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  • Success Stories
  • Environmental Resource Assessment & Management

Collecting and Studying Deep-Sea Coral

Three of our staff supporting NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science joined a team of nine other scientists on a 12 day expedition to collect deep-sea coral samples in the Gulf of Mexico. After completing 23 dives at 14 sites the team collected 36 live samples of coral, some of which have never previously been kept in an aquaria environment. The team also collected genetic samples, water samples for eDNA and aquaculture reference, and samples for microbiology and microscopy. The team transported the live coral samples to the Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina where they will be studied for genetics, population connectivity, reproduction, and other important information that help scientists understand and protect coral reefs.

A boat in the middle of the ocean.
Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium for Ocean Research operates the research vessel Point Sur.
Orange coral polyps with small white tentacles along the tops.
Close-up of collected coral sample.
Two clear collection tubs separated into two sides containing orange branching corals in one side and darker branching coral in the other.
The team collected live coral samples and kept them alive on-board while being transported to the laboratory.

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sun through clouds over open ocean
  • Success Stories
  • Satellite Science & Environmental Intelligence

Supporting the Development and Refinement of Advanced Atmospheric Sounding Products 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Unique Combined Atmospheric Processing System (NUCAPS) provides critical information on temperature, moisture, ozone, and other variables that help forecasters and climate experts understand conditions throughout the atmosphere. CSS Employee Owners are key contributors to the team, supporting the development and refinement of advanced atmospheric sounding products.   The work…

fire burning behind a row a trees. Smoke filling the sky.
  • Success Stories
  • Satellite Science & Environmental Intelligence

Contributing to the Next Generation Fire System

CSS plays a key role on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Atmospheric Sciences and Technology Applications Fire Detection Team, contributing to the development and validation of next generation wildfire detection capabilities. Working alongside subject matter experts and scientists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, CSS Employee Owners support efforts to evaluate and improve experimental…

Fog fills a valley between rolling hills covered with pine and deciduous trees at sunset.
  • Success Stories
  • Satellite Science & Environmental Intelligence

NOAA’s Updated Climate Atlas Tool is Now Live!  

In the fall of 2026, NOAA released the updated Climate Atlas tool. CSS is proud to support the release of this tool, with personnel as key members of the leadership, development, and user engagement teams.   Climate Atlas offers enhanced accessibility and usability for local communities, businesses, industries, and decision-makers. Reliable climate data underpins strategic planning,…