NOAA’s Contributions to the Integrated Ocean Observing System

Abstract

The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) will enable and encourage communication and collaboration between government agencies, universities, industries, and among individuals who conduct ocean and coastal research and observations. IOOS addresses seven societal goals including improved predictions of climate change and weather, protection of natural resources, and improved safety and efficiency of marine operations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) actively promotes integration and coordination of ocean and coastal observations through significant investments in ocean observing infrastructure and technology. Many of NOAA's current activities and programs are components of IOOS, such as Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) forecasts, the National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON), Living Marine Resource (LMR) Surveys, and the National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Marine Weather Buoys. NOAA's current IOOS efforts support integrating existing NOAA and external observations in addition to filling gaps in the national backbone. New activities being undertaken within NOAA in support of IOOS include an emphasis on Data Management and Communications (DMAC), coordination with other federal agencies involved in ocean research and observations through Ocean.US, and coordination with nascent Regional Associations.