Gulf of America Coastal Observing System (GCOOS) | An IOOS Regional Data Portal

This system coordinates information gathered by federal, state, and private partners, ensuring that data are timely, reliable, accurate, and available to everyone. This coordinated effort works to ensure a healthy, productive ocean and resilient coastal communities.

Rather than operating their own in-water assets such as buoys, autonomous vehicles, radar systems, and water-quality monitoring tools, GCOOS collaborates with and provides grant support to on-the-ground investigators who develop and implement data collection using their own systems. The system leverages limited dollars to increase partnerships with local and state organizations Gulf-wide that use professional and citizen scientists to develop a comprehensive data system.

This site is one of eleven regional associations (RAs) that guide development of and solicit stakeholder input to regional observing activities. The RAs serve the nation's coastal communities, including the Great Lakes, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands and territories. All RAs offer data collected in their region through their website data portals. Datasets offered at each portal reflect the regional associations' specific strengths and local partnerships.