocean robot collects data in a Category 5 hurricane

NOAA and Oshen robots bring back key wind and pressure data from Hurricane Humberto A small, wind–powered ocean robot became the first uncrewed surface vehicle to capture and transmit data from inside a Category 5 hurricane on Sunday, September 28, as part of research by NOAA, the United Kingdom-based robotics company, Oshen, and the University […]

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Michael Studivan, Ph.D. collecting a coral core on a reef with dive equipment on

AOML leads National Coral Reef Monitoring Program operations throughout the Atlantic 

The National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP) led by NOAA’s Coral Reef Conservation Program is the largest monitoring effort globally to support the conservation of reefs. Scientists with NOAA’s AOML Coral Program and the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) lead the monitoring efforts in the Gulf of America, Caribbean and the Atlantic […]

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A CIMAS and NOAA researcher manipulates corals in a large a cement tank outside full of corals

Offspring of opportunity: First-ever spawn collected from urban corals in Miami could bolster future reefs

Scientists at NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic & Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) and the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) have successfully overseen the first-ever crossbreeding between grooved brain corals (Diploria labyrinthiformis) collected from a highly urbanized site in PortMiami and a nearby reef – a breakthrough that could revolutionize efforts to restore local coral reefs.

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