The United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific and regulatory agency of the U.S. federal government, housed within the Department of Commerce. It is an institution tasked with forecasting weather, monitoring oceanic and atmospheric conditions, charting the seas, and managing marine resources. NOAA was established on October 3, 1970, by President Richard Nixon and Congress. The agency was created under Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970, which became effective under 5 U.S.C. 906 and consolidated several existing scientific agencies. The problem it solved was the need for a unified approach to the oceans and atmosphere, aiming for better protection of life and property from natural hazards and a more intelligent use of marine resources.
NOAA works through its core mission of science, service, and stewardship, which is carried out by six major line offices. Key mechanisms include the National Weather Service (NWS), which provides weather and climate forecasts and warnings, and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), which manages and conserves coastal fisheries. The agency's functions also include operating environmental satellites, managing national marine sanctuaries, and conducting deep-sea exploration. NOAA connects to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for satellite operations and works with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on environmental regulation. Its historical roots trace back to the Survey of the Coast established in 1807 by President Thomas Jefferson.
Recently, the agency has faced significant changes, particularly in 2025 and 2026, following a change in administration. These changes include the termination of hundreds of employees, the disbanding of several advisory committees focused on climate and marine issues, and the termination of contracts and grants for research. For instance, the federal grant funding for the Cooperative Institute for Modeling the Earth System (CIMES) was terminated in May 2025, and the administration targeted the budget for the Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI). Additionally, new restrictions were placed on scientists' international engagements and communications. Despite these changes, the core structure of the line offices, such as the National Weather Service, remains, though its operations have been affected by staffing and budget cuts.