Cooperative agreements reached by NOAA nationwide, including Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska and the Pacific Islands, will support expansion and modernization of climate, coastal and ocean observing capabilities in those states over the next five years.
The $41 million effort is a competitive process funded by U.S. IOOS (Integrated Ocean Observing System), with NOAA’s National Ocean Service, Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research, National Weather Service, NOAA Fisheries, Office of Marine and Aviation Operations, U.S. Geological Survey and the Environmental Protection Agency.
The network is customized to meet regional needs that help NOAA understand and forecast changes in the ocean and climate, prepare for and respond to coastal disasters, and balance needs of resource use, economic development and environmental stewardship.
The projects, including first year funding, that were announced on Sept. 14 include:
- $4,176,512 to the Alaska Ocean Observing System to maintain and enhance its Ocean Data Explorer while supporting initiatives responding to Alaska region needs, such as the Alaska Ocean Observing Network.
- $4,054,052 to the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System to integrate advancing observing technologies to fill critical gaps and continue collaboration with partners to provide high-priority biological and ecosystem-level information.
- $3,932,271 to the Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems to continue investment in observing and modeling in coastal ocean, estuaries and shorelines of Oregon and Washington, provide real-time information and integrated data products to support known and emerging stakeholder needs.
- $3,085,080 to the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System to sustain existing ocean observations and forecasts, support coastal resiliency and climate adaptation, and strive for a more balanced geographical coverage throughout the Pacific Islands region.
- $2,968,305 to the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System to implement ocean technology, data observing and interpreting data that provides integrated, user-driven information and data products valuable to stakeholders, including maritime transport at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach and wastewater discharge in southern California.
“The IOOS Regional Associations link on-the-ground needs to our national system, ensuring its flexibility, responsiveness and diversity while coordinating a network of regional coastal observing systems,” U.S. IOOS office Director Carl C. Gouldman said.