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Innovative Marine Science for a Sustainable Future

Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory scientists and our partners study the ocean's role in climate, weather, and extreme events, as well as its impact on marine ecosystems.  Together, we provide foundational information to respond to a rapidly changing planet.

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The Bell Shimada at sea, an enormous spray of seawater engulfing one side

PMEL Highlights

Featured Publication |

New report released by NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center and PMEL Since the 1970s, researchers have used passive acoustic approaches to document the presence of locally occurring killer whales in the Salish Sea ecosystem, including endangered Southern Resident killer whales. The Salish Sea consists of the transboundary inland waters of Washington State and southern British Columbia, Canada, and includes several international ports and commercial vessel traffic corridors. Southern Residents rely on sound for finding their fish prey and to communicate among group family members, and have

Our Value to Society

The Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) provides trusted scientific information, critical observations, and groundbreaking research to advance knowledge of the global ocean and its interactions with Earth systems. The work of PMEL scientists and engineers strengthens society's capacity to improve weather/climate predictions, fisheries management, and coastal resilience. PMEL is committed to finding answers to the world's most difficult and pressing environmental challenges.