The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is envisioned as a coordinated national and international network of observations, data management and analyses that systematically acquires and disseminates data and information on past, present and future states of the oceans and the nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone
VISION OF THE IOOS
One System, Seven Goals
• Improve predictions of climate change and variability (weather) and their effects on coastal communities and the nation
• Improve the safety and efficiency of marine operations
• More effectively mitigate the effects of natural hazards
• Improve national and homeland security
• Reduce public health risks
• More effectively protect and restore healthy coastal marine ecosystems
• Enable the sustained use of marine resources
Two Components
• Global
• International collaboration to develop Global Ocean Observing System
• Improve forecasts
• Assess weather, climate, ocean states, and boundary conditions for regional observing systems
• Coastal
• National backbone of observations and a set of nested regional observing systems
• Assess and predict the ecosystem and living resources effects of:
Two Components (cont)
Weather
ClimateHuman activities
National economic implications and benefits
U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System
Coastal Component Global Component
Northeast
Mid-Atlantic
Southeast
Gulf of Mexico
Southwest
Northwest
Alaska
Great Lakes
Hawaii/Pacific Islands
Federation of Regional Systems
Federal core observations
Data and Communications
Subsystem
Contributions of other nations
National Federation of Regional Systems
National System
• Satellite remote sensing
• Reference, Sentinel Stations
• Link to global module
• Data standards & Exchange protocols
Regional Systems
• Land-based inputs
• State & Regional priorities
• Greater resolution
• More variables
• “End-to-End”
• Built through local, regional and national partnerships
• Provides real-time and archival data for a core set of parameters
• Supplies data to meet national and regional resource management needs
National Water Level Observing Network – an example of a Backbone component
The national backbone provides the observational density, timeliness and locations sufficient to detect and predict changes in environmental parameters at a national scale.
Data from the national backbone can be used at all scales, but most importantly supplies the essential information for national policy formulation
Building the National Backbone: A Key Federal Role
Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System
“PORTS®”
Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System
“PORTS®”
Integrated Data
Currents
Density
Water LevelsMeteorological Data
Data Acquisition &Dissemination
Systems
An “End-to-End” System providing:
PORTS: An example of an “end-to-end” system
Key Elements of an Integrated Coastal Ocean Observing System
Observations• Physical, chemical & biological• Blue water, brown water, &
watershed
Data management & delivery• Multiple paths to deliver data
• One stop shopping web portal• Telecomm• Direct links to specific users
Modeling & ecological forecasting• Data support national & regional
management needs • Public safety• National security• Energy & commerce
Transition from Research to Operational Oceanography
1. Research
New Knowledge & Technologies2. Pilot Projects
Demonstrate Feasibility
(routine, sustained)
3. Pre-Operational Projects
Proof of Concept
(value added, cost-effective)4. Observing System
Global Backbone
Regionally Enhanced
Research Projects
Pilot Projects
Pre-Operational Projects
Operational System
GlobalOcean
NationalBackbone
RegionalObserving
Systems
Spatial Scale
IOOS
EducationOutreach
Ocean.USCoordination
• IOOS implementation requires collaboration among agencies and Ras
• Approval of the NORLC required in advance of Congressional appropriation and authorization
• Through the EXCOM, Ocean.US works with participating agencies to establish funding priorities
• Participating agencies prepare budget requests for their contribution to the IOOS based on Ocean.US plans
IOOS Implementation
Governance of the IOOS Responsibilities
NORLC
Establish Policies and Procedures
EXCOM
Approve Plans
Provide Resources
USGSC
Federation, Users
Evaluate Performance, Develop Products
Ocean.US
Coordinate, Plan
ORAP
Advise
The IOOS is being designed, implemented, and improved based on plans formulated by Ocean.US and approved by the NORLC
Key Components to Building Integration and Interoperability
• USERS/OUTREACH
• PRODUCTS/SERVICES
• DATA DISCOVERY/ACCESS/DISTRIBUTION
• SYNTHESIS
Funding
• Multi-year planning cycle implementation
• Government agency funding commitments
• Federal investments in capacity building
Four Year Planning Cycle
Year NMay – Compile status reports & proposals for expansionJuly – Ocean.US briefing to agencies & Ras on IOOS status and plansSept – Guidelines from Ocean.US for integrated development of the IOOSOct – Ocean.US consolidate agency plans for ORAP review
Year N+1Jan-June – Agencies use IOOS Annual Plan as a guide for IOOS budget
developmentJune-Dec – President’s budget drafted & reviewed by the OMB
Ocean.US prepares IOOS budget cross-cut
Year N+2Feb – President’s budget submitted to CongressOct – Congress completes appropriations & implementation begins
Year N+3Mar-May – Performance Evaluation
S. 1400 - Ocean and Coastal Observation Systems Act
• Integrates national capabilities and builds on existing infrastructure
• NOAA is a major participant in Administration efforts to promote a global-scale, earth observing system
• S. 1400 placed on Senate Legislative Calendar
Ocean Commission
Ocean and Coastal Observing and Prediction Systems one of the Commission’s main issues. Key themes identified include:
• “Whole-earth” system
• Satellite observations
• Sustained, long-term support
• Operational status
Interoperability
• Roles & Responsibilities
Government
Academia
Industry
NGO
International
Sponsors “Builders” Users Pushers
Interoperability Requirements
• Establish standards and protocols for measurements, data exchange and data management
• Ensure effective and efficient linkage among IOOS elements (measurements, data management and communications, data analysis)
• Formulate rules of engagement for establishing the operational elements of the global ocean, national backbone, and regional components of the IOOS
• Coordinate the development of regional observing systems and the formation of a National Federation of Regional Associations
Interoperability Will Only Work If:
• Full Understanding
• 100% Concurrence
• Vocal Support
• Demonstrated Products
• Unquestionable Return on Investment