noaa’s national ocean service 

fiscal year 2011 highlights 

Did you know that more than half of us live in coastal areas and that these areas 

generate 57 percent of our nation’s Gross Domestic Product? Tat 13 million 

Americans have jobs that rely on commercial ports? Or that U.S. coral reefs provide 

approximately $1.1 billion annually to our economy? Without question, the health of 

our coasts is connected to the health of our economy. 

At NOAA’s National Ocean Service, we translate science, tools, and services into action 

to address threats such as coastal storms and other natural disasters, contaminants in 

the environment, and coastal development. In fscal year 2011, we continued working 

toward healthy coasts and healthy economies. 

For the full overview of our accomplishments, visit us online at:

oceanservice.noaa.gov/annualreport11. 

a few highlights from 

fiscal year 2011 

 

$117 million. Tat’s the total tally for nine natural resource damage settlements reached by NOAA and cotrustees in 2011. Te total brought in by NOAA’s Damage Assessment, Remediation, and Restoration 

Program since it was formed 20 years ago? $600 million to restore injured resources. 

1,483 aerial images. Tat’s how many photos NOS collected of Joplin, Missouri, after the deadliest single

tornado in U.S. history for more than half a century devastated the area. Te images provided emergency 

ofcials with the information they needed to develop recovery strategies, facilitate search-and-rescue ef orts,

and assess damages. 

Safer seafood. Tat’s the product of a NOAA technology to detect toxins from harmful algae in shellf sh.

In fscal year 2011, the International Atomic Energy Agency signed an agreement to use the technology 

worldwide to assure that toxins detrimental to fsheries, human health, and international trade are below 

regulatory limits in shellf sh. 

72 tide stations. Tat’s the number of NOS water-level stations in the Pacifc that provided up-to-the-minute

data critical for tsunami detection and warnings for at-risk states and territories after a powerful earthquake in 

Japan triggered a devastating tsunami. 

188 years. Tat’s how long the famous 1800s Nantucket whaling ship, Two Brothers, lay undiscovered on the 

seafoor nearly 600 miles northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii. In fscal year 2011, maritime archaeologists working 

with NOS found the nationally signifcant wreck in the remote Papahānaumokuākea Marine National 

Monument. 

200 linear nautical miles. Tat’s the total area NOS surveyed in 48 hours in Hampton Roads, Virginia, after 

Hurricane Irene roared up the East Coast. Data collected during these hydrographic surveys allowed the port, 

which handles an average of $5 million in cargo every hour, to lift vessel restrictions and resume shipping. 

Hundreds of wind energy jobs. Tat’s what could result from an innovative new ocean management plan 

for Rhode Island which balances ofshore energy development with transportation, fshing, recreation, and 

environmental protection. During fscal year 2011, NOS approved incorporation of the plan into the state’s 

coastal zone management program. 

448 coastal counties. Tat’s the number of counties – from 30 states – for which you’ll fnd coastal and 

economic data and statistics through NOS’s Economics National Ocean Watch (E-NOW). You can access 

E-NOW via NOAA’s Digital Coast (csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/). 

70 percent. Tat’s how much faster the new Data Collections Service tool, developed by NOS and the U.S. 

Integrated Ocean Observing System, can process data fles from NOS tide stations. Te tool also allows 

retrieval of the latest water-level observations as a collection from multiple stations versus a single station and 

data retrieval is twice as fast. 

Tis information provides only a snapshot of what we’ve been up to in the last fscal year. Get the full picture by 

visiting us online at oceanservice.noaa.gov/annualreport11. 
many responsibilities, one mission 

With program and staf ofces covering a broad range of topics, the diversity of expertise within the 

National Ocean Service is one of our greatest strengths. Bringing together scientists, natural resource 

managers, and other specialists, NOS is well equipped to support coastal communities, promote a robust 

economy, and protect coastal and marine ecosystems. 

National Ocean Service of ces include: 

• Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services 

• Integrated Ocean Observing System Program 

• National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science 

• National Geodetic Survey 

• NOAA Coastal Services Center 

• Ofce of Coast Survey

• Ofce of National Marine Sanctuaries 

• Ofce of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management

• Ofce of Response and Restoration 

nos leadership 

David Kennedy

Assistant Administrator 

Dr. Holly Bamford

Deputy Assistant Administrator 

David Holst 

Chief of Staf 

Chris Cartwright

Chief Financial Ofcer 

 

 

 

 

 

oceanservice.noaa.gov