Earth Day is a time to celebrate our incredible planet. It gives us so much—the air we breathe, the water we drink, the marine life we love, and the fish and habitats that sustain us. At NOAA Fisheries, we work every day to conserve and recover our planet’s marine life and ecosystems. From restoring habitats, to protecting marine animals, to supporting sustainable U.S. fisheries, learn how we're using science to protect and improve our environment.
Earth Week Features
Innovative Coral Restoration Begins in Hawaiʻi After Ship Grounding
A promising and emerging coral restoration technique is being tested in the coastal waters of Hawai‘i for the first time.
Learn about this promising coral restoration technique
NOAA-Funded Research Highlights Economic Effects of Oyster Reef Restoration
Scientists at Morgan State University forecast that restored oyster reefs—especially when paired with eelgrass recovery—boost habitat, blue crab harvest, and the economy.
Read about the economic benefits of oyster restoration
Restoring Ecosystems and Rejuvenating Native Hawaiian Traditions in Maui
With support from NOAA, Hawaiʻi Land Trust is restoring a 15th-century Native Hawaiian aquaculture site. This human-made ecosystem will provide food for community members and habitat for wildlife while protecting coral reefs offshore.
Involving community members in ancient practices helps restore ecosystems
NOAA-Funded Program Helps Miami Teens Enter Marine Science Field
The Your Shores program at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science provides high school students from diverse backgrounds with dive certifications, habitat restoration and research experience, and marine science training.
Helping first-generation college-bound high school students gain experience in marine science
After Environmental Disasters, NOAA Works to Restore Habitat for All
Habitat restoration isn't just about planting trees—it's about revitalizing and fortifying entire ecosystems to benefit all who rely on them.
Learn how NOAA restores ecosystems after environmental disasters
Whales and Carbon Sequestration: Can Whales Store Carbon?
Whales can help mitigate climate change impacts by storing carbon in their bodies and transporting nutrients that benefit ocean food chains.
Earth Week Videos and Podcasts
Video—Rebuilding Puerto Rico’s Mangroves: How BoriCorps Creates Jobs for Young Professionals
This NOAA-funded program helps Puerto Rican young professionals get training and job experience to enter the workforce, while restoring mangroves destroyed by Hurricane Maria.
Podcast—Could the LA Wildfires Harm Marine Life in California?
NOAA scientists aboard a research vessel studied Los Angeles wildfire ash in coastal waters. Hear how their rapid response may reveal long-term ecosystem impacts.
Tracking the impact of LA wildfires on marine life
Podcast—How NOAA Satellites Monitor Ocean Health: Tracking Changes from Space
Satellites provide scientists important data they use to manage and protect fisheries and marine mammals.
Using satellites to learn about changes in the ocean and how it impacts fish and wildlife
Video—Community Members Restore Hawaiʻi Coral Reefs and Reconnect with Traditional Hawaiian Ecological Practices
With support from NOAA, Kuleana Coral Restoration is training Native Hawaiians and community members in coral reef restoration. Meet the people taking part in the program.
Podcast—What Happened to All the Alaska Snow Crabs?
A few years ago, snow crab populations in Alaska collapsed. The decline of roughly 10 billion crabs hit fishermen hard and the entire industry was impacted—from distributors, to processors, to consumers. Hear how NOAA biologists solved the mystery of what happened to them.
