Ocean and Coastal Highlights

Large quantities of rare metals and minerals are critical materials used in building new technology and electronics such as cell phones, computers and electric vehicles. Seafloor deposits may harbor important sources of these rare commodities. DOI Ocean agencies USGS and BOEM met with NOAA to discuss how best to further the strategy outlined in the report, “A Federal Strategy to Ensure Secure and Reliable Supplies of Critical Minerals.”

One of the largest populations of nesting leatherback sea turtles in the U.S. uses the largest continuous beach in the Virgin Islands on St. Croix in the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more about how DOI works to conserve and protect this species.

New elevated bridge helps Katmai balance its double mission of protecting natural resources while also facilitating the public’s enjoyment of them. Bears have improved freedom of movement and “bear jams” on the old floating bridge are a thing of the past.

The new visitor center at the National Historic Landmark, where Wilbur and Orville Wright conducting their flying experiments, was recently certified “LEED Gold,” with new green energy saving performance, increased water efficiency and reduced carbon emissions. The spirit of advancing new technology is still present in the Outer Banks, NC.

The Fish Slam is a bio-blitz style approach that brings experts together from around the state of Florida to sample freshwater bodies of interest where non-native species pose a threat to native ecosystems. The experts and partners collaborate through the Non-Native Fish Alliance where they share information and work to address the problem in Florida.

With $405 Million in winning bids, the December 2018 auction was the nation’s eighth and highest grossing competitive lease sale for renewable energy in Federal waters.

Learn more about why submarine acoustics are important to marine mammals.