Today, NOAA announced new five-year cooperative agreements, and $45.7 million in first year funding, for the IOOS Regional Associations (RAs)! Going forward, the 11 RAs will continue to operate and maintain regional coastal observing systems throughout all U.S. and territorial waters, from the head of tide to the extent of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. These cooperative agreements are foundational to U.S. IOOS, funding the core operations and essential functions of the regional component of the system. We’re looking forward to working together with the RAs as we continue to strengthen ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes observing for the benefit of the nation.
The U.S. IOOS Advisory Committee has submitted their latest recommendations for U.S. IOOS to the NOAA Administrator. The Advisory Committee provides advice to both the NOAA Administrator and the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee. Their recommendations provide advice on future paths and priorities for U.S. IOOS to continue serving the Nation. You can read more about those recommendations below, or in the web story here.
We also want to congratulate IOOS Surface Currents Program Manager Brian Zelenke for receiving the NOAA Bronze Medal this year! Given for outstanding performance, Bronze Medals are the highest honor NOAA bestows. Brian was recognized for scientific achievement, having developed a new public-private partnership between NOAA, BOEM, and offshore energy developers to collect new ocean observations.
P.S.: NOAA is accepting applications to the Hollings Scholarship program! The program provides a 2-year stipend and a paid 10-week NOAA internship for students in the last two years of their undergrad program. It’s a great way to be part of NOAA and kickstart early career experience. Spread the word!