Atlantic Ocean

October 26, 2009 -- Representatives from NOAA and the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, announced the formation of a partnership to better manage and protect ocean and coastal resources, ensure regional economic sustainability, and respond to disasters such as hurricanes. The announcement was made during the annual meeting of the Coastal States Organization in Charleston, S.C.    » read more »

August 31, 2009 -- Persistent winds and a weakened current in the Mid-Atlantic contributed to higher than normal sea levels along the Eastern Seaboard in June and July, according to a new NOAA technical report.

After observing water levels six inches to two feet higher than originally predicted, NOAA scientists began analyzing data from select tide stations and buoys from Maine to Florida and found that a weakening of the Florida Current Transport—an oceanic current that feeds into the Gulf Stream—in addition to steady and persistent Northeast winds, contributed to this anomaly.    » read more »

Mid-Atlantic Governors' Agreement on Ocean Conservation to help coordinate 5 states’ policies

June 04, 2009 -- RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced his participation in the Mid-Atlantic Governors' Agreement on Ocean Conservation, a partnership among the Governors of New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia to protect the ocean waters of the Mid-Atlantic.

The new regional partnership will protect and improve the health of ocean and coastal resources through improved coordination and minimized jurisdictional barriers, ensuring the resources contribute to our economic vitality and high quality of life well into the future.    » read more »

Agreement will Create Structure for States to Collaborate on Offshore Renewable Energy and Other Pressing Ocean Issues

June 4, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson and New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine today announced an historic interstate agreement committed to improving ocean health by creating the Governors Mid-Atlantic Council on Oceans.

Recognizing that renewable offshore energy can foster a more efficient and sustainable regional economy and improve the quality of life for citizens, the Governors are creating a structure for the States to collaborate on improving energy security and independence in the region through development of offshore renewable energy while accommodating other ocean uses.    » read more »

June 04, 2009 -- NEW YORK - New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed an interstate agreement with other Mid-Atlantic governors to protect the Atlantic Ocean. The goals of the newly formed Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean will continue to advocate for and leverage greater state influence on the management of offshore ocean areas and to direct federal and interstate actions and resources.    » read more »

June 4, 2009 -- AUGUSTA – Maine Governor John E. Baldacci today signed LD 1465, An Act To Facilitate Testing and Demonstration of Renewable Ocean Energy Technology. The Governor’s bill, sponsored by Senator Barry Hobbins, establishes a streamlined permit process for companies that want to test promising new renewable ocean energy technologies in appropriate sites in the Gulf of Maine. Up to five such sites will be selected by Dec. 15, 2009.    » read more »

Agreement will create structure for states to collaborate on offshore renewable energy and other pressing ocean issues; Senior Obama Administration advisors join governors to endorse agreement

June 4, 2009 --    » read more »

NWS TPC/National Hurricane Center Miami FL Al012009 -- 1100 AM EDT Thu May 28 2009 -- Tropical depression forms off the mid-Atlantic coast

Satellite imagery indicates that the area of low pressure that passed to the east of Cape Hatteras yesterday has become a tropical depression--the first of the Atlantic hurricane season.

At 1100 am Edt--1500 Utc--the center of tropical depression one was located near latitude 37.3 north--longitude 71.0 west or about 310 miles--500 km--south of Providence Rhode Island and about 635 miles--1020 km--southwest of Halifax Nova Scotia.

The depression is moving toward the northeast near 17 mph--and this general motion is expected to continue over the next 24-48 hours. The depression is not expected to threaten any land areas.    » read more »

Washington, DC - 03/09/2009 - The Pew Environment Group today called upon the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council to diligently implement important new federal requirements designed to prevent overfishing and rebuild depleted fish populations.

The council is currently developing plans to apply the new federal rules, which became effective on February 17, 2009. These rules correspond to 2006 congressional amendments to the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the nation’s primary law governing management of U.S. fish populations.    » read more »

August, 2008 -- In the August update to the Atlantic hurricane season outlook, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has increased the likelihood of an above-normal hurricane season and has raised the total number of named storms and hurricanes that may form. Forecasters attribute this adjustment to atmospheric and oceanic conditions across the Atlantic Basin that favor storm development - combined with the strong early season activity.

Hurricane Dolly on July 23, 2008: Photo: NOAA    » read more »

Climate change is suspected cause

July 30, 2007 -- About twice as many hurricanes form each year on average in the Atlantic Ocean compared to a century ago, states a new statistical study of hurricanes and tropical storms in the north Atlantic. The study concludes that warmer sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and altered wind patterns associated with global climate change are fueling much of the increase.    » read more »