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
WHOI receives funding for next-gen ROVs
A new, integrated system will enable ocean science, exploration, and restoration efforts from a wider range of vessels.
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⁉️🌏️🌊Where in the world is #Alvin?
In honor of the deep-sea submersible`s 60th birthday, we’ve teamed up with @capeclasp to help you find it!
With a fun twist on #WheresWaldo?, the ALVIN Tracker Tee challenges you to find the sub among the sea creatures. For an added bonus, you can scan the QR code to get the latest updates on ALVIN`s whereabouts!
This limited-edition shirt drops on Friday! Watch this space for updates– or become a #WHOI member to receive exclusive email alerts( 🔗 in bio or Story)!
Oct 16
#Teamwork makes the dream work! Scientists from #WHOI and @uvicmes and @uvimmes at University of the Virgin Islands have been working for years to protect vulnerable #coralreefs– and recently renewed their partnership through 2030. 🥳🪸
📲Find out how these research teams are collaborating to support coral reef health from @virginislandssource (🔗 in bio)!
📸 by @dan_mele_photography © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Oct 15
⁉️Did you know... not all #ocean obots go underwater? Autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) help researchers collect data from areas that are too remote, shallow, or dangerous to reach by boat!
In these photos, you`ll see three commercially-available vehicles that #WHOI engineers have adapted for scientific purposes. #Jetyak and #Chemyak are gas-powered kayaks that can be remotely controlled or programmed to run autonomously to map the seafloor and collect data with on-board sensors. They`re especially useful in areas that are too shallow for underwater vehicles– or too treacherous for humans, such as next to calving glaciers.
If Chemyak is a kayak, #WaveGlider is a paddleboard. This wave- and solar-powered ASV was adapted by WHOI engineers to take surface ocean salinity and temperature over broad areas of the open ocean. It can even act as a “mid-ocean telephone operator” to relay data from advanced ocean robots like #Sentry to researchers aboard a research vessel!
📲 Learn more about ASVs and other robot-assisted ocean research at the 🔗 in our bio!
📸 by Fiamma Straneo, William Pardis, Tom Kleindinst © WHOI
Oct 15
#Kingpenguins congregate at the Volunteer Point colony, the largest breeding group in the #FalklandIslands. If an adult finishes moulting their feathers in October, they may have an egg by November.
King penguins have a much longer breeding cycle than any other penguin, lasting 13–16 months including the pre-moult period. Eggs are typically laid from November to April, but the earlier a chick hatches, the better its chances of survival.
📸 by Francesco Ventura © WHOI
Oct 14
A new #immersive experience at @artechouse in Washington, D.C. sheds light on the mysterious undersea region known as the #oceantwilightzone.🦑 Produced in collaboration with #WHOI scientists and communications staff, the #exhibit offers visitors a chance to learn about the fascinating animals and technologies we use to explore the ocean depths!
📲 Drift over to the 🔗in our bio to learn more from @nbcwashington!
Oct 13
🚢🦈 A new study shows collisions between #whalesharks and ships could increase 15,000 times by 2100! 😱
Whale sharks spend most of their time in surface waters near the coast, which are often areas of high marine traffic. One of these areas is offshore New England, where #WHOI shark biologist @camrinbraun has observed a rising incidence of these fish during the summer.
In a study he co-authored with @thembauk, researchers combined satellite-tracking data with global climate models and shipping maps to determine their future distribution.
"This study shows the potential impacts as the sharks move into new habitats in a warming ocean," Braun says. "These kind of studies can help us predict potential human-wildlife conflicts and manage them proactively."
📲Read the full paper in @nature_the_journal at the 🔗 in our profile!
📸 by Cam Braun © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Oct 13
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