General Info

National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, an agency of the United States Commerce Department, is focused on the condition of the oceans and the atmosphere. The agency s mission is to understand and predict changes in the earth s environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources to meet the nation s economic, social and environmental needs. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration supplies information to its customers that pertains to the state of the oceans and the atmosphere. In coordination with federal, state, local, tribal and international authorities, the agency manages the use of these environments, regulating fisheries and marine sanctuaries, as well as protecting threatened and endangered marine species. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration works with its federal partners and more than 60 countries to develop a global monitoring network that is as integrated as the planet it observes. The agency is headquartered in Washington, D.C.