The Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS) gathers marine and coastal data and makes them available as accessible information products. MARACOOS focuses their research on coastal hazards, fisheries, maritime and commerce safety, energy ,and water quality, working to bolster the economy as well as local ecosystems and citizens. The group makes an effort to collaborate with people who work directly in the Mid-Atlantic area in order to ensure the quality of their data.

The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) is a national-regional partnership working to provide new tools and forecasts to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect our environment. Integrated ocean information is available in near real time, as well as retrospectively. Easier and better access to this information is improving our ability to understand and predict coastal events such as storms, wave heights, and sea level change. Such knowledge is needed for everything from retail to development planning.

This site is one of eleven regional associations (RAs), which guide development of and 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.