Continued Development of the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS)

Lead PI: Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick, Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System
Start Year: 2011 | Duration: 5 Years
Partners: Texas A&M Research Foundation, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, University of Miami, University of Alabama-Huntsville, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Laboratory, Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory, University of Southern Mississippi, Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, Mote Marine Laboratory, University of Colorado, Fugro-GEOS, Inc., Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium, Florida State University, Louisiana State University & University of South Florida

The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) is developing a sustained ocean observing system that provides data, information, and products on marine and estuarine systems to a wide range of users. The goal of this project is to build a robust, user-driven, sustained, operational GCOOS that integrates data from diverse providers; assures consistency and quality of the data; creates new data products needed by users; and provides accurate data, products, and services to IOOS, decision-makers, and the public in a timely and efficient manner. Physical, meteorological, biogeochemical, and bathymetric data are included in the data system.

Further integration of existing observing elements into a unified ocean observing system will provide easy access to data, products, and services needed by users in their desired formats. Also, observations which are in jeopardy of being eliminated will be continued. Through outreach and education projects, more information will be available to the public to help make informed decisions regarding a broad range of interactions with the coastal ocean environment—from recreational activities to emergency responses. Lastly, new connections between different sectors and the resulting synergies will provide society the capability to better predict and mitigate against coastal hazards, preserve and restore healthy marine ecosystems, ensure human health, manage resources, facilitate safe and efficient marine transportation, enhance national security, and detect and predict climate variability and consequences.

Annual PI Reports:
FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2014 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report