Quantifying Economic Benefits
NOAA By the Numbers
See statistics of research at NOAA that measure economic benefits of our programs, or indicate how NOAA programs create economic value.
NOAA's Mission & Economic Role
"NOAA's Mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.”
In fulfilling this mission, NOAA creates measurable economic value across the United States. The agency’s forecasts and environmental monitoring protect lives and property from natural hazards, while its data enables smart decision-making for key industries like agriculture, marine shipping, aviation, and commercial fishing.
Because no single number can capture NOAA’s total economic impact, NOAA By the Numbers collects curated economic findings and literature reviews organized under two primary thematic areas: ‘Weather & Risk’ and ‘Marine Resources & the ‘Blue Economy’.
How NOAA Contributes to the U.S. Economy
Weather & Risk
NOAA information helps individuals, businesses, emergency managers, and governments make informed decisions every day. From a farmer timing irrigation based on precipitation outlooks to an airline rerouting flights around atmospheric storms, accurate data reduces operational costs and boosts national productivity.
The economic value of NOAA’s environmental data relies on its accuracy and timeliness, accessibility and useability, and trustworthiness. When NOAA’s data is acted upon by the public (e.g., through additional protective or cautionary measures), the ultimate economic savings can include avoided property damage, business disruption, and loss of life.
Hurricanes & Tropical Cyclones
Discover how early track and intensity warnings protect coastal communities and reduce regional damage costs.
Severe Storms, Tornados, and Flash Floods
See how weeks-to-months outlooks support long-term decisionmaking in agriculture, water management, and energy grid planning.
Drought
Learn how drought monitoring mitigates agricultural losses and helps municipal utilities manage water supply risks.
Aviation Weather
Read about how weather advisories and forecasts of aviation hazards keep commercial and private air travel safe and on schedule.
Space Weather
Explore how geomagnetic storm alerts protect power grids, satellite operations, and communication networks.
Winter Weather
Learn how snow, ice, and cold-snap forecasts assist winter transportation, municipal road crews, and energy supply chains.
Tsunamis
Examine how deep-ocean detection networks give coastal communities critical warning time while avoiding false evacuations.
Marine Resources & the Blue Economy
Working alongside federal, state, and local partners, NOAA stewards complex coastal and marine ecosystems across the U.S., including the Great Lakes and major rivers. NOAA’s natural resource management balances competing demands to support sustainable economic growth in the ocean economy.
For example, science-based fishery management policies prevent overfishing and rebuild stocks. While short-term catch limits require careful trade-offs, they protect the long-term viability of commercial fishing, secure coastal jobs, and ensure a stable seafood supply for American consumers.
Explore Marine Resources & Blue Economy Topics
Marine Transportation
See how electronic navigational charts, real-time tides, and port forecasts drive billions in safe maritime trade.
Commercial & Recreational Fisheries
Learn how sustainable harvesting policies safeguard seafood industries and support coastal economies.
Ocean Energy & Mining
Read how environmental data guides responsible offshore wind, oil, gas, and mineral development.
Coastal Habitat Management
Explore how protecting wetlands, estuaries, and shorelines defends communities against erosion while supporting tourism and wildlife.
