Oceanography | Vol. 36, No. 2–3
SPECIAL ISSUE ON THE PACIFIC MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL LABORATORY:
50 YEARS OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH IN OCEANOGRAPHY
This year marks the 50th anniversary of NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
(PMEL). This world-class research facility has proven itself a global leader in the develop-
ment and deployment of innovative strategies for ocean observation and monitoring. It is
thanks to the dedicated work of PMEL researchers that we have advanced our understand-
ing of the climate and weather nexus, ocean acidification, marine ecosystems, and ocean
and coastal processes, all while advancing science technology innovation.
Prior to becoming NOAA’s Administrator, I served as the Assistant Administrator for
NOAA Research. I am keenly aware of and take great pride in PMEL science and engineer-
ing innovations. From MAPCO2, Deep Argo, FOCI, and DART, the work at PMEL helps
us to better understand our planet and protect the lives, livelihoods, and lifestyles of the
public we serve.
The full list of accomplishments that PMEL has achieved in the past 50 years is long, but
there are certainly some standouts.
Notably, PMEL has helped strengthen climate science with Argo, the Global Tropical
Moored Buoy Array, the Kuroshio Extension Observatory, Ocean Station Papa, the Research
Moored Array for African-Asian-Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA),
and more. NOAA’s ability to build a Climate Ready Nation and equip decision-makers with
needed climate information is informed by the work of these initiatives.
Additionally, scientists at PMEL have conducted seminal research on the changing ocean
carbon dioxide chemistry and its impact on marine ecosystems–research which ultimately
led to shifting public perception of ocean acidification and climate change mitigation. The
dedicated work of PMEL scientists has also given us a better understanding of Arctic ocean-
ography and ecosystems and how climate change is affecting marine polar regions.
And critically, the work underway at PMEL is helping save lives, as seen in the increased
speed and accuracy of operational tsunami forecasts and warnings. It’s examples like this
that demonstrate how crucial PMEL is to the day-to-day lives of people around the world
who benefit from this research.
FOREWORD