NOAA, a young agency with an historic tradition of service to the nation

NOAA's creation in 1970 reflected an understanding of the fundamental stake we as a Nation have in the oceans - as a source of food, as a source of energy, and as a source of recreation - and an appreciation of the profound linkage between global atmospheric and oceanic processes. In the 10 years since, NOAA has evolved rapidly into an organization which establishes national policies for, and manages and conserves, our oceanic, coastal, and atmospheric resources and applies its managerial, research, and technical expertise to provide practical services and essential scientific information.