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
Evaluating Ocean Climate Solutions
In case you missed it, watch the WHOI public information session on marine carbon dioxide removal and the LOC-NESS Project
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⁉️ What do a hydrogen bomb, #RMSTitanic, and giant tube worms have in common? The human-occupied submersible #Alvin!
As we celebrate 60 years of deep-sea research and exploration in ALVIN, @capecodtimes dives into the sub`s history and its most notable excursions.
📲 Travel back in time at the link in bio (subscription required)
#Alvin60
Aug 22
Very demure. Very mindless. Very cutesy.
When you have roamed Earth’s ocean for millions of years, there’s no need to show off. Keep it very demure, very cutesy– and leave the complex digestion, heart, lungs, bones, and brain to those higher-order fishes. They haven’t adapted to almost every marine environment on the planet!
Say you’re traveling through the twilight zone, where there’s not too much light. You don’t want to show too much chee-chee– let the lanternfish stand out and get eaten by a tuna! Your friends will come to you if you flash a little blue light– very demure, very cutesy– and probably also keep that nasty tuna away.
Jellies, even without a central nervous system, let’s be mindful when we’re floating around on the surface. Humans tend to freak out when they see our most vibrant colors, so you have to keep it very demure, very cutesy, so they don’t stab you with a plastic shovel as you’re soaking up some rays. Work those tentacles and propel yourself somewhere calm and quiet, and demurity can be your purity! 🪼
#jellyfish #demure #mindful #elegant #demurityispurity
Aug 21
⏰️Join us TONIGHT for a virtual discussion about ocean-based climate solutions– and the critical role of science in evaluating their effectiveness and safety.
In this meeting, you can learn about the LOC-NESS Project, a scientific initiative focused on evaluating #ocean #alkalinity enhancement as a potential #climatesolution. We`ll cover the scope, methods, and potential environmental impacts of proposed field trials. The event will include an audience Q&A session and an opportunity to provide feedback.
📲 This virtual event will stream live on our Facebook and X channels from 6:30-7:30 pm (ET). Or you can register for the Zoom at the profile 🔗
Aug 21
😲 Instead of fleeing from hurricane-force winds, a #WHOI-led study shows that Desertas #petrels actually fly into intense storms!
⁉️ Why would they put themselves at risk? The study authors say that the wind and waves churn up small fish, squid, and crustaceans closer at the surface, making it easier for the petrels to catch a quick snack.
📲Read more about these incredible seabirds from @sciencenewsmagazine at the link in our profile!
📸 by Kirk Zufelt
Aug 21
@whoi_ssf and @woodsholepep students are heading back to their home campuses, but not without some great memories!
🌊👣🔬They got their feet wet doing #scienceatsea– and hands dirty with independent research projects! Even in the midst of prepping for a day-long poster session, they managed to squeeze in some good old #CapeCod #summertime fun!
💦 We hope to see these #futurescientists again soon– and know that wherever they go, they’ll make a splash!
📲 Learn more about opportunities for undergrads at WHOI at the 🔗 in our profile!
📸 by Jayne Doucette + Elise Hugus © WHOI
Aug 20
In a rare alignment of research projects and ship schedules, two of our hybrid remotely operated vehicles are currently in the water: #Mesobot (picture 1) is imaging deep-sea life around American Samoa, and #NereidUnderIce (picture 2) is getting up close and personal with a Greenland glacier!
🤔 But what, exactly, is an #HROV? And how do they help us learn more about the ocean?
📲 Find out in our handy guide (link in bio!)
📸 by Molly Curran + Eric Hayden © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Aug 20
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