The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is the federal agency charged with scientific study of the ocean and atmosphere and how they affect the nation’s health, economy and future. NOAA conducts scientific research and provides products and services to government, commercial and educational users domestically and globally.

In 2009, funding was included in the NOAA budget to support the creation of an Extension Outreach and Education (EOE) Pilot Program in partnership with GulfQuest. The idea for the EOE Pilot Program was established in response to a report from NOAA’s Science Advisory Board that called for the creation of a program to strengthen, organize and improve NOAA’s approach to extension, outreach and education activities.

Sharing objectives, the EOE Pilot Program and GulfQuest will work to enhance public awareness and understanding of ocean, coastal and atmospheric science and stewardship. Through this partnership, NOAA and GulfQuest will collaborate as they simultaneously develop education and outreach programs to serve Gulf of Mexico residents and visitors.

To address key Gulf of Mexico issues, the EOE Pilot Program has employed two Engagement Specialists in education and outreach – one to address nutrients/hypoxia in the Gulf and beyond, and another focused on regional climate and resiliency issues. A Communications Specialist works alongside the two Engagement Specialists to ensure a constant flow of quality information between NOAA and its constituents.

In addition, EOE Pilot Program specialists and GulfQuest educators are working together to develop programs for the general public and school groups that address environmental issues that are important to both organizations.

NOAA’s EOE Pilot Program is a cooperative agreement between the NOAA Office of Education, GulfQuest, the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium and the NOAA Regional Collaboration Team.

For more information on NOAA, please visit www.noaa.gov.