Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS)

Purpose (a summary of the intentions with which the data set was developed): The Alaska Ocean Observing System (AOOS) is the umbrella regional association for multiple Alaska regional observing networks (Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands, Prince William Sound, Cook Inlet, Southeast and Arctic) that are being developed as part of the national Integrated Ocean Observation System (IOOS) under the National Ocean Planning Partnership (NOPP) and Ocean (US). AOOS has been in existence since July 2003 with support from university, federal and private partners, as well as several NOAA planning grants. An interim governance structure and an administrative office have been established; numerous planning workshops held; and user needs identified for the initial program. The purpose or mission of the national, IOOS and that of AOOS,is to develop a unified, comprehensive, cost-effective approach to providing ocean observations (biological, chemical and physical) from a permanent monitoring system and developing the information products based on those observations to meet the needs of users of coastal ecosystems.