Marine Life

Thriving Ecosystems

From sharks and other top predators to the ocean’s tiniest inhabitants, marine life plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. We all rely on this network of life for food security, well-being, and even the air we breathe. Understanding where, when, and how plants and animals interact with the environment helps protect healthy ocean and Great Lakes ecosystems.

Ocean observing also provides insight into how maritime industries interact with whales and other marine life. This supports responsible resource management, culturally and ecologically important species, and a thriving ocean-based economy.

IOOS IN ACTION

IOOS data helps scientists, industry, and local communities follow and predict wildlife movements. The Animal Telemetry Network (ATN) tracks marine mammals, fish, sea turtles, and other animals. Tags (sensors attached to wildlife) allow scientists to gather information on animal paths, biorhythms, and even ocean conditions where they travel. This information not only helps advance our understanding of ocean and Great Lakes ecosystems, but also informs policy and management decisions. Some animal tag data reported by satellite even supports everyday weather forecasting.

As a data integrator, IOOS compiles and provides access to data from multiple sources, as well as develops products to help users analyze and better understand changes in the ocean environment, for example those related to cetaceans and the stressors that impact them.

The Marine Biodiversity Observation Network (MBON) leverages cutting-edge ocean observing technology like environmental DNA (eDNA) to identify and monitor marine species without capturing them. This data helps us track marine life, assess habitat health, and detect population changes over time. MBON advances scientific knowledge and informs policies that sustain marine resources. This vast network brings partners together to understand unique ecosystems in the Florida Keys, the Arctic, and beyond.

Our Partners in Action: IOOS Making a Difference

I get information on changes in Cook Inlet and Prince William Sound, and on harmful algal blooms. The information and tracking of Cook Inlet beluga is especially important.

Kendra Zamzow, Alaska resident

For the past ten years, we have been working with the state of Massachusetts to tag and monitoring the movements of white sharks in the coastal waters off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, which have recently emerged as an aggregation site for the species during the summer and fall. While our own extensive acoustic telemetry array has allowed us to characterize the seasonal distribution of the species in Massachusetts waters, detection data collected by researchers’ arrays in other regions and shared via IOOS has been incredibly valuable for improving our understanding of broadscale movements along the U.S. East Coast… In the face of shifting ocean conditions, these types of long-term datasets are even more valuable because they will allow us to examine movement patterns and habitat use in the context of a changing ocean environment.

Megan Winton, Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

At the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, we use IOOS (GLOS) buoy data in real time in our fish research, as well as for the safety of people who use our beaches and marinas within our park district.

Michael Daugherty, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) is the largest tracking network in the world. OTN has long worked in synergy with IOOS and its Regional Associations to deploy and maintain cutting edge animal tracking infrastructure. The data generated on animal telemetry is informing cross-border fisheries management (e.g., annually documenting and partitioning the movements and survival of bluefin tuna moving back and forth from US waters to Canada and Europe).

Frederick Whoriskey, Ocean Tracking Network

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission cooperatively manages migratory fish and wildlife species. We utilize telemetry data collected through IOOS programs. These data are critical to effective management of species like Striped Bass and American Shad

Christian T Waters, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission