National and Global Observing Programs
NOAA IOOS Program Office
The national Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is designed to enhance our ability to collect, deliver, and use ocean information. The mission of the IOOS Program Office, located within NOAA, is to “lead the integration of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes observing capabilities, in collaboration with Federal and non-Federal partners, to maximize access to data and generation of information products, inform decision making, and promote economic, environmental, and social benefits to our nation and the world.”
Visit the Integrated Ocean Observing System Website.
Interagency Ocean Observation Committee
Given the complexity and wide geographical range of ocean observing systems, the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee (IOOC) focuses on coordinating federal efforts to make ocean information more readily available and easy to use. This is achieved through carrying out the committee’s legislative mandates, supporting other relevant initiatives, and engaging new stakeholders. In addition, the IOOC is working with the executive office’s Ocean Policy Task Force and the Council on Environmental Quality to implement provisions of the National Ocean Policy.
Visit the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee Website
Sustaining Arctic Observing Network
Sustaining Arctic Observing Networks (SAON) is a process to support and strengthen the development of multinational engagement for sustained and coordinated pan-Arctic observing and data sharing systems that serve societal needs, particularly related to environmental, social, economic and cultural issues.
Visit the SAON Website
IOOS Association
The regional component of Integrated Ocean Observing System is primarily implemented by 11 regional ocean and coastal observing systems encompassing the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the Great Lakes, and estuaries. The IOOS Association is a non-profit that acts as a central voice on behalf of the regional systems.
Visit the IOOS Association Website
Global Ocean Observing System
The global ocean component is an international collaboration to develop a global observing system. The Global Ocean Observing System is designed to improve forecasts and assessments of weather, climate, ocean states, and boundary conditions for regional observing systems. It is anticipated to be part of the Global Earth Observing System of Systems, or GEOSS, which is organized by the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) .
Visit the Global Ocean Observing System Website
Visit the Global Earth Observing System of Systems Website
Arctic Observing Network
The Arctic Observing Network (AON), as envisioned in the National Academy of Sciences report Toward an Integrated Arctic Observing Network, is a system of atmospheric, land- and ocean-based environmental monitoring capabilities — from ocean buoys to satellites — that will significantly advance our observations of Arctic environmental conditions. US AON is the interagency body, which falls under the Interagency Arctic Research Policy Committee (IARPC), that advances the integration of and planning for sustained Arctic observations to meet the AON vision. US AON Board members represent relevant agency-specific programs, such as the National Science Foundation’s AON research program (NSF AON) and NOAA’s Arctic Research Program.
Visit the NSF AON Website and Data Portal