National Hydrography Day: How marine science impacts our region

PASS CHRISTIAN, Miss. (WXXV) – The Naval Oceanographic Office, or NAVO, is the largest subordinate command within the Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command.

NAVO is responsible for providing oceanographic products and services to all elements of the Department of Defense. And the best part, it’s all based right here in South Mississippi. 

NAVO partners with local high schools and universities such as Southern Miss, LSU, and Mississippi State to educate students on all of the diverse career paths in marine science that allow them to pursue STEM passions while making an impact on the area they call home. USM’s partnership, GenSea, has reached over 5,000 students. 

On the Gulf Coast, marine science is especially important to our region. From the oyster reefs in the Mississippi Sound to preparing for hurricane season, every aspect impacts our ecosystem.