As a Helmholtz centre for polar and marine research the Alfred Wegener institute works above all in the cold and temperate regions of the world. Together with numerous national and international partners we are involved to decipher the complicated processes in the "system of earth". Our planet is in a radical climate change. The pole areas and seas change. At the same time they play a central role in the global climate system. How does the planet earth develop? Do we observe short-term variations or long-term trends? Polar and marine research has always been a fascinating scientific challenge. Today it is also a piece of futurology. Bremerhaven, Germany

Aqua, Latin for water, is a NASA Earth Science satellite mission named for the large amount of information that the mission is collecting about the Earth's water cycle, including evaporation from the oceans, water vapor in the atmosphere, clouds, precipitation, soil moisture, sea ice, land ice, and snow cover on the land and ice. Additional variables also being measured by Aqua include radiative energy fluxes, aerosols, vegetation cover on the land, phytoplankton and dissolved organic matter in the oceans, and air, land, and water temperatures. The Aqua mission is a part of the NASA-centered international Earth Observing System (EOS).

The Aquatic Network covers a wide range of aquatic subjects, including aquaculture, aquariums, boating, commercial fisheries, conservation, education, recreational fishing, limnology, maritime and merchant marine, maritime heritage, ocean engineering, oceanography, seafood, and the water industry. The Aquatic Network includes databases, news, articles, employment opportunities, publications, images, sounds, videos, products and services, and more. Find the information you need. News, photos, videos, resources, events, organizations and more. Contribute and share your knowledge. The Aquatic Network is an information service for the aquatic world. Our website provides information on a wide range of aquatic topics, some serious and some more light-hearted. At our core is a passion for the aquatic world and a desire to promote sustainable commerce and preserve our planet's aquatic resources. Charlestown, Rhode Island

Aquatic science is the study of the planet's oceanic and freshwater environments. Oceanography is the study of the biological, chemical, geological, optical and physical characteristics of oceans and estuaries, while limnology is the study of these same characteristics in inland waters (lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands). If you are an instructor or teaching assistant preparing for a course in oceanography, limnology, or general earth science, ASLO may be able to help. We have an extensive collection of free access, peer-reviewed, and up-to-date content that can be a perfect supplement to your course material. Waco, Texas

The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Australia's tropical marine research agency, is recognised internationally for its leadership in research into tropical marine environments and their living aquatic resources. Our mission is to generate and transfer knowledge to support the protection and sustainable use of the marine environment through innovative, world-class scientific and technological research. Townsville, Queensland, Australia - Casuarina, Northern Territory, Australia - Crawley, Western Australia, Australia

Providing marine data information and products to the community. This portal is the primary access point for search, discovery, access and download of data collected by the Australian marine community. Primary datasets are contributed by the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) an Australian Government Research Infrastructure project, and the six Commonwealth Agencies with responsibilities in the Australian marine jurisdiction (Australian Antarctic Division, Australian Institute for Marine Science, Bureau of Meteorology, Commonwealth Science and Industrial Research Organisation, Geoscience Australia and the Royal Australian Navy).

By focusing on everything from marine biology to the technology of underwater exploration and deep-ocean ecology, by offering the public glimpses of all the wonders beneath the surface, the Institute will foster a greater appreciation and understanding of this last critical frontier. Pembroke, Bermuda

Building on the success of more than a century of research and education, BIOS is committed to addressing pressing global issues in oceanography, marine conservation, and ocean health. BIOS maintains a diverse portfolio of research activities that allow our knowledge to be shared both locally and internationally. We work to understand the ocean because if we better understand the source of human life, we might learn how to make human life better. That’s ocean science for human good. Scientists at BIOS are investigating many aspects of global coral health, including reef ecosystem functioning, coral reproduction, and factors that influence coral skeleton growth. St.George's, Bermuda

Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Science's mission is to investigate the microbial drivers of global ocean processes through basic and applied research, education, and enterprise. What we are learning will be essential to the conservation and responsible use of the ocean and the many valuable services it provides. Research at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is organized around three core themes of Blue Biotechnology, Ocean Biogeochemistry and Climate Change, and Ocean Health. The Laboratory's 60,000 square-foot, shore-based campus is located in East Boothbay, Maine, on the Damariscotta River estuary.

The Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation's mission is to protect marine mammals in the Gulf of Maine through education, research and conservation. We strive to learn more about the Gulf of Maine, and particularly an important habitat called Jeffreys Ledge, and then bring our research to the public through a variety of outreach programs. We hope by sharing information with the public and resource managers, more people will be inspired to learn more about the marine environment and help protect it. Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Marine data sharing and preservation, managed & operated by the National Oceanography Centre. BODC maintains and develops the National Oceanographic Database (NODB). The NODB is a collection of marine data sets originating mainly from UK research establishments. BODC manages the data for the UK Tide Gauge Network. The network records tidal elevations at 43 locations around the UK coast. It is part of the National Tide & Sea Level Facility (NTSLF). BODC performs data management for numerous UK marine projects. BODC hosts the Marine Environmental Data and Information Network (MEDIN) core team. MEDIN is a UK group working together to improve access and stewardship of marine data. Liverpool, England, UK

The Coastal Resources Center in the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island focuses on using science to address societal issues. The Coastal Resources Center works globally to help people and coastal environments thrive. Around the world, the Coastal Resources Center (CRC) works with communities and citizens to become more effective stewards of their shores and seas. Partnering with scholars and stakeholders, CRC applies science and empowers communities through collaboration and capacity building. Kingston, Rhode Island

Founded in 1973 by Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the Society has more than 50,000 members worldwide. Under the leadership of President Francine Cousteau, the Society continues the unique explorations and observations of ecosystems throughout the world that have helped millions of people understand and appreciate the fragility of life on our Water Planet. Half a century of protecting water systems has expanded to embrace a wide variety of programs to encourage communities to achieve sustainable harmony with Nature as the Cousteau Label program. Headquartered in Hampton, Virginia, membership-supported, not-for-profit environmental education organization, the Society is dedicated to the protection and improvement of the quality of life for present and future generations. Etna, New Hampshire

Expeditions to the Seafloor - an interactive distance learning Web site designed to immerse you in the excitement of discovery and exploration of the deep seafloor. Dive and Discover brings you right on board a series of research cruises around the globe, and gives you access to the latest oceanographic and deep submergence research as it happens! Dive and Discover immerses you in the excitement of ocean exploration. Through daily stories, photos, and videos, our website brings you on board research expeditions that use deep-sea tools and vehicles, allowing you to become part of teams of researchers making new discoveries. With Dive and Discover, your students are at the frontline of scientific inquiry as they join scientists—geologists, chemists and biologists—who are exploring the seafloor and making amazing new deep-sea discoveries. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, Massachusetts

Our Department is made up of national headquarters, based in Ottawa, and six regions, stretching from coast to coast to coast. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has the lead federal role in managing Canada’s fisheries and safeguarding its waters. The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), a Special Operating Agency within DFO, is responsible for services and programs that contribute to the safety, security, and accessibility of Canada’s waterways. Canada

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has the lead federal role in managing Canada’s fisheries and safeguarding its waters. Located on Canada's West coast, IOS is the primary source of ocean science information for the coastal waters of British Columbia, the North Pacific Ocean, the western Canadian Arctic and navigable fresh waters west of the Manitoba-Ontario border.

The Department of Defense's primary numerical prediction center for operational meteorological and oceanographic analysis and forecast products worldwide. It is also one of a half dozen internationally recognized operational numerical weather centers and the world's leader in global oceanographic and coupled air-ocean forecasting.

Join our mission to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida's coastal ecosystems through education and research. With more than 8,500 miles of tidal shoreline, 2.1 million acres of estuaries and 30 percent of the state's land cover consisting of wetlands, Florida's relationship to water is vital to the prosperity of our state. Since 1964, Florida Oceanographic Society has worked to protect our coastal ecosystems through education and research. I invite you to get involved today: visit the Coastal Center, become a member, and volunteer. Together, let's inspire environmental stewardship for generations to come. Stuart, Florida

International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. Our V​ision: ​To be a world-leading marine science organization, meeting societal needs for impartial evidence on the state and sustainable use of our seas and oceans. Our Mission: To advance and share scientific understanding of marine ecosystems and the services they provide and to use this knowledge to generate state-of-the-art advice for meeting conservation, management, and sustainability goals. Our work is accomplished by scientists working together in expert groups, workshops, and committees. Copenhagen V, Denmark

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) is one of the biggest marine research institutes in Europe, with about 1,100 employees. Our main activities are research, advisory work and monitoring. In January 2018, the IMR was merged with NIFES – the National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research. The new institute will be a leading supplier of knowledge relating to the sustainable management of the resources in our marine ecosystems and the whole food chain from the sea to the table. Our head office is in Bergen. We also have an office in Tromsø and research stations in Matre, Austevoll and Flødevigen. Our Research Vessel Department has ownership responsibility for the research vessels, which are our most important tools for collecting marine data. The IMR also has several laboratories that analyse the samples taken by its monitoring and research programmes. Through its research and advice, the IMR seeks to help society to continue exploiting the valuable assets in the sea sustainably. We are a neutral knowledge provider, and we publicise our research results both in Norway and internationally. Bergen, Norway

Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) was established in 2007 under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). IMOS is designed to be a fully-integrated national array of observing equipment to monitor the open oceans and coastal marine environment around Australia, covering physical, chemical and biological variables. All IMOS data is freely and openly available through the IMOS Ocean Portal for the benefit of Australian marine and climate science as a whole. IMOS observations are guided by societal needs for improved ocean information, and focused through science planning undertaken collaboratively across the Australian marine and climate science community. University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS Australia

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC-UNESCO), established in 1960 as a body with functional autonomy within UNESCO, is the only competent organization for marine science within the UN system. The purpose of the Commission is to promote international cooperation and to coordinate programmes in research, services and capacity-building, in order to learn more about the nature and resources of the ocean and coastal areas and to apply that knowledge for the improvement of management, sustainable development, the protection of the marine environment, and the decision-making processes of its Member States.

The participants of the IABP work together to maintain a network of drifting buoys in the Arctic Ocean to provide meteorological and oceanographic data for real-time operational requirements and research purposes including support to the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and the World Weather Watch (WWW) Programme. A network of automatic data buoys to monitor synoptic-scale fields of sea level pressure, surface air temperature, and ice motion throughout the Arctic Ocean was recommended by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in 1974. Based on the Academy's recommendation, the Arctic Ocean Buoy Program was established by the Polar Science Center (PSC), Applied Physics Laboratory-University of Washington, in 1978 to support the Global Weather Experiment. Today, the IABP is composed of 20 different research and operational institutions from 9 different countries. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington

Devoted to studying and preserving the world's oceans. The International Ocean Institute was founded in 1972 by Professor Elisabeth Mann Borgese as an international knowledge-based institution, devoted to the sustainable governance of the oceans. It operates through a large network of Operational Centres and Focal Points globally, with its Headquarters hosted by the Government of Malta at the premises of the University of Malta

OCEANIC - The Ocean Information Center - maintains a searchable database of cruise schedules and ship specifications and contact information for research vessels around the world. University of Delaware, Lewes, Delaware

Oceanographic Institute. The Oceanographic Institute – Foundation Albert I, Prince of Monaco was founded in 1906 by Prince Albert I. For more than a century, it has brought together scientists, politicians, economists, associations and the general public to "know, love and protect the ocean". The Institute is responsible for numerous national and international projects (symposiums, exhibitions, educational programmes, etc.) and has an important environmental mediation mission. To this end, it relies on its two establishments – the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco and the Maison des Océans in Paris – as well as its digital tools and its off-site activities to disseminate the science of oceanography to as many people as possible, combining it with art, the living world and collective and individual commitment. Monte-Carlo, Monaco

Aims to provide information and guidance on action to understand and care for Australia's coasts and oceans, and to promote the wise use of our marine resources. The Department of the Environment designs and implements the Australian Government's policies and programmes to protect and conserve the environment, water and heritage and promote climate action. This department deals with Fisheries, Commonwealth marine reserves, Marine species, Marine plans, Marine pollution, Great Barrier Reef, Legislation, and more.

MarineCadastre.gov is an integrated marine information system that provides ocean data, offshore planning tools, and technical support to the offshore renewable energy community. The project was designed specifically to support renewable energy siting on the U.S. Outer Continental Shelf but is also being used for other ocean-related efforts. MarineCadastre.gov has three primary focus areas: Web map viewers and ocean planning tools; spatial data registry; and technical support and regional capacity building. MarineCadastre.gov was developed in a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coastal Services Center and the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Ocean Energy Management.

Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. We are scientists, explorers and stewards of the ocean. Focused on research and education, we work to create a better environment for ourselves and our children. The answers are in the ocean. Together, we will find them. We are an independent, nonprofit marine research institution comprising world-class marine scientists committed to the belief that the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans begins with research and education. From our humble beginnings in a tiny, one-room laboratory in a small Florida town, our efforts have grown to include more than 20 diverse marine research programs. Originally focused on sharks, our research has expanded to include studies of human cancer using marine models, the effects of human-made and natural toxic substances on humans and on the environment, the health of wild fisheries, developing sustainable and successful fish restocking techniques and food production technologies and the development of ocean technology to help us better understand the health of the environment. Sarasota, Florida

Stimulating Research and Promoting Education in Marine Sciences. NAML seeks to provide a forum for the resolution of problems common to non-profit marine laboratories in the United States. The association encourages the wise use and conservation of marine and coastal resources.

The National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) is an innovative collaboration of federal agencies that support ocean research partnerships among academia, government, industry, and non-governmental organizations. These sectors pursue ocean-related scientific and technical information on some of the nation’s most pressing issues. NOPP investments encompass numerous areas, including oceanographic research and exploration, technology development, resource management, and ocean education; these focus areas have led to community advances in oceanography and impacts on society. Washington, D.C.

The National Oceanography Centre, Liverpool, formerly the Proudman Oceanographic Laboratory, is located on the campus of the University of Liverpool; the British Oceanographic Data Centre also has its home here. Together with colleagues at Southampton, the National Oceanography Centre is part of the Natural Environment Research Council. The Laboratory undertakes strategic, interdisciplinary research to the highest international standards. Activities include surveying, monitoring data management and forecasting in coastal and marine sciences. Liverpool, England, UK

The Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (CMRE) is an established, world-class scientific research and experimentation facility that organizes and conducts scientific research and technology development, centred on the maritime domain, delivering innovative and field tested Science & Technology (S&T) solutions to address defence and security needs of the Alliance. Located in La Spezia (Italy), the CMRE is built on more than 50 years of experience in its former establishments as the NURC and SACLANTCEN, and has produced a cadre of leaders in ocean science, modelling and simulation, acoustics and other disciplines. CMRE operates two research vessels that enable science and technology solutions to be explored and developed at sea. The largest of these vessels, the NATO Research Vessel Alliance, is an ice-capable global class vessel that is one of the world's quietest vessels, allowing for precision acoustic studies to be conducted at sea.

Ocean Exploration Trust and the Nautilus Exploration Program seek out new discoveries in geology, biology, and archaeology while conducting scientific exploration of the seafloor. Our expeditions launch aboard Exploration Vessel Nautilus — a 68-meter research ship equipped with live-streaming underwater vehicles for scientists, students, and the public to explore the deep sea from anywhere in the world. We embed educators and interns in our expeditions who share their hands-on experiences via ship-to-shore connections with the next generation. Even while we are not at sea, explorers can dive into Nautilus Live to learn more about our expeditions, find educational resources, and marvel at new encounters. We also bring educators and students of all ages aboard during E/V Nautilus expeditions, offering them hands-on experience in ocean exploration, research, and communications. San Pedro, California

The United States Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NMOC) provides critical information from the ocean depths to the most distant reaches of space, meeting needs in the military, scientific, and civilian communities. Stennis Space Center, Mississippi

National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research. New Zealand's leading provider of atmospheric and aquatic science. NIWA's mission is to conduct leading environmental science to enable the sustainable management of natural resources for New Zealand and the planet. Auckland, New Zealand

The NOAA Central Library, located in Silver Spring, Maryland, and its libraries at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (Miami), National Hurricane Center/Tropical Prediction Center (Miami), Western Regional Center (Seattle), and College Park (Maryland), provide information and research support to NOAA staff and the public. The library also networks with over 30 NOAA libraries across the nation. Disciplines covered include weather and atmospheric sciences, oceanography, ocean engineering, nautical charting, marine ecology, marine resources, ecosystems, coastal studies, aeronomy, geodesy, cartography, mathematics and statistics.

For over 50 years, the National Sea Grant College Program has supported coastal and Great Lakes communities through research, extension and education. Sea Grant's mission is to enhance the practical use and conservation of coastal, marine and Great Lakes resources in order to create a sustainable economy and environment. Environmental stewardship, long-term economic development and responsible use of America's coastal, ocean and Great Lakes resources are at the heart of Sea Grant's mission. A network of 34 Sea Grant programs in the coastal US States and territories carries out this mission through research, extension and education activities. The network draws on the expertise of more than 3,000 scientists, engineers, public outreach experts, educators and students to help citizens better understand, conserve and utilize America's coastal resources. Silver Spring, Maryland

Data and maps for ocean planning in the northeastern United States. NortheastOceanData.org is an information resource and decision support tool for ocean planning from the Gulf of Maine to Long Island Sound. The website provides user-friendly access to maps, data, tools, and information needed for regional ocean planning. It is used by a broad range of government entities, non-government organizations, and ocean stakeholders.

Committed to conserving the abundance and diversity of the world's marine life and protecting the health of the oceans and seas. Ocean Conservancy educates and empowers citizens to take action on behalf of the ocean. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of Congress, Ocean Conservancy brings people together to find solutions for our water planet. Informed by science, our work guides policy and engages people in protecting the ocean and its wildlife for future generations. Washington, DC

Ocean Futures is a non-profit organization resulting from a merger of the Jean-Michel-Cousteau Institute and the Free Willy Keiko Foundation. Our mission is to explore our global ocean, inspiring and educating people throughout the world to act responsibly for its protection, documenting the critical connection between humanity and nature, and celebrating the ocean's vital importance to the survival of all life on our planet. Santa Barbara, California

Ocean Geographic is published by OceanNEnvironment. This is a production from the hearts and souls of a passionate a team. We were blessed with the support of some of the most published authors and image makers of our natural world. Join the Ocean Geographic Society to support the education of the younger generation and promote greater awareness of the beauty of our oceans. Ocean Geographic Society is in alliance with OceanNEnvironment, Seacology, the Ocean Artists Society, and Sharks Alliance where the primary focus is preservation of our ocean. Based in Australia

Ocean Networks Canada operates the world-leading NEPTUNE and VENUS ocean observatories for the advancement of science and the benefit of Canada. These observatories collect data on physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of the ocean over long time periods, supporting research on complex Earth processes in ways not previously possible. The NEPTUNE regional observatory and VENUS coastal observatory provide unique scientific and technical capabilities that permit researchers to operate instruments remotely and receive data at their home laboratories anywhere on the globe in real time. The Education and Public Engagement team works to develop educational resources about ocean science for students, educators, and the public. The video, images, sound, and oceanographic data collected by Ocean Networks Canada are valuable learning tools that can be used for classroom activities and labs at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. University of Victoria, Victoria, BC Canada

Ocean News & Technology (ON&T) is the offshore industry’s leading trade publication. For nearly four decades, ON&T has delivered vital intelligence that helps companies achieve new levels of success. Executive decision makers read ON&T for the latest industry forecasts, technology developments, products, data, and project news. Published in print, digital and online, ON&T offers coverage of the Offshore Energy, Subsea Intervention and Survey, Maritime Communications, and Defense industries. Stuart, Florida

Earth's oceans are the greatest influence on global climate. Only from space can we observe our vast oceans on a global scale and monitor critical changes in ocean currents and heat storage. Continuous data from satellites like TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason help us understand and foresee the effects of the changing oceans on our climate and on catastrophic climate events such as El Niño and La Niña. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology

Watch. Explore. Discover. Welcome to Ocean Today. View the beauty and mystery of the ocean realm captured on video around the globe. Share these stories with others, by subscribing for updates. Find out what the Ocean Today kiosk is, how you can contribute, and plan your visit to a museum or aquarium near you to experience it yourself! Ocean Today is an exciting, multimedia kiosk that features videos on all aspects of the ocean realm -- exploration and discoveries, marine life and science. It was originally designed for the Sant Ocean Hall in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History which opened in September 2008. Due to the popularity of the videos, Ocean Today kiosks are now located in dozens of aquariums, museums, and learning centers throughout the world. Check out our map to find a location near you to visit or watch the videos here. This website serves as online archive for those who are unable to experience it in person.

NASA's OceanColor Web is supported by the Ocean Biology Processing Group (OBPG) at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. Our responsibilities include the collection, processing, calibration, validation, archive and distribution of ocean-related products from a large number of operational, satellite-based remote-sensing missions providing ocean color, sea surface temperature and sea surface salinity data to the international research community since 1996.

OceanExpert (or the Global Directory of Marine (and Freshwater) Professionals) is a database, developed and maintained by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC), containing information on individuals and institutions involved in all aspects of Marine or Freshwater Research and Management. It is intended to be a tool for scientists, policy makers and anyone who needs to contact a marine or freshwater professional. Oostende, Belgium

Oceanic Research Group, Inc. is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the conservation of the world's oceans and marine life through education. Our principal mission is the production of educational films and products designed to increase awareness of marine environments and species. Our educational films for use in the classroom have won over a dozen awards including the CINE Golden Eagle, Kids First and CINDY awards. We produce several series of films based on classroom curricula as well as specific topics in ocean studies. Our Wonders of the Sea section is the most popular part of our website. Here students find lessons in the biology of different kinds of animals. North Reading, Massachusetts

Educational information and classroom activities on oceans & climate, El Niño, ice ages, fisheries, waves, icebergs, currents, coral reefs and more. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas