News from the Regional Associations

IOOS® Responds to the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill

Click here for further information and links.

IOOS® Partners Host Event Marking Launch of Ocean Observing Array

On July 12, the NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) spoke to congressional representatives, media, and various partners at an event marking the launch of an ocean observing array located off the coast of Washington state.  The Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) and the University of Washington hosted the event in Seattle.  IOOS facilitated this partnership by leveraging the regional observing network already in place to attract the Murdock Charitable Trust system, partial funders of the data collection system, to the table.  In this way, the observational array is more than just a single system, but part of a larger national effort.  These assets will be part of IOOS and can be viewed in real-time at the NANOOS website (http://www.nanoos.org).  Other partners include NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, the NOAA Northwest Regional office, NOAA Sanctuaries, the Intergovernmental Policy Council composed of several Native American tribes, the State of Washington, the Pacific Ocean Shelf Tracking project, the Environmental Protection Agency, Puget Sound Partnership, Washington Department of Ecology, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, Pacific Shellfish Institute, Taylor Shellfish, Pacific Science Center, and Marine Conservation Biology Institute. 

Significance:  Scientists will use this observing array to gain information on issues of concern in the Pacific Northwest – like ocean acidification, hypoxia, harmful algal blooms, and climate change.  The coastal buoy will aid computer models that predict ocean and atmospheric conditions. The glider associated with the buoy system has a sensor that detects fish and will help to track their movement.  Glider technology is cutting edge and unique in that it can collect critical information along the water column at low cost and no risk to human life.  Decision makers use data from both buoys and gliders to get a clearer picture of ocean conditions so they can improve safety, enhance our economy, and protect our environment.

Contact: Jennie Lyons, 301-427-2446, Jennie.Lyons@noaa.gov.

GLOS Prepares to Launch 3 buoys

Great Lakes Observing System is preparing to launch three buoys, highlighted in this article from Michigan Tech.

Meetings

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IOOS Fall Workshop and NFRA Board Meeting- November 15-18

Products Workshop 2010

RA Announcements: Job and Funding Opportunities

Can now be found by clicking here or visiting the "RA Postings" link to the left.

Regional Planning Document

As the uses of our coastal and Great Lakes waters increase and become more diverse, and as we face the unknown consequences of a changing climate, so the need for accurate and timely information intensifies. This document focuses on the contribution of the regional systems to the national program, and includes plans for budgeting for observing capacity, product services, system management, and outreach. Download the Regional Planning Document (PDF)

To read Letters of Support for the Regional Associations, click here.

 

About Us

As part of the Integrated Ocean Observing System, the Regional Associations provide vital tools for tracking, predicting, managing, and adapting to changes in our nation’s waters.

 

This two-page flyer provides the basics of what the Regional Associations are all about, and includes a map of the US waters in which they work. Download the flyer (PDF).