The IOOS Association works on behalf of our regional and federal partners to ensure that users continue to have access to quality and timely information about our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.
The IOOS Association works on behalf of our regional and federal partners to ensure that users continue to have access to quality and timely information about our oceans, coasts and Great Lakes.
Reauthorization of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observing System (ICOOS) Act of 2009
On December 31, 2020, the President signed the Coordinated Ocean Observations and Research Act of 2020 (S. 914) into law and reauthorized the IOOS program through Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The bill passed both Chambers of Congress unanimously, and each chamber passed it twice due to technical amendments - a strong signal for Congressional support of the program. Among other key provisions, the act:
The ICOOS Act provides the foundation coordinating the observing efforts of the Federal agencies and the regional systems. It establishes the standards and protocols for integrating Federal and non-federal data to provide users with seamless access to the most important information.
Important Links:
The IOOS national and regional networks coordinate robust coastal ocean observing networks, but gaps remain. To fill these critical gaps, the IOOS Association leads the Closing the Gaps campaign.
Over the five year campaign, the IOOS Association hopes to double IOOS funding to $53m by 2022. These funds will help IOOS install and operate additional High-Frequency (HF) radars and underwater gliders. HF Radar and gliders collect data critical to safeguarding productive ecosystems, assisting with safe and efficient maritime transportation, and saving lives on the US oceans and coasts.