Program on the Environment

As climate change and human activity devastate ocean ecosystems and endanger millions of livelihoods, urgent, widespread public mobilization in marine science is desperately needed. Amid the Trump Administration, relentless firings and defunding of agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have severed the public from science and their understanding, making revitalized communication and collaboration critical. The aim of the study was to examine the barriers and opportunities for NOAA scientists to foster authentic, dialogue-driven public engagement amid reduced institutional support and declining public trust. Through my internship at NOAA, I conducted oral history interviews with scientists contributing to the NOAA Voices Oral History Archive and wrote blog posts for the Alaska Climate and Ecosystem (ACE) Dashboard. In addition, I also distributed a survey to over 400 NOAA scientists, receiving 171 responses, and performed thematic analysis to identify key patterns in current science communication practices. Findings reveal that NOAA scientists face significant barriers to effective public engagement, including insufficient staffing, time constraints, lack of practical training, and bureaucratic hurdles. Strategies such as two-way dialogue, storytelling, and tailored visual communication were identified as approaches for building trust and connecting with diverse audiences. These results highlight the need for investment in communication teams and training at NOAA to build public trust, engage diverse audiences, and support stewardship and the long-term health of marine ecosystems.