the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a federal agency within the US Department of Commerce that is dedicated to predicting and protecting the environment. NOAA's overall mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth+s environment, protect life and property, provide decision makers with reliable scientific information, conserve and manage the Nation+s living marine and coastal resources to meet our Nation+s economic, social, and environmental needs, and foster global environmental stewardship. To achieve its mission, NOAA+s focus through 2008 will be on four mission goals:

1. Protect, restore, and manage the use of coastal and ocean resources through ecosystem-based management.

2. Understand climate variability and change to enhance society+s ability to plan and respond.

3. Serve society+s needs for weather and water information.

4. Support the Nation+s commerce with information for safe, efficient, and environmentally sound transportation.