Societal Benefits
IOOS provides critical data that improves safety, drives economic growth, and protects the environment through better understanding of our ocean and Great Lakes.
How Does IOOS Affect You?
Integrated data is critical for timely action, informed decisions, and effective response.
U.S. IOOS delivers the data and information that improve understanding of our coastal waters so that everyone can act to enhance safety, grow the economy, and protect the environment.
From world leaders responding to crises to a surfer preparing to catch waves, IOOS data supports decision makers across all sectors.
Who Relies on IOOS Data?
- Scientists
- Communities
- Governments
- Industries
Scientists
Working to understand climate
change impacts on ocean systems
Governments
Adapting policies and infrastructure to Arctic changes
Communities
Monitoring local water quality
for public health and safety
Industries
Planning for coastal and marine spatial development needs
All rely on reliable and timely access to data that informs critical decision making across safety,
economic, and environmental challenges.
Safety
Why It Matters
In a crisis, there is no time to exchange information. IOOS provides a ready-made foundation of tested, compatible, and freely available data to act quickly.
Applications Include
- Tracking currents to narrow search zones during mid-ocean rescues
- Using predictive models and observing data to plan for storm surge response and recovery
- Tracking and predicting harmful algal blooms to protect water and food supplies
Photo Credit: U.S. Coast Guard/PAC Tom Sperduto
A rescue swimmer being lowered into the ocean with the Atlantic City coastline in the distance.
Economy
Why It Matters
Maritime Contribution
$
0
B
Jobs Supported
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M
Ocean and Great Lakes commerce influences nearly every sector of life and work in the United States.
Applications Include
- Collaborating on NextGen navigation systems to prevent vessel groundings
- Delivering ocean condition forecasts to commercial fishers
- Using data to identify and forecast ocean acidification events that threaten shellfish hatcheries
Environment
Why It Matters
Changes to the ocean and Great Lakes have wide-ranging effects on weather, industry, and communities. IOOS integrates big-picture data to monitor and respond to these changes.
Applications Include
- Collaborating on NextGen navigation systems to prevent vessel groundings
- Delivering ocean condition forecasts to commercial fishers
- Using data to identify and forecast ocean acidification events that threaten shellfish hatcheries
Photo Credit: NOAA
Oil-covered rocks at Refugio State Beach.
Connect With IOOS
Join our community of ocean observers, data users, and stakeholders working together to understand and protect our ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes.