An Overview of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System

(IOOS)

Jan Newton

Applied Physics Laboratory

University of Washington

The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is a coordinated national and international network of observations and data transmission, data management and communications, and data analyses and modeling that systematically and efficiently acquires and disseminates data and information on past, present and future states of the oceans and U.S. coastal1 waters to the head of tide.

1 “coastal” includes the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and territorial sea, Great Lakes, and semi-enclosed bodies of water and tidal wetlands connected to the coastal ocean

What is IOOS ?

http://www.ocean.us/

What will IOOS do?

The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is developing as a “user-driven”, integrated system of observations and data telemetry, data management and communications (DMAC), and data analysis and modeling that routinely, reliably, and continuously provides data and information required to address seven societal goals:

(1) Improve predictions of climate change and weather and their effects on coastal communities and the

nation; (2) Improve the safety and efficiency of maritime operations; (3) More effectively mitigate the effects of natural hazards; (4) Improve national and homeland security; (5) Reduce public health risks; (6) More effectively protect and restore healthy coastal ecosystems; and (7) Enable the sustained use of ocean and coastal

resources.

IOOS will be an Integrated System

– Ocean Observing System–Global Ocean Component –National Backbone of the Coastal Component –Regional Coastal Ocean Observing Systems

– Data Management and Communications

– Modeling and Analysis Subsystem

– Research and Development

– Education and Public Awareness

What are the components of IOOS ?

A brief history of IOOS

• NOPP established by law in 1997 • NORLC has oversight of NOPP• NORLC recommends an IOOS in 1998-1999• NOPP establishes Ocean.US in 2000 to

implement a user-driven IOOS– Global IOOS and Coastal IOOS– Coastal IOOS to have two components:

• National Backbone• Regional Associations

IOOS Background

1. To promote the National Goals of:

- Assuring National Security

- Advancing Economic Development

- Protecting the Quality of Life

- Strengthening Science Education and Communication

through Improved Knowledge of the Ocean

2. And to Coordinate and Strengthen Oceanographic Efforts in Support of these Goals by:

- Identifying and Carrying out Partnerships among Federal Agencies, Academia, Industry, and Other Members of the

Oceanographic Scientific Community in the Areas of Data, Resources, Education, and Communication

- Reporting Annually to Congress on the Program

The National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) was established by Legislation

National Ocean Research Leadership Council (NORLC)

Chair: Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Vice Chair: Secretary of the Navy

Vice Chair Director, National Science Foundation

Administrator National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Deputy Secretary Department of Energy

Administrator Environmental Protection Agency

Commandant United States Coast Guard

Director United States Geological Survey

Director Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Director Minerals Management Service

Director Office of Science and Technology Policy

Director Office of Management and Budget

NORLC-commissioned reports in 1998 & 1999 recommended establishment of a national capability for integrated and sustained ocean observations & prediction

In May 2000: (1) The NORLC directed the establishment of Ocean.US (2) Formation of Ocean.US announced to Congress.

To manage the development of an Integrated and Sustained Ocean Observing System (IOOS) for research & operations in the following areas:

– Detecting and Forecasting Oceanic Components of Climate Variability– Facilitating Safe and Efficient Marine Operations– Preserving and Restoring Healthy Marine Ecosystems– Ensuring National Security– Managing Marine Resources– Mitigating Natural Hazards– Ensuring Public Health

“Ocean.US” established by NOPP

A brief history of IOOS

• NOPP established by law in 1997 • NORLC has oversight of NOPP• NORLC recommends an IOOS in 1998-1999• NOPP establishes Ocean.US in 2000 to

implement a user-driven IOOS– Global IOOS and Coastal IOOS– Coastal IOOS to have two components:

• National Backbone• Regional Associations

IOOS Global System

• Full implementation of Full implementation of Argo and the global Argo and the global ocean time series ocean time series observatories. observatories.

• Successful completion Successful completion of the Global Ocean Data of the Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment Assimilation Experiment (GODAE).(GODAE).

• Optimizing the global Optimizing the global network of observations, network of observations, andand

• Enhancing the ocean Enhancing the ocean time series observatories time series observatories with key biological and with key biological and chemical sensors. chemical sensors.

The National Backbone

Wave Height

Ocean Color

Surface Temperature

• Measure and process variables needed by all regional systems, including biological var.

• Satellite remote sensing

• Reference, sentinel stations

• Link to global system

• Data standards & exchange protocols

• Primary interface with user groups outside federal agencies.

• Focal point for data analysis and product development that will have local, regional and national applications.

• Terrestrial influence measurements

• Many national backbone R&D projects will be first done in regional observing systems.

• Development of regional systems is a very high priority

Category

Activity

SEC

OO

RA

GC

OO

S

GL

OS

1

AO

OS

NA

NO

OS

CeN

CO

OS

MA

CO

OR

A

SCC

OO

S1

NE

1,2

CaR

A

Pac

OO

S

TO

TA

L

Funding Funding Year 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1 1 Organization Governing Body X X X X X X 6 Website X X X X X X X 7 Staff P F P F P F 6 Stakeholders X X X X X X X X X 9 Inventory X X X X X6 X X X X 8 Gap analysis X X X X X X X X X 9 Regional

Coordination

X

X

X

X

4 International

Coordination

X

X

X

3 Infrastructure Subregional OS X X X X X X X X 8 Real-time X X X X X X X 7 Pilot Project Y3 Y4 Y5 3 DMAC X X7 X8 X X 5 Education Implementation X X X X X 5 Council X X 2 Governance Plan in Review X X X 3 Approved by

Stakeholders

X

X

X

3

Business Plan In Review X 1 Approved by

Stakeholders

X

1 TOTAL 12 15 10 12 11 8 3 6

Nascent Regional Associations

• Last year:– S 1400 was passed unanimously in the Senate and, late in the session, the House introduced

the complimentary HR 5001 bill. Both bills would have authorized $100’s M for the global, national backbone and regional modules of the IOOS. HR 5001 did not emerge from the House by the end of the session (4 committees were involved).

• This year:– S 361 introduced in Senate. Strong bipartisan support from powerful Senators. – House introduced similar IOOS legislation (HR 1489).

• The odds: – Good news – GEOSS is a White House priority and Ocean Action Plan stipulates

that IOOS will be the ocean observing component of GEOSS. Strong bipartisan support in House and Senate. Ocean Commission strongly endorsed the IOOS.

– Bad news – Extremely tight and polarized budget year (Iraq, Social Security, etc.). No funding is identified in Ocean Action Plan. Congress has stated that the ~$4B+ cost for implementing recommendations in COP report are not executable given budgetary pressures.

• Bottom line: – Difficult to say – the Hill and the White House (OSTP) does understand that

many/most of the COP Recommendations require an IOOS and we’ve hammered home the message that it is affordable.

Will IOOS be funded entirely ?

Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems

The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Regional Association for the Pacific NW

Northwest AssociationOf Networked Ocean Observing Systems

(NANOOS)

http://www.nanoos.org

What are we?

• A user-driven coastal ocean observing system– “ocean” includes inland marine waters (head of tide to EEZ)

– “user-driven” means users define priorities, delivery

• A system designed to produce and disseminate ocean observations and related products deemed necessary to the users, in a common manner and according to sound scientific practice

• A regional organization through which to integrate and sustain existing observing capability, to strategize for new operational systems, and to provide easy access to data, data products, model forecasts, etc. about regional marine conditions

Who are we?

• NANOOS Coordinator: Jan Newton*, University of Washington

• Steering Committee:– Antonio Baptista*, Oregon Health and Sciences University – Jack Barth*, Oregon State University– Robert Bohlman, Marine Exchange of Puget Sound– Patrick Corcoran, Oregon Sea Grant Program– Mike Kosro*, Oregon State University – David Martin*, University of Washington– Greg McMurray, Oregon Dept of Land Conservation & Development– Ian Miller, Surfrider Foundation– Jay Pearlman, The Boeing Company– Terry Wright, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission

* Chartered Interim Steering Committee

Potential NANOOS partners/participants (not exclusive):

Academia (UW, OSU, OHSU, WWU, PSU, UO, etc.)NOAA (PMEL, NWFSC, AFSC, NOS HAZMAT, etc.)US Coast Guard (primarily 13th District)US EPA, USGS, US Army Corps of Engineers, US NavyTribal Governments Northwest Indian Fisheries CommissionWashington and Oregon Sea Grant ProgramsWashington State Ferries Washington Depts of Ecology, Fish & Wildlife, Health, Natural

Resources, etc.Oregon Depts of Environmental Quality, Fish & Wildlife, Geology &

Mineral Industries, Land Conservation & Development, etc.National Estuarine Research Reserves (South Slough, Padilla Bay)Olympic Coast National Marine SanctuaryPuget Sound Water Quality Action TeamCalifornia Coastal Commission, etc.Institute of Ocean Sciences, etc, CanadaNGOs (Surfrider Foundation, TNC, People for Puget Sound, etc.)Regional Aquaria and Marine Science CentersMarine Exchanges of Puget Sound and Columbia RiverNorthwest Marine Trades AssociationFisherman’s and Shellfish Grower’s Associations West Coast Seafood Processors AssociationThe Boeing Company and other technology/data industryWET Labs Inc., Seabird Inc., Biospherical, and other marine sensor industry

A brief history of NANOOS

• Received $100K 1st year planning grant from NOAA Coastal Services Center (late 2003)

• Pacific Northwest Regional Ocean Observing System Workshop I:23-24 October 2003, Portland State University, Portland, OR

– Signed a Charter establishing NANOOS– Appointed an Interim Steering Committee

• David Martin (UW), Jan Newton (UW), Antonio Baptista (OH&SU), Jack Barth (OSU), Mike Kosro (OSU)

• Two pilot proposals submitted to NOAA CSC; one funded regarding estuaries and coasts

• NANOOS Governance Workshop II: 5-7 May 2004, Oregon H&S Univ., Beaverton, OR – Gained consensus on Governance Structure and Approach– Held a User Needs Forum– Gained consensus response on prioritization for federal and regional activity

• Received 2nd year developmental grant from NOAA with support for Coordinator

• Hired NANOOS Coordinator (J. Newton) on 1 November 2004

• 3rd year developmental proposal recommended for funding by NOAA

• NANOOS System Design Workshop III: 28 Feb-1 Mar 2005, NOAA-PMEL, Seattle, WA – Gained input on priority user needs– Gained input on system design responsive to user needs

NANOOS 3rd Developmental Proposal: Deliverables

ITEM FUNCTION DELIVERABLE

NANOOS Coordination

Provides direct oversight and management of NANOOS Partnership activities.

A fully engaged NANOOS community that delivers a focused, robust, user-driven entity that is certified as the PNW Regional Association and is competent to operate the PNW RCOOS.

Web Administration

Provides the NANOOS “Window to the World”

A user-friendly, informative virtual presence for data to PNW RCOOS data products, tools and knowledge.

DMAC Coordination

Builds and provides the physical and electronic connectivity enabling the “system of systems” that will constitute the PNW RCOOS.

A DMAC-compliant data management and communications system that seamlessly connects to local, intra- and inter-regional, and national/international observations.

Outreach and Workshops

Continues to educate and entrain the inherently diverse PNW marine stakeholder community in NANOOS.

An educated and engaged PNW marine community constituency supportive of regional and national IOOS efforts.

Executive Oversight

Provides scientific and operational advice and support to the NANOOS Coordination and development activities.

A Steering Committee providing high-level strategic vision for NANOOS.

Education Provides initial foundation for future, necessary expansion of this vital IOOS functionality for NANOOS.

Greater understanding of NANOOS throughout the PNW (and national) educational community and general public.

3rd Proposal Focuses on Accreditation

Users Advisory Group

NANOOS Coordinator

Interim Steering Committee

Workshops

DMAC

User/Stakeholder Outreach

Other NANOOS Priorities

Executive CommitteeOfficers, NANOOS Executive Director, Standing Committee

Chairs

Governing Council

Standing Committees:Operations CommitteeData/Information Management and Communications CommitteeModeling and Analysis Product CommitteeScience and Research CommitteeEducation and Outreach CommitteeNominating Committee

A B

Education

The way forward

1. HOW: Sign an MOA to provide governance for NANOOS.

2. WHO: Continue to actively engage stakeholders, broaden diversity of participants.

3. WHAT: Scope NANOOS system design based on user-driven needs for ocean data products.

1.NANOOS MOA

• Outlines structure and responsibilities for governance, membership, fiscal, data and other components of NANOOS

• Required for NANOOS to be accredited

• Non-binding, implies “general intention”

• Signage = membership

• On web

• 1 June 2005 goal for 10 signatories

Memorandum of AgreementTo Establish and Implement the Northwest Association of

Networked Ocean Observing Systems

2. Engage stakeholders

• Added six new non-academic members to NANOOS Steering Committee (SC)

• Continued outreach by NANOOS SC and focused effort by NANOOS Coordinator on various scales

• NANOOS Pilot forming User Groups around specific science/management issue, e.g., erosion, hypoxia, etc., in specific areas, e.g. South Slough, Hood Canal

• Workshops and outreach to continue to collect input on user needs for data and data products; gain new members and partners

ID of PNW User Groups

From NOAA/NANOOS analysis:

• Marine shipping and oil transport/spill remediation • Search and rescue • Shellfish fishery and aquaculture • Marine recreation • Natural resource/environmental management• National and homeland security• Finfish aquaculture • Research institutions • Education • Commercial groundfishing• Crab fishery

3. System Design

GOAL: To identify and prioritize user-driven data products and design the observational system that can be responsive to these needs.

In 3rd Planning Workshop, we gained input on:

* What are the specific, prioritized data products and who are the users who need these?

* Based on these prioritized products, what variables are needed?

* Given the priority variables identified, what are the system design priorities (location, measurement capabilities, phasing, etc.) for various technologies: Buoys; HF; Satellite infrastructure; Surveys; Other platforms; Models; Data output ?

Based on this and other input, a system design “vision document” will be drafted, compiling and synthesizing the information, and will be used for outreach and further refinement.

CORIE: Columbia River Estuary

South Slough Estuary, OR

Puget Sound, WA