NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.A unit in the U.S. Department of Commerce responsible for monitoring the environment in order to make accurate and timely weather forecasts and to protect life, property, and the environment. • It was established in 1970 under Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 and operates through several agencies: the National Weather Service (NWS); the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS); the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS); the National Ocean Service (NOS);

and the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR). It also maintains a fleet of ships and aircraft for research. — Abbr. NOAA.

[Blacks Law 8th]