Mission
We seek to establish a sustained observing system for the Gulf of Mexico to provide observations and products needed by users in this region for the purposes of
- Detecting and predicting climate variability and consequences,
- Preserving and restoring healthy marine ecosystems,
- Ensuring human health,
- Managing resources,
- Facilitating safe and efficient marine transportation,
- Enhancing national security, and
- Predicting and mitigating against coastal hazards.
We envision sharing of data, models, and products via the internet for the common benefit of all participants, including industry, NGOs, academia, and federal, state, regional, and local government agencies. It is understood that this Gulf of Mexico observing system will be integrated with other regional coastal ocean observing systems, in particular to create an integrated and sustained U.S. component of the ocean observing system.
We recognize that the system will require sustained financial support from a combination of government, private, and non-governmental organizations. That will be possible only if the system is built and remains responsive to the needs of these organizations and to the public. Thus, the system will be subject to continuing oversight by representatives of such organizations and of the public.
Collaboration with other nations bordering the Gulf of Mexico is to be actively sought in the design and implementation of this regional observing system.
About Us
The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) provides timely information about the environment of the United States portion of the Gulf of Mexico and its estuaries for use by decision-makers, including researchers, government managers, industry, the military, educators, emergency responders, and the general public.
GCOOS is one of a series of Regional Coastal Ocean Observing Systems which are part of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System, which is, in turn, part of the intergovernmental Global Ocean Observing System and a significant national contribution to the Global Earth Observing System of Systems. The Gulf of Mexico observing system seeks collaborations with other nations and regional observing systems that border the Gulf to design and carry out a Gulf-wide system.
Information from the Integrated Ocean Observing System will serve national needs for: detecting and forecasting oceanic components of climate variability; facilitating safe and efficient marine operations; ensuring national security; managing resources for sustainable use; preserving and restoring healthy marine ecosystems; mitigating natural hazards; and ensuring public health.
At this time most observations and products are supported directly by federal, state, and local governments and the private sector. Some funding is available from the federal government and private sector based on successful peer-reviewed proposals.
GCOOS is governed by the GCOOS Regional Association, led by a Board of Directors and supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Members of the Regional Association are U.S. institutions or individuals who are actively engaged in conducting observations of the Gulf of Mexico coastal environment, or who are end users of data, products, or services resulting from these observing programs. Non-U.S. entities can become non-voting Associates.
Contact Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System
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Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System is not employed by or affiliated with the Louisiana Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.
Contact Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System
Department of Oceanography
3146 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-3146
Phone: (941) 724-4320
Service Area
Statewide Program in:
- Alabama
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Texas
