Shelf to Shore: NOAA's National Ocean Service Resource Tools and Expertise for Coastal Communities

The National Ocean Service (NOS), one of six major offices within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is dedicated to advancing expertise in science, technology, and management. NOS provides a broad range of operational services, data products, and decision-support tools that are directly applicable to emergency responders, coastal scientists, resource managers, and community leaders. This session, led by NOAA Regional Preparedness Coordinators, will focus on the capabilities across NOS program offices for preparedness, response, and recovery. The session will allow participants to understand NOS mission essential functions that guide our capabilities, such as provision of 24/7 real-time oceanographic data, oil and chemical pollution response, detection of navigation hazards, collection and dissemination of high resolution damage assessment imagery, and support to address marine debris after disasters.

There is significant uncertainty at the community level about the resources available at the federal level to undertake ambitious, but necessarily resilience efforts. Participants will gain awareness and knowledge of available NOAA support services and then participate in a group activity. During the activity, attendees will discuss and address their particular challenges by connecting valuable NOAA products and services, resulting in more connected, informed, and prepared communities.