Governance and Management
The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) operates under a national law that defines its purpose, leadership, and collaboration across federal, regional, and international partners. This page outlines the ICOOS Act, its responsibilities, and the structure guiding U.S. IOOS.
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Overview
Oversight
Reports
Documents
Requirements
The ICOOS Act: Establishing U.S. IOOS
The Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act, signed into law on March 30, 2009, authorizes the establishment of a National Integrated Ocean Observing System. It defines the governance framework within which IOOS operates and identifies NOAA as the lead federal agency.
NOAA carries out these responsibilities in consultation with federal agencies and regional partners.
- Established: March 30, 2009
NOAA's Role
- Lead federal agency for IOOS implementation
- Coordinates across federal agencies
- Collaborates with regional partners
- Develops certification standards
Regional Partners
- 11 Regional Associations across U.S. coastal states
- Implement regional observing systems
- Engage local stakeholders
- Provide regional data and products
What the Act Requires
Key tasks and requirements defined by the Act include:
System Planning
Preparing system-wide plans and budgets
Certification
Developing certification standards for non-federal assets
Gap Analysis
Identifying gaps in observing coverage and capital improvement needs
Funding Process
Creating a merit-based competitive funding process
Data Management
Developing a national data management and communications system
Advisory Committee
Establishing a System Advisory Committee
Public-Private Use
Drafting public-private use policy
Cost Estimates
Completing independent cost estimates
Reporting
Submitting biennial reports to Congress
Oversight and Coordination
Two interagency bodies support the governance and execution of the IOOS mission:
National Ocean Research Leadership Council
- Now carried out by the National Ocean Council Deputy-level Committee
- Created in 1998 as part of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program
- Provides high-level interagency coordination
Interagency Ocean Observation Committee
- Led by three federal co-chairs with representation from multiple agencies
- Ensures technical, procedural, and scientific requirements
- Implements system-wide planning and coordination
"Interagency collaboration is essential to achieve national ocean science and technology priorities."
Key Background Documents
Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act (ICOOS Act)
The foundational legislation that established the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing
System.
Independent Cost Estimate - Summary
Volume I
Comprehensive analysis of the costs associated with implementing the full IOOS
system.
Independent Cost Estimate - Detailed Cost Analysis
Volume II
Comprehensive analysis of the costs associated with implementing the full IOOS
system.
Integrated Global Observing Strategy Coastal Theme Report
International framework for coordinated coastal observations.
An Implementation Strategy for the Coastal Module of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS Report #148)
Strategy document for implementing the coastal component of the Global Ocean Observing System.
Implementation Plan for the Global Observing System for Climate in Support of the UNFCC
Framework for implementing climate observations in support of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System: A Blueprint for Full Capability (2010)
Comprehensive plan for developing the full capability of the U.S. IOOS program.
Ocean.US Publications and Reports
Comprehensive plan for developing the full capability of the U.S. IOOS program.
The First U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Development Plan
Comprehensive plan for developing the full capability of the U.S. IOOS program.
Reports to Congress
2015 Report to Congress
Biennial report on the progress and impact of the IOOS program.
2013 Report to Congress
Biennial report on the progress and impact of the IOOS program.
2011 Report to Congress
Biennial report on the progress and impact of the IOOS program.