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
Groundbreaking Study Reveals Oceanic Seabirds Chase Tropical Cyclones
A new study reveals that the rare Desertas Petrels, a wide-ranging seabird in the North Atlantic, exhibit unique foraging behaviors during hurricane season.
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🚢Climb aboard the @uscg cutter #Healy with #WHOI physical oceanographer Bob Pickart!
On July 16 at 2pm (EST), join @nsf_gov for a live chat with researchers traversing the #Arctic on the legendary #icebreaker! Tour the ship and learn about the #NSFfunded #ArcticObservingNetwork project, including how they take measurements beneath the pack ice and sediments! The researchers will answer your burning questions about the science and life aboard the ship.
🥵So take a break from the heat this summer! All you need to do is register at the link in bio!
📸 by Amanda Kowalski © WHOI
Jul 14
.... And #SharkWeek fades to #CoralReefAwarenessWeek! 🦈🪸
A balance of predators and prey ensures enough resources for everyone on a reef– and that`s why #sharks are a sign of a healthy ecosystem!
Reef sharks chow down on the mid-sized fish that might otherwise eat too many of the smaller fish and shellfish that are important for keeping algae in check. Some sharks even eat (and definitely scare) sea turtles that feed on seagrass, preventing them from destroying too much of this vital habitat.
These #apexpredators also fill an important role because they eat whatever prey is abundant, and remove sick or weakened fish from the ecosystem. In exchange, they enjoy reef “cleaning stations” (symbiotic fishes like wrasse that clean their teeth and skin) and safe hiding places to rest and nurture their young.
📲 Get to know more about the animals that rely on reefs at the link in bio!
#GiveReefsAChance
Jul 14
Is your little one fascinated with #sharks? 🦈
Surprise your favorite shark enthusiast and support marine science with our kid-sized REMUS #SharkCam T-shirts.
Grab yours today before they swim away!
🔗 in bio.
Jul 13
Many incredible deep-sea creatures are known to science thanks to #Alvin. A lucky few have even been named after the human-occupied sub! Can you name one?
Swipe to learn about a deep-sea worm that was named after ALVIN and the doomed city of Pompeii!
These deep sea worms can withstand the hottest temperatures of any known animal–up to 176℉! They live in paper-thin tubes, with their tails resting in nearly-boiling hydrothermal vent fluid, while their feathery heads stick out into much cooler seawater. A thick layer of bacteria-covered “hair” provides insulation from extreme temperatures, and in turn, the bacteria feed on mucus secreted by the worms–a nice symbiotic relationship for fellow extremophiles!
📸 by Irene Garcia-Berdeal © WHOI
Jul 13
⁉️🌋🤯 Did you know that one of the most active #volcanoes in US waters is due to blow?
That`s why researchers are keeping close tabs on #AxialSeamount. Located 300 miles off the Oregon coast, what they learn from changes along the seafloor may help them predict volcanic eruptions– in the ocean and on land.
📲Check the link in bio to learn more about a recent #NSFfunded research cruise aboard #WHOI`s @rv.atlantis with our #ROVJason and #AUVSentry teams!
The expedition received funding from @nsf_gov
📸 by @mlparkermedia
Jul 13
🦈 If the #OceanTwilightZone had a yearbook, the #baskingshark would def be named #MostChill!
This massive shark gets its relaxed reputation from the way it seems to “bask” in warm surface waters, in almost every ocean around the world. Their eating style is called “ram feeding” but in reality it’s pretty passive: a basking shark will swim slowly through dense patches of zooplankton, filtering out the water through gill rakers encircling its head.
📲 Chill out with some fun basking #shark facts at the link in bio 🤘🏽
Jul 12
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