World Oceans Day

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World Oceans Day

“With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you're connected to the sea. No matter where on Earth you live.” – Sylvia Earle

Composite image by Shannon Colson | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

June 8, 2022

World Oceans Day pays homage to the largest ecosystem on our planet by raising awareness of the vital role that oceans play in our daily lives. Home to the only marine research facility in the Department of Energy, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) delivers integrative ocean science, modeling, analytical tools, and expertise to support coastal ecosystems and communities, as well as sustainable use of marine resources.

Supporting Climate Resilience

The coastline near PNNL-Sequim in Washington state. — *The coastline near PNNL-Sequim, the Department of Energy’s only marine research facility. (Photo by Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)*

Coastal zones comprise only 17 percent of U.S. land area, but they house more than half of the U.S. population. Coastal communities are facing serious challenges due to climate change—from sea level rise and increased flood risk to the loss of valuable coastal habitats and marine resources upon which many people rely. Researchers at PNNL are studying how people interact with the ocean to provide data that can be used to preserve coastlines and support resilient coastal communities.

Learn more about the coastal ecosystem and ocean modeling research at PNNL that is informing climate-ready coastal communities.

Powering a Clean Energy Future

Research diver inspects a hydrophone lander deployed on the seafloor. — A research diver inspects a hydrophone lander on the seafloor as part of ongoing research through the Triton Initiative to improve the environmental monitoring of marine energy devices. (Photo courtesy of Richard Walsh | Scripps Institution of Oceanography)

The ocean has vast untapped potential to provide us with clean energy. Harnessing the energy in the ocean’s waves, currents, and tides and in river currents could supply over 30 percent of electrical consumption in the United States. PNNL researchers are working to understand marine energy opportunities and overcome technological, environmental, and operational challenges. Widespread deployment of sustainable marine energy could power a multitude of blue economy sectors and provide renewable energy to coastal communities.

Learn more about marine energy, offshore wind, and environmental monitoring of marine energy devices at PNNL.
Listen to PNNL oceanographer and senior researcher Andrea Copping explain how researchers monitor the environmental impact of marine energy devices during a recent SciVIBE episode.

Providing the Necessary Tools

Key to PNNL’s ocean science are the research facilities and vessels at PNNL-Sequim. Located on Sequim Bay in Washington State, PNNL-Sequim is uniquely positioned for marine-based research that helps the nation achieve sustainable energy and secure, resilient coasts. PNNL-Sequim is home to:

Five research vessels—including a new hybrid electric vessel—and an autonomous surface vehicle
Thousands of square feet of aquatic laboratory facilities
Nearby marine and wetland field sites

Take a closer look at PNNL-Sequim, which is home to marine research facilities and field sites for cutting-edge ocean science. (Video: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)