Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's premier independent organization dedicated exclusively to ocean research, technology, and education. We combine state-of-the-art science, engineering, and ship operations to unravel the mysteries of the deep and devise science-based solutions to planet-wide problems.
RECENT NEWS
Read 
Read 
🔍🦠🔬What provides the world with oxygen and sucks carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere– but is invisible to the naked eye?
Find out from #WHOI experts at Ocean Encounters on May 22! Register for the final live virtual discussion of the season at the link in bio!
#OceanEncounters is an official event of the @unoceandecade
May 15
In my "megalops" stage, my abdomen is stretched out and my legs are not fully formed. I`ll remain this way for up to 3 weeks, molting several times and traveling with offshore currents until I mature and settle down– perhaps in a wetland near you!
📲 What am I? Leave your guess in the comments!
This specimen was collected during a research cruise to the Northeast Shelf Long Term Ecological Research Station (NES LTER) in October 2023. Led by #WHOI biologist Heidi Sosik, this #NSFfunded program aims to understand and predict how planktonic food webs are changing along the New England continental shelf– and how those changes may impact the productivity of fisheries and other marine species in the region.
Macro 📹 by Daniel Cojanu/ @undercurrentvideo © WHOI
May 15
🤔 If the whole world suddenly stopped producing greenhouse gasses, would that halt the effects of #climatechange?
Unfortunately not: too much long-lingering #CO2 is already baked into the atmosphere. That’s why a new field of research is looking at ways to increase the ocean’s ability to take up carbon dioxide. By mimicking natural processes, techniques like ocean alkalinity enhancement, seaweed farming, and iron fertilization could take significant amounts of CO2 out of the atmosphere.
But how can we be sure that marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) is safe and effective? WHOI President & Director Peter de Menocal and senior scientist Ken Buesseler share their perspectives with @sciencenewsmagazine 📲 Read all about it at the link in bio!
🖌️: Ocean iron fertilization would add iron, a scarce nutrient in many parts of the ocean, to stimulate blooms of photosynthetic algae. When those algae die and sink to the deep sea, they would sequester the carbon. Credit: @sayostudioscience
May 14
🔍 Can you spot the #seahorse?
Longsnout seahorses are not known for their swimming abilities, so they stay safe by blending in with their surroundings– in this case, yellow #sponges growing on the Frederiksted Pier in #StCroix!
Also known as slender seahorses, they can be found hanging out in seagrass, mangroves, or around gorgonian coral– even floating sargassum! With their tails holding onto something solid, the 7-inch seahorse can ambush prey (tiny shrimp or other zooplankton) and suck them up through their straw-like snout.
📸 by @nadege_aoki © #WHOI
May 14
🦭Think you know who I am? Leave your guess in the comments!
🔊 If you need help, turn up the volume and check the Watkins Marine Mammal Sound Database, a joint project of #WHOI + @whalingmuseum (link in bio).
Hint: You’re listening to the song of this species, which can be heard as far as 12 miles (20 km) away.
🤷 Still stumped? This is the largest Arctic seal, whose scientific name comes from the Greek words "eri" and "gnathos" which mean “heavy jaw” and "barbatus" which refers to whiskers or beard!
May 13
🙌🏽 Students from @perkinsvision recently spent the day at #WHOI learning about marine science through sound and touch!
🎶 Amy Bower, a WHOI physical oceanographer who is also visually impaired, has led this collaborative program since 2014. This year`s field trip included an interactive presentation by Terry Wolkowicz of @newbedfordsymphonyorchestra and @soundexplorations, which incorporated sculpture, live music, and sculpture pads to describe marine mammal behavior.
🪸🐳🛥️ The students also learned about how researchers use soundscapes to help vulnerable coral reefs recover from WHOI engineer Ben Weiss, and how marine mammals and scientists use sound to communicate and understand the ocean from @whoiseagrant`s Grace Simpkins. The day capped off with a boat trip to share a hands-on experience of life in the ocean!
📸 by Jayne Doucette & Richard Vevers © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
May 13
OUR WORK
WHOI is at the forefront of groundbreaking science and technology development, unlocking the mysteries of our ocean, its connections to life on Earth, and solutions it may hold to some of our most pressing environmental challenges.
Our scientists and engineers lead more than 800 concurrent projects, tackling some of the most challenging and important problems of our time, from climate change and ocean pollution to sustainable food and energy production.
We operate a fleet of research vessels and vehicles, including two large ships (R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis), a smaller coastal research vessel, the iconic human-occupied submersible Alvin, and dozens of other underwater robots.
Through our higher education programs, including the prestigious MIT-WHOI Joint Program, we train new generations of ocean scientists, engineers, and leaders-providing access to cutting edge facilities and unparalleled access to the sea.
WHOI plays a leading role in ocean communications, sharing our insights and knowledge about the ocean to the general public, policymakers, educators, and more, so we can make wise decisions about our ocean, our planet, and our future.
FEATURED PROJECTS
We have over 1,000 scientists, engineers, technicians, and support staff working around the globe and cutting edge laboratories to push the boundaries of knowledge about the ocean.
Ocean and Climate Innovation Accelerator
Bringing together industry, academia, and philanthropy to develop and accelerate new climate change solutions.
Ocean Twilight Zone
Exploring the globe-spanning region beneath the sunlit upper ocean where life thrives
Ocean Worlds
Discovering the links between life in our ocean and the search for life beyond Earth
Marine Microplastics Initiative
Investigating the fate of microplastics and their impacts on marine life and human health
Super Reefs
Searching for corals around the world to help ensure a future for reefs in a warming ocean
Ocean Observatories Initiative
The NSF-funded program measures physical, chemical, geological and biological properties from the seafloor to the air-sea interface.
HADEX
Research and exploration of the deepest parts of the ocean, Earth’s final frontier
Reef Solutions
Working to protect corals and reverse the global decline of reef ecosystems
