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
Five big discoveries from WHOI’s Ocean Twilight Zone Project
Six years since it began, WHOI’s Ocean Twilight Zone project brings new and exciting insights to bear
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🐋 There’s been a lot of debate over the impacts of offshore wind on whales and other marine mammals.
📲 Get the facts from #WHOI biologist Mark Baumgartner at the link in our profile!
📸 by Nicholas Doherty via Unsplash
May 24
#HumansofWHOI – DC Collasius – Lead #Machinist / DunkWorks Specialist
I started here at WHOI 18 years ago now. I went to a vocational high school for #machining technology. After I graduated, I went to a semester in college, and realized it wasn`t for me at the time. And so I applied at #WHOI to be a shop service assistant, which is a position that goes through each shop and you can kind of figure out what you’re best suited for.
Since I already had a machining background, I kind of just followed suit there and worked my way up through the ladder of the Machine Shop. And then, about seven years ago, I was asked to run the new innovation area, called #Dunkworks, because I already had 3D printing experience from working in the Machine Shop.
Now I`m in this wonderful new building, the George & Wendy David Center for Ocean Innovation, with a whole shop of my own and a fabrication lab connected. It’s probably the best playground ever.
Dunkworks is a rapid prototyping space that WHOI opened up to help further new innovations. Engineers come to us with new designs they want to prototype. They want to do that fast, cheap, and easy– and not spend a ton of money on something that`s going to go wrong in the long run. So they`ll prototype it on our 3D printers here, and then we can go produce the final products in our FabLab, a fabrication lab with lathes and milling machines and CNC equipment.
The best part is, we can make their ideas come to fruition just by using our machining skills. You just start with a block of material, and then you pretty much uncover the part that you`re making. It`s completely custom. If it needs a quick modification, we can quickly make it happen and get that idea to its final output.
May 23
✨️🐢✨️ It`s #WorldTurtleDay!
Did you know that all six #seaturtles found in US waters are protected under the #EndangeredSpeciesAct?
#MIT_WHOI Joint Program student @sea.willis encountered this green sea turtle while #freediving near the #Frederiksted pier in St. Croix, #USVI.
"While human-built structures can cause harm to marine communities, this pier is a vibrant habitat and refuge for many animals," says Willis, who was taking part in a 2023 Geodynamics trip focused on technology and community efforts to restore coral reef ecosystems.
📸 by Ciara Willis © #WHOI
May 23
⚓️🪢🚢 Happy #NationalMaritimeDay!
Shout-out to the hard work and dedication of #mariners working on @unols_org research vessels (that means you, R/V Tioga, @rvatlantis, and @rvneilarmstrong)!
Wherever you are in the world ocean, we appreciate all you do to make marine research possible. Thank you!
📸 by Marley Parker, Daniel Hentz, Jayne Doucette, Kent Sheasley ©️ #WHOI
May 22
🦠💪🏾🦠 You’ve heard of the #microbiome, right? It’s the idea that we humans are actually #mostlymicrobe –and in order to be healthy, we need to keep our beneficial gut bacteria happy.
🌊Well, it’s not too different in the ocean.
Learn more about the “marine microbiome” and other #SmallButMighty ways our ocean planet stays in shape! Register at the bio 🔗 to hear from WHOI microbiology experts at #OceanEncounters tomorrow night!
May 21
⁉️ How do phytoplankton move within the ocean–and why does it matter for the climate?
A new study from #WHOI, @geomarkiel, @brownu, and @mblwoodshole examines the role of "oceanic intrusions" in transporting the tiny, plant-like organisms from the surface to deeper parts of the ocean. Since these photosynthetic creatures take up lots of CO2 from the atmosphere, understanding this process is crucial for modeling climate change.
📲 Read more from @earthdotcom at the 🔗 in bio!
📸: Diatom microscopy by Rebecca Gast © WHOI
May 21
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