Operationalizing a sub-regional ocean observing asset for the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)

The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is envisioned to supply ocean observation and modeling data, in support of a variety of products and services that directly affect the safety, livelihood, and the quality of life of the nation´s citizens, using a collection of federated assets from Federal, State, Regional and Private organizations engaged in ocean observation. The U.S. Sub-regional ocean observing assets, typically under the auspices of a Regional Association, are expected to play an important role in fulfilling the objectives of the U.S. IOOS. This paper examines and discusses issues surrounding the operationalization of such subregional ocean observing assets in the context of the U.S. IOOS. The paper also suggests a set of evaluation criteria that could be used by IOOS and discusses its applicability using a currently working sub-regional coastal ocean observing asset as an example. The authors have taken into consideration past and on-going work on U.S. IOOS including proposed architectures, proof-of-concept activities, and legislations that may have direct or indirect impact on the integration of a sub-regional asset and its sustained operations as part of a national infrastructure.