Coastal Observing
A coastal observing system is a combination of many components used to gather information and turn it into useful products that support human populations, coastal economies and a healthy, sustainable environment. In short, observing systems are our eyes on the oceans, coasts and Great Lakes. They provide timely, actionable information developed from reliable and user-driven science to provide insight into present and future conditions. Regional coastal observing systems are designed to meet the unique needs of the regional environment and population. Information collected aids in:
National
Established by the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 (ICOOS Act), U.S. IOOS is a interagency network that brings that brings together 17 Federal agencies that, in collaboration with the regional system, provide quality information about our coasts, oceans and Great Lakes. The US IOOS Program Office, located in NOAA’s National Ocean Service, provides leadership and coordination for the program. The Interagency Ocean Observing Committee (IOOC) coordinates the activities of the Federal level. The program also:


Regional IOOS
Coastal ecosystems are complex. U.S. waters encompass 11 Large Marine Ecosystem that range from the cold waters of the Arctic to the warm waters of the tropical Pacific Islands. The Great Lakes, with over 10,000 miles of coastline, are the world’s largest system of freshwater lakes. Each region is characterized by unique geological, physical and chemical properties, biological productivity and human uses. The national network of eleven regional observing system provides services to the entire coastline of the U.S.
The 11 IOOS Regional Associations (RAs) design, maintain and operate regional coastal observing systems. Each RA is managed by a Board of Directors drawn from stakeholders in the region. The RAs works with agencies, industry, scientists and others to tailor an observing system to address specific regional issues.
Technology
Each observing system uses a variety of platforms to collect data. The following are the major types of platforms used in IOOS.
