The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association (GCOOS-RA) is a 501(c)3 organization responsible for developing a network of business leaders, marine scientists, resource managers, governmental and non-governmental organizations and other stakeholder groups that combine their data to provide timely information about our oceans — similar to the information gathered by the National Weather Service to develop weather forecasts.
With members from Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida, GCOOS has established a sustained observing system for the Gulf of Mexico to provide observations and products needed by users in this region for:
- Protecting public health and safety;
- Supporting healthy ecosystems and water quality;
- Mitigating the effects of storms and man-made disasters;
- Ensuring safe and efficient marine operations;
- Monitoring the Gulf for long-term changes and environmental trends.
GCOOS is one of 11 regional associations that partner with the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing
System, U.S. IOOS®, a federal, regional, private sector partnership committed to tracking, predicting, managing and adapting to changes in our ocean, coastal and Great Lakes environments.
GCOOS is led by a Board of Directors and supported by grants from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other agencies and foundations, as well as donations. Members of the GCOOS-RA are institutions or individuals that 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.
GCOOS Strategic Plan 2020-2025
