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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🪸🐦🪸 As prolific producers of #guano (💩), #seabirds contribute key nutrients that #corals use to grow and recover from bleaching events!
So... protecting and restoring seabird habitat (i.e. removing the rats introduced by humans) might just help #savethereefs, too!
📲 Get to know the diverse species that rely on reefs–and that reefs rely on as well– at the link in our profile!
#CoralReefAwarenessWeek #GiveReefsAChance
Jul 17
🦈🎥🍿TONIGHT! Join us for special outdoor screening of JAWS, presented by @yawkeyfdns + @woodsholefilmfestival
The movie starts at dusk on the lawn behind Redfield Auditorium (45 Water Street, #WoodsHole). Come early for free popcorn– and discover more about these awesome yet misunderstood ocean predators in a pre-show trivia game!
Bring a blanket or lawn chair! In case of rain, the film will be shown inside Redfield Auditorium.
#WHOI Ocean & Climate Outreach Series events are free and open to the public. For more reasons to #VisitWHOI, check our calendar: whoi.edu/events
#VisitWHOI #Sharks #SharksAreAwesome
Jul 17
A lost #fishingnet envelopes a seamount in Kimud Shoal, Philippines. But after the net was discovered, local divers returned and carefully cut it away.
Photographer @henleyspiers sees his craft as a way to tip the scales of marine conservation.
“Imagery can be the tipping point in helping people understand why we need to protect the ocean,” he says. “Humans are driven by emotion. When they see what scientists, conservationists, and policymakers are talking about, they know it’s important.”
📲 Head to our bio 🔗 to see more of Spiers’ incredible images of marine life around the world– and the benefits of protecting it–in WHOI’s Oceanus magazine.
#CoralReefAwarenessWeek #GiveReefsAChance
Jul 16
😲The giant #triton is one of the biggest molluscs in the world, reaching up to two feet in length!
Found in warm Indo-Pacific and Red Sea #coralreefs, these voracious predators easily outpace starfish, sea urchins, and other #shellfish. Hunting by night, the triton grabs ahold of prey with its muscular foot and incapacitates it with paralyzing saliva. Immune to most biotoxins, this gargantuan #seasnail is especially valued for controlling crown of thorns starfish, which eat reef-sustaining coral polyps. This #ecosystemservice is so valuable that the giant triton enjoys special protections in #Australia and other #Pacific island nations.
📲 Drift over to the link in our profile to learn more about this incredible mollusc– and other animals that call the reef home sweet home!
#GiveReefsAChance
Jul 16
Hey #marinescience grads! Are you thinking of taking the plunge on a PhD? Find out if the #MIT_WHOI joint program in #AppliedScience and #Engineering is right for you! This five-year program includes classes at @mit in Cambridge and mentorship with #WHOI advisors in #WoodsHole.
Join us for a live virtual info session on July 22 from 2-3pm (EST)! Discover what makes a strong application and meet with faculty, students, and admissions staff.
📲Register at the link in bio!
📸: Joint program student Jeanne Bloomberg dives to collect water samples from a coral reef in the Cayman Islands.
Jul 15
🏖️ If you’ve ever enjoyed basking on a beach in a #tropical paradise, you have #parrotfish to thank!
Find out why these beautiful fish are essential for white sandy beaches–and #coralreef health– at the link in our profile!
#CoralReefAwarenessWeek #GiveReefsAChance
Jul 15
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