NOAA

NOAA in the News: Lawsuits, Contracts, and Research Findings

From lawsuits over turtle protection to multimillion-dollar contracts, NOAA's recent activities are making waves! Find out what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has been up to in the latest developments.

In a recent analysis, NOAA scientists and meteorologists in Boulder closely examined the forecasting challenges posed by the “mountain wave” windstorm, an event that highlighted the complexities of predicting extreme weather phenomena. Meanwhile, the Center for Biological Diversity and the Turtle Restoration Network have filed a lawsuit against NOAA for allegedly failing to protect turtles from sablefish pot harvesting in reopened areas, sparking a legal battle over marine conservation efforts.

On a brighter note, Spire Global, a leading provider of space-based data and analytics, secured a $9.4 million contract from NOAA for satellite services. The contract aims to enhance NOAA's access to radio occultation data for an 8-month period, showcasing the agency's ongoing efforts to leverage innovative technologies for weather monitoring and forecasting.

In a significant development, the collaboration between CBD and the Turtle Restoration Network underscores the importance of environmental activism and advocacy in safeguarding marine wildlife. The lawsuit against NOAA reflects the growing concerns over sustainable fishing practices and the need for stricter regulations to protect vulnerable species in coastal regions.

Moreover, Spire Global's contract with NOAA highlights the critical role of satellite data in enhancing weather prediction accuracy and tracking atmospheric conditions. The partnership signifies a key milestone in advancing technological solutions for climate research and disaster management, showcasing the synergies between private industry and government agencies in addressing environmental challenges.