Integrated and Sustained Ocean Observations
To visit the official Ocean.US website, click here.
NOPP was a leader in developing a plan for a U.S. integrated and sustained ocean
observing system that would meet national needs, while also serving as the U.S.
component of a global ocean observing system. This effort was referred to as
Ocean.US from 2000-2008. As of September 30, 2008, Ocean.US closed its doors. As a result of its significant efforts, a U.S. IOOSŪ is being implemented. Some Ocean.US activities will continue under the leadership of the the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Observations, a chartered working group under the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology. IWGOO activities will be facilitated by the Consortium for Ocean Leadership.
Ocean.US stemmed from a Congressional request to the NORLC for "a plan
to achieve a truly integrated ocean observing system." In response to this
request, a joint federal/non-federal Task Team prepared the report "Toward
a U.S. Plan for an Integrated, Sustained Ocean Observing System" on behalf
of NORLC. This led to a set of recommendations put forth by the ORAP in the
report "An Integrated Ocean Observing System: A Strategy for Implementing
the First Steps of a U.S. Plan." In May 2000, based on the ORAP report
recommendations, the NORLC approved the establishment of an office to develop
a national capability for integrating and sustaining ocean observations and
predictions. The Ocean.US Office was officially established in October, 2000
with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the NOPP agencies. The
Ocean.US Office served as the national focal point for integrating ocean
observing activities and now the IWGOO is in charge.
The primary purpose of Ocean.US was to enhance broad user access to ocean knowledge,
data, tools, and products. The goal of the interagency Ocean.US Office was to integrate existing and planned observing elements to establish an ocean observing system federation that would meet common research and operational agency needs in the following areas:
- Detecting and forecasting oceanic components of climate variability
- Facilitating safe and efficient marine operations
- Ensuring national security
- Managing resources for sustainable use
- Preserving and restoring healthy marine ecosystems
- Mitigating natural hazards
- Ensuring public health
