#National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
HPU research explores pathways of marine toxins affecting Hawaiʻi’s reef fish
Hawaiʻi Pacific University undergraduate students and faculty researchers are contributing to important new research aimed at reducing incidents of ciguatera poisoning, a serious, underreported illness caused by eating reef fish and invertebrates contaminated with naturally occurring marine toxins.
Schatz, Sheehy introduce bipartisan bill to use AI against wildfires, extreme weather
The bill aims to bolster the security of AI weather models by requiring the development of a US weather dataset.
Maui Emergency Management Agency lays out progress and plans for fiscal 2026
Maui County Council members heard about progress and plans for future needs Tuesday from the Maui Emergency Management Agency, now less than two years after the August 2023 wildfires disaster.
Schatz presses Commerce Secretary nominee on census, NOAA protection, AI safety
At Wednesday’s Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing for Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick, US Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed Lutnick on conducting a fair census count, protecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from Project 2025 threats, consulting with Hawai‘i leaders on Pacific fisheries decisions and strengthening artificial intelligence safety.
SpaceX seeking permit to splash down in Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and Indian Ocean
Public comments are due Jan. 17 on Elon Musk’s plans for his SpaceX rockets to splash down in a much wider area, including Hawaiian waters and 240 nautical miles east of the Papahānaumokuākea National Marine Sanctuary.
NOAA seeks applicants for Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassadors
The application to become an Ocean Guardian Youth Ambassador is now open. The program by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provides a new level of engagement for youth committed to ocean conservation and stewardship.
Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee panel members sought
Nominations are being accepted through Dec. 23 to fill vacancies on the Marine Fisheries Advisory Committee. The committee advises the Secretary of Commerce on all marine life matters that are the responsibility of the US Department of Commerce.
A dream for reef restoration at Olowalu
Conservationists are taking their first “baby steps” toward the dream of Summit-to-Sea restoration of the reef at Olowalu.
Outrigger Resorts renews partnership with Office of National Marine Sanctuaries
Outrigger Resorts & Hotels has renewed its partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries.
Troublemaker seal sent to remote island due to public safety concern
Hawaiian monk seal RL72 is on route to Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, in a safety-related translocation effort, NOAA Fisheries reported on Friday.
Fire agencies say its time to launch Wildfire and Drought LOOKOUT! campaign
Representatives of fire-related entities from state, national and local levels gathered at Fire Station 14 in Wailea to launch the state’s 8th annual Wildfire and Drought LOOKOUT! campaign on Tuesday.
NOAA proposes national marine sanctuary in Papahānaumokuākea
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking public input on its draft proposal to designate marine portions of Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument as a national marine sanctuary.
Whale sanctuary reminds boaters: ‘Go slow for whales below’
Each year between November and May, thousands of Koholā (humpback whales) return to Hawai‘i to breed, give birth and nurse their young. During this special time of year, boaters are reminded to reduce their speed and keep a safe and legal distance around whales.
Advisory Council applicants sought for Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve
The advisory council ensures public participation in reserve management and provides advice to the superintendent of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve.
Tropical Storm Greg not expected to impact Maui or hinder recovery efforts
Tropical Storm Greg will pass well south of the Hawaiian Islands, just like Category 4 Hurricane Dora did, but Greg will not bring conditions conducive for wildfires or hamper Maui recovery efforts.
Uncrewed Saildrones gather ocean data for UH research
Three Saildrone Explorers, uncrewed surface vehicles used to measure ocean data, embarked on a six-month journey around Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Oʻahu and Kauaʻi to evaluate ocean health across the state.
Moon the inspiring injured humpback whale hasn’t been seen since early December
Moon has been followed by the Pacific Whale Foundation for nearly 15 years, but the last time researchers saw her in Maui waters she was suffering badly from a believed boat strike.
Humpback whale sanctuary seeks volunteers for 2023 Ocean Count
Thousands of humpback whales breed, give birth and nurse offspring near the Hawaiian Islands each winter and spring.
Hawaiʻi dodges hurricane season with one tropical cyclone that quickly weakened
Hawaiʻi evaded this year’s hurricane season with only one tropical cyclone — a below-average count for the hurricane season that runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Typically, the seasonal average for the Central Pacific basin, which includes Hawaiʻi, is four to five tropical cyclones, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration news release Wednesday.
Volcano Watch: Volcanoes of American Samoa
Ta‘ū volcano in American Samoa experienced volcanic unrest in the form of an earthquake swarm that was felt throughout the Manuʻa Islands (Ofu-Olosega and Ta‘ū Islands) from late July through early September 2022.