The IOOS Association created the Caraid Award in 2020 as an annual award to recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to observing and understanding our oceans, coasts, and Great Lakes through vision, leadership, friendship. The word “Caraid” is a Scottish Gaelic word, meaning “care” or “love” and is pronounced like “courage.” These are the attributes – caring and the courage to do what matters – that makes IOOS work.