The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is designed to enhance our ability to collect, deliver, and use ocean information. The goal is to provide continuous data on our open oceans, coastal waters, and Great Lakes for scientists, managers, businesses, governments, and the public to support research and inform decision-making.

NOAA has participated in the development of the U.S. IOOS since its beginnings in the late 1990s. In February 2007, NOAA established a new program (NOAA IOOS) to serve as the overall coordinator of NOAA's observing activities and to provide a consistent management function.

On March 30, 2009, President Obama signed the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 into law. Part of this bill, the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2009, provides authorization for IOOS as part of the NOAA.

Through the activities of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), IOOS is nested into a global framework of ocean observing, planning and development.

IOOS has two components

• Global Component
  Contributes to the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).
• Coastal Component
  Focuses on the coastal region from the head of tide to the seaward extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone.
  NOAA IOOS Program and Strategy (ppt 400kb)

Comment Period for US IOOS Road Map Draft (Jan 15th - February 26th)
Working Draft (PDF)
Public Comment Form (Excel Spreadsheet)