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
The case for preserving deep-sea biodiversity
WHOI biologist Annette Govindarajan offers her takeaways from the COP16 UN Convention on Biological Diversity in Colombia
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🥶It’s always freezing in the #Arctic. Or is it?
#WHOI experts dig into a popular misconception that the Arctic is as cold as its southern counterpart, #Antarctica.
📲 Get the #coldhardfacts at the 🔗 in bio!
Nov 13
☢️ Prior to the 2019 closure of the #PilgrimNuclear Power Station in #PlymouthMA, radioactive wastewater was diluted and dumped into #CapeCodBay. Holtec, the company charged with decommissioning the plant, hopes to continue this practice for the remaining 900,000 gallons that still need to be disposed of.
🌊#WHOI experts say that continuing to release this wastewater may lead to the buildup of #radioactive elements such as tritium and cesium-137 on the ocean floor, posing risks to humans and marine life.
📲Learn more from @wbur at the 🔗 in our profile!
📸 by Jesse Costa/WBUR
Nov 13
With cutting-edge technologies, talented artists, and collaboration with #WHOI scientists, an immersive exhibit at @artechouse brings the wonders of the #oceantwilightzone to life.
📲Go behind the scenes with @wetatvfm! Watch the full segment at the 🔗 in our profile!
Nov 12
It’s not a view you get every day… but having your mind blown is just one of the perks of diving in #Alvin!
#WHOI deep-sea biologist Tim Shank and ALVIN pilot Bruce Strickrott were exploring a #hydrothermalvent field along the #EastPacificRise (~200 miles off of western Mexico) when they turned off the vehicle lights and saw the vent chimneys silhouetted by a research camera system known as the MISO elevator.
ALVIN is the only human-occupied submersible in the US capable of bringing three people as deep as 6500 meters, or nearly four miles!
📲Check out more mind-blowing milestones from ALVIN’s 60-year history at the bio 🔗
Nov 12
📣We’re at @cop29_azerbaijan, to #speakfortheocean!
With over two dozen signatories to the #BakuDeclaration, we’re calling on #oceanleaders to recognize the ocean’s role in mitigating the #climatecrisis –and urge them to support the quest for collaborative, equitable solutions based in ocean #science.
The #ocean has already absorbed 90% of the excess heat– and 30% of the carbon– produced by human greenhouse gas emissions. To tackle the climate, biodiversity, and freshwater triple-threat, we need to dramatically scale up research that will enable informed decisions to protect our ocean planet.
📲 Head to the 🔗 in our bio to read the full Baku Declaration!
Nov 11
🎖️In honor of #VeteransDay, get to know @us.marine.corps #vet and #WHOI Business Analyst Ron Timm!
My time in the Marine Corps certainly molded me in a way that helped my career over the years. We learn the importance of teamwork and relying on one another. No project is successful unless people work together to accomplish the task. The trick is to learn what works best for each individual and work with them so they can excel. Now, when we’re in situations where we’re unsure of how to do something, I’ve learned to keep pressing forward and pay attention to find solutions.
If I could give any advice to my younger self, it would be, “Don`t be afraid to take calculated risks, especially if you are confident that the outcome will help others.”
For many years at WHOI, I’ve had the freedom to make suggestions, provide input, and seek out ways to simplify processes. I’ve been given the opportunity to assist many different departments and bring in software solutions to make things easier or better. I look forward to what we`ll be able to accomplish in the near future. Technology is moving fast, and I’m fortunate to play a small role in trying to keep up with it for our Business Systems.
📲Find more #HumansofWHOI at the 🔗 in bio!
Nov 11
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