Alaska Ocean Observing System
The Alaska Ocean Observing System’s mission is to improve our ability to rapidly detect changes in marine ecosystems and living resources, and predict future changes and their consequences for the public good.
Regionally, a partnership has been formed to promote development of a regional program in Alaska. Partners include the State of Alaska; federal agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Interior; academic institutions, including the University of Alaska; research organizations, such as the North Pacific Research Board, the Alaska SeaLife Center, the Prince William Sound Science Center, the Arctic Research Commission, and the Barrow Arctic Science Consortium; and industry groups, including fisheries and aquaculture associations.
Nationally, the effort is being led by the Ocean.US Office under the National Oceanographic Partnership Program. Legislation creating the national system and associated regional systems has passed the U.S. Senate (S. 1400), calling for a $140 million commitment to ocean observing by 2006, with $50 million for regional efforts.
Internationally, a Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) steering committee is working to link U.S. national efforts to the existing global observation network.
