LEVERAGING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE U.S. INTEGRATED OCEAN OBSERVING SYSTEM (IOOS)

Abstract:

Today, the U.S. Government conducts the majority of ocean observations in the United States (U.S.) and across the globe. However, uncertain federal funding levels across agencies presents significant challenges for expanding or even sustaining a U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). Increasingly efforts will require innovative mechanisms involving multiple actors and opportunities for industry engagement, capital investment, and international cooperation to strengthen the capacity for broadscale ocean observations. The passage of the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (ICOOS) Act in 2009 established a centralized office for systematic approaches to ocean observing and observing data integration. However, ocean observing systems at the regional and national scales have been chronically underfunded relative to the blueprint established to fulfill the goals. This poster explores the role of Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) as a means of multiplying government and private funds and capabilities to develop projects that enable revenue generation while also meeting critical ocean research and operational objectives.

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