News from the Regional Associations

About Us

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

Why invest in ocean observing and predictions?

Immediate returns will occur in maritime safety; shipping, fishing, energy, tourism, and other industries; search and rescue; national security; and monitoring and cleanup of pollution. These benefits have an estimated value in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

New! NFRA at a Glance

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). This flyer is also part of the Communication Resources section of this website.

Followup: Ocean Policy Task Force

On behalf of the Regional Associations for Coastal and Ocean Observing, Chair Molly McCammon sent this letter to Nancy Sutley, Chair of the Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force, thanking her for the opportunity to work on the Task Force's Interim Report.

Update

NFRA Releases document "Providing Coastal Information in a Changing Climate: The Regional Contribution to the National Integrated Ocean Observing System". [3MB PDF doc]

This document outlines the high-level products and services that the national network of RAs will provide in the coming years. The products address 5 key themes that have been identified as priorities by regional users and stakeholders: Marine Operations, Climate Variability and Change, Ecosystems, Fisheries, and Water Quality, Coastal Hazards and Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning.