Six places NOAA is using uncrewed systems to support its fisheries missions
As NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson set sail from Kodiak, Alaska to collect data in support of annual stock assessments this summer, it had a new data gathering partner onboard.
![Collage of uncrewed aircraft and surface systems](/sites/default/files/styles/news/public/2023-11/UxS%20Fisheries%20Story%20Graphic.png?itok=qJjv13fB)
As NOAA Ship Oscar Dyson set sail from Kodiak, Alaska to collect data in support of annual stock assessments this summer, it had a new data gathering partner onboard.
From July 17 to Aug. 4, 2023, a team of NOAA and industry uncrewed aircraft professionals conducted flight operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base in Lompoc, California, to expand the agency’s use of uncrewed aircraft to gather mission critical data.
NOAA has awarded $59.8 million to Manson Construction Company to renovate the agency’s pier facility in North Charleston, South Carolina.
NOAA has awarded three Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts to five small business manufacturers of uncrewed marine systems with a potential combined value of $22.5 million. IDIQ contracts allow the agency to streamline the processing and delivery of commercial products and services from industry vendors.
Nautical charts that help keep mariners safe. Data to inform commercial and recreational fishing. Never before seen species found deep in the ocean. Ensuring safe shipping routes so ports can reopen following a storm.
The NOAA Hurricane Hunters are flying round-the-clock missions to collect data on Hurricane Lee for forecasts and research. NOAA’s two WP-3D Orions are currently operating out of St. Croix.
Federal, tribal, state and local officials joined NOAA leadership on Aug. 21 to cut the ribbon on the agency’s newly renovated port facility in Ketchikan, Alaska. The celebration was held to dedicate the facility and recognize the important partnerships in the area. The facility will provide vessel support for NOAA research ships.
NOAA will add two new ships to its fleet of groundbreaking research vessels. The agency selected Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, LLC. for a $624.6 million contract to initially design and build two cutting-edge research vessels, with an option to purchase two more. The first two ships will be built in Houma, Louisiana, with an expected delivery date of 2027 and 2028.