Buoy vandalism experienced by NOAA National Data Buoy Center

Data buoy vandalism, which is an unlawful and willful interference with moored data buoys, has been a troublesome problem for the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric (NOAA)/National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) and other buoy operators around the world. NDBC has three buoy networks-Weather and Ocean Platform (WxOP) program, Tropical Atmosphere/Ocean (TAO) buoy program, and the Tsunameter buoy program. In addition to the significant financial impact to NDBC´s buoy programs and operations, vandalism disrupts the vital data collected and reported by moored buoys, which place lives, property, and economies in peril. Vandalism is not unique to just NDBC´s buoy systems but is a national and international issue affecting both research and operational systems. This paper presents various vandalism incidents experienced by NDBC´s three buoy networks. Prevention of buoy vandalism, including buoy and mooring system modifications, education and outreach, statutory penalty and enforcement, interagency efforts, and international cooperation and efforts, are also discussed.