Interagency Working Group on Ocean Observations
The Interagency Working Group on Ocean Observations (IWGOO) was established by the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST) in coherence with the Ocean Action Plan. Interagency collaboration is essential to achieve ocean science and technology priorities and, in particular, for planning and coordination of an ocean observation system. The purpose of the IWGOO is to advise and assist the JSOST on matters related to ocean observations.
Providing administrative assistance to several federal agencies, the IWGOO support office is conveniently and centrally located at the Consortium for Ocean Leadership in downtown Washington DC.
The IWGOO currently has five main functions:
- Manage the interagency coordination of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
- Develop and periodically update a strategic plan and an implementation plan for an interagency-sustained U.S. IOOS
- Integrate U.S. ocean observing efforts, including IOOS, into the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and other international programs
- Coordinate JSOST ocean observing activities with the Subcommittee on Integrated Management of Ocean Resources (SIMOR) and with other federal ocean-related and observing-related activities
- Report on its plans and activities to the JSOST and to the Interagency Committee on Ocean Science and Resource Management Integration (ICOSRMI)
In addition, the IWGOO is making a concerted effort to engage private industries that receive benefits of the Integrated Ocean Observing System. More information about industry outreach can be found here.
News
Small Sea Changes - Big Infrastructure Impacts was a success. Please check back to the IWGOO Houston Workshop page, where all of the presentations from the day will be made available. In addition, stay posted for a full report detailing the proceedings and outcomes of both the Houston and Silver Spring workshops.
The IWGOO has initiated a process to evaluate the appropriate future role for the Data Management and Communications (DMAC) Steering Team and consider alternatives from the current functions. Over the course of the next few months this process will include a survey of IOOS community experts, a workshop to discuss options, and the development of input for IWGOO consideration. You are invited to participate in this process. For more information please contact the support office (202) 787-1645.
Related Reports and Publications
- Integrated Ocean Observing System: Strategic Plan
- Embracing the Full Spectrum of IOOS Environmental Information for MDA - Summit Proceedings
Important Affiliations
- Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)
- Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)
- Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS)
- Subcommittee on Integrated Management of Ocean Resources (SIMOR)
- Interagency Committee on Ocean Science and Resource Management Integration (ICOSRMI)
- NSTC Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST)
The following JSOST member agencies have designated an IWGOO representative.
 | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |
 | National Science Foundation |
 | National Aeronautic and Space Administration |
 | Environmental Protection Agency |
 | Minerals Management Service |
 | Marine Mammal Commission |
 | Department of the State |
 | Department of Energy |
 | Department of Transportation |
 | Office of the Oceanographer and Navigator of the Navy |
 | Office of Naval Research |
 | U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
 | U.S. Coast Guard |
 | U.S. Arctic Research Commission |
 | U.S. Department of Agriculture |
 | U.S. Geological Survey |
 | Smithsonian Institute |
For more information contact:
Josh Young, IWG-OO Program Manager
(202) 787-1622
jyoung [at] oceanleadership [dot] org
or
Nick Rome, IWG-OO Program Associate
(202) 787-1645
nrome [at] oceanleadership [dot] org
