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OUR OCEAN. OUR PLANET. OUR FUTURE.®

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.

#MITWHOI Joint Program student Ciara Willis snapped this #blueshark while working with University of the Azores scientists to measure large pelagic sharks off the Azorean coast.⁠
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The camera on the right is fitted with a laser system that allows scientists to estimate the overall length of each shark. This one measured about 8 feet (2.4 meters) long! ⁠
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📸 @sea.willis © WHOI
🌀 Hurricanes may wreak havoc on land, but what's their impact out at sea?⁠
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It turns out, hurricanes play an important ecological role as natural mixers of the ocean. Get the facts this hurricane season at the 🔗 in our profile!⁠
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📸 by @nasa⁠
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⁉️Want to know more about #oceanscience? Come talk to a real-life #WHOI scientist or engineer!⁠
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🌊 This Tuesday from 11am- 1pm, stop by our popular #AskAScientist #AskAnEngineer booth on the Redfield Lab patio (45 Water St, Woods Hole)! It's your last chance for the summer!⁠
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📸 by Jayne Doucette © WHOI
🌈🌫️🧊This #fogbow over floating ice in the #BeaufortSea is similar to a rainbow, but these vivid white arcs are due to the interference between waves of light passing through tiny droplets of water vapor. ⁠
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📸 by #WHOI guest investigator @gideonhbillings
😎 Summer may be slip-sliding away, but the #chillvibes don't have to. Head #backtoschool sporting your love for the #ocean!⁠
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Use code Back2School at the #WHOI shop and you’ll receive 10% off through August 30!⁠
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📲 Browse the collection at the link in our profile!

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.

KNOW YOUR OCEAN

The ocean covers more than 2/3 of Earth's surface and is a fundamental reason why life exists on Earth-but yet many know so little about it. Dive in to learn more about our ocean planet.

EXPLORE WITH US

For nearly a century, WHOI has been one of the best known and most trusted names in ocean science and exploration. Become a part of the research that shapes our understanding of the ocean, our planet, and life on Earth.