National
Collaborating across sectors to deliver vital ocean data and tools that serve coastal communities, protect ecosystems, and inform national decision-making.
Connecting Local Expertise to Global Ocean Science
The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is a nationwide partnership that includes 17 federal agencies and 11 regional associations (RAs).
Additional partners include industry, academia, state, local, and tribal governments, and other federal and non-federal organizations.
Federal Agencies
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Regional Associations
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Industry Partners
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Collaborators
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Industry Partners
Innovative technology partners delivering cutting-edge ocean observation solutions
Technology
High Frequency Radar
A significant part of IOOS’ mission is to establish and maintain a national HF-Radar network delivering surface current and wave data.
These measurements support NOAA’s Office of Coast Survey, CO-OPS Tides & Currents, and Weather Forecasting Offices.
Key Partner:
CODAR Ocean Sensors has built about 80% of HF radars globally.
Innovation
Profiling Gliders
Critical tools for collecting ocean data in dangerous or remote environments.
Historic Achievement:
In 2009, MARACOOS flew the first glider across the Atlantic from Rutgers University to Baiona, Spain.
Sustainable Tech
Wave Gliders
Wave gliders harness energy from waves and sunlight to collect ocean data without fuel or ship support.
Hurricane Research:
In 2015, GCOOS, NOAA, and Liquid Robotics deployed wave gliders into Gulf hurricanes to test durability.
Value-Added Companies
Companies leveraging IOOS data to deliver specialized forecasting and analytical services
Surfline
Provides surf forecasts, FishTrack for fishing enthusiasts, and BuoyWeather offering marine forecasts via virtual buoys worldwide.
WeatherFlow, Inc.
Integrates IOOS data into custom weather modeling and provides accurate forecasts tailored for specific industries.
ROFFS
Combines satellite and fisheries data to deliver forecasts for commercial fishing, oil and gas, ship routing, aquaculture, and research.
Programs
Collaborative initiatives supporting ocean observation and environmental protection
National System of Marine Protected Areas
MPAs rely on IOOS data for monitoring and serve as testbeds for new ocean observing technologies.
National Water Quality Monitoring Network
Links inland and coastal data to support water protection, combining biological, chemical, and physical indicators across agencies.
U.S. Group on Earth Observations
Coordinates Earth observation strategy for the U.S., co-chaired by OSTP, NOAA, and NASA. Supports international systems like GEOSS.
Key Documents
Strategic plans and operational blueprints guiding IOOS initiatives
U.S. IOOS Blueprint for Full Capability
Comprehensive strategic framework for achieving full operational capability
National Operational Wave Observation Plan
Strategic plan for nationwide wave observation infrastructure
National Surface Current Mapping Plan
Comprehensive approach to surface current observation and mapping
Federal Agency Partners
17 federal agencies collaborating to advance ocean observation capabilities
NOAA
NSF
NASA
EPA
BOEM/BSEE
MMC
ONR
Oceanographer of the Navy
USACE
USCG
USGS
USDA CSREES
DOE
Department of State
DOT
FDA
