First-Ever Coral Reef Mapping
Launched with Exclusive Technique

Midway Atoll, Northwestern Hawaiian Islands IKONOS Satellite Imagery copyright Space Imaging Image Processing by NOS Coral Reef Mapping Team

Development of the first-ever, high-detail maps of coral reef ecosystems is now underway in the U.S. Pacific. Working with other federal agencies and state, local and university partners, NOAA aims to complete final maps within 2 to 4 years. Among multiple uses, the completed maps are expected to be key to learning about the condition and extent of coral reefs.

This information will provide a valuable roadmap for safeguarding corals reefs in the years ahead. It will also be vital in studying coral reefs within the context of prior knowledge. Taking the lead in this effort are Mark Monaco, Rick Stumpf, and Kris Holderied, all of the National Ocean Service's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, and Steve Rohmann, of the National Ocean Service's Special Projects Office.

Reef areas in shallow waters (between zero and 100 feet) are being mapped in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas. High resolution digital imagery gathered from either an aircraft or satellite will shape the basis for the maps.

-- FULL STORY --

Proactive in Bayou Country

Partnership 'Proving Essential' in Louisiana
"Our partnership with the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will promote environmentally conscientious and measurable continuous improvements to our Port's waterways management and customer-satisfaction efforts," said Terry Jordan, executive director of Louisiana's Lake Charles Harbor and Terminal District (Port of Lake Charles). "As the Port of Lake Charles moves forward, partnering with NOAA is proving to be essential."

-- FULL STORY --

Learning to Keep Sea Turtles Alive & Healthy -- FULL STORY --

Mike Foster, meteorologist in charge of the Norman, Oklahoma forecast office, received this year's American Meteorological Society Award for Exceptional Specific Prediction. Previously the Science Operations Officer for the weather service's Ft. Worth, Texas forecast office, Mike was recognized for decisive, life-saving actions during the March 28, 2000 tornado in Fort Worth, Texas. Relying on his skills while monitoring a severe storm, Mike issued a tornado warning at 6:10 p.m. despite having no reports of a developing tornado. Just 15 minutes later, a devastating twister hit downtown Ft. Worth. Mike's warning is credited with saving many lives. More about the AMS Meeting.

For Salt Lake City forecaster Mark Struthwolf, the 2002 Winter Olympic Games is a family affair. Beyond forecasting responsibilities, Mark is volunteering as an "ice patcher supervisor." His job is to make sure the ice rink remains in near perfect condition, filling in holes that result from all those jumps, triples and quads. A team of six has 1-2 minutes to do its work. Mark's wife Liz is on the patching team. Their daughter Kristina's ice skating skills earned her a spot in the Opening Ceremonies. Kristina, 14, already a seasoned competitor, has her skates pointed toward the 2006 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Send your wishes to NOAA's Olympics Team at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/olymmail.htm.

This is Lexington, 1½, and Lisa A. Lasfargues, his "puppy raiser." Puppy raisers train dogs as Guiding Eyes for the Blind, which is what the organization Lisa volunteers for is called. Lisa is a financial administrator in NOAA's Largo, Maryland office. Because he's in training, with a special jacket and "excellent manners" to prove it, Lexington has stayed in Lisa's office, attended NOAA meetings, and even joined Lisa and her co-workers at nearby restaurants. Lisa attended twice monthly classes to make sure that Lexington earned his blue jacket. The black lab now knows not to pull on his leash, that people food is forbidden, and when to "get busy," a well-behaved dog's take on toilet training. Lisa will soon have to let Lexington move on. Later this month he's off to "college" for four months, then paired with a potential owner. To make sure it's a good match, Lexington and his new owner will first live in a dorm for six weeks. To learn more: www.geb-bay.org.

National African American History Month
By now you may have seen the posters or read the announcements which proclaim that this is National African American History Month. This observance provides an opportunity for the NOAA community to come together and celebrate our diversity. In light of the events of last year we should be reminded that we are a strong and resilient nation thanks to the contributions made by people of every race and background.

The theme of National African American History Month for 2002 is "The Color Line Revisited: Is Racism Dead?" I call upon each and every one of you to join me to institute a culture at NOAA that is characterized by mutual acceptance and inclusion, one which rejects any form of racism or discrimination. Just as the Olympics in Salt Lake City is bringing world community together in peace and understanding, let us at NOAA together recognize and honor the immeasurable contributions made by African Americans. -- Vice Admiral Lautenbacher

NOAA Captures 'Best Motivational Poster' Award
at Combined Federal Campaign Gala

Mary Anne Whitcomb (left), NOAA CFC Campaign Chair, and Sue Kennedy (right), NOAA CFC Financial Coordinator are on-hand to congratulate Janet Ward for her award-winning poster - "Give a helping hand through CFC". Janet's work was recently recognized with the award for best motivational poster in the National Capital Area CFC Communications Contest.

Click here for a larger version of the poster.