Legal Definitions - National Ocean Service

The National Ocean Service is a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is a unit in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Its main responsibility is to monitor the environment to make accurate and timely weather forecasts and to protect life, property, and the environment.

NOAA was established in 1970 under Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 and operates through several agencies:

• The National Weather Service (NWS)
• The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)
• The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)
• The National Ocean Service (NOS)
• The Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR)

The National Ocean Service is responsible for managing and protecting the nation's coastal and oceanic resources. It also maintains a fleet of ships and aircraft for research.

For example, the National Ocean Service provides information about tides, currents, and water levels to help boaters and fishermen navigate safely. It also conducts research on coral reefs and other marine ecosystems to better understand how to protect them from pollution and other threats.

Overall, the National Ocean Service plays an important role in ensuring the health and safety of our oceans and coasts.