The NOAA Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) has awarded $750,000 in 2009 competitive grant funding to support ocean observing efforts in the Great Lakes.
The grants will go to the Great Lakes Observing System, run by Executive Director Jennifer Read. The Observing System will continue to make real-time data easier to access and use as well as identify and prioritize future regional needs for ocean information. Existing and new monitoring efforts will evaluate environmental conditions so decision-makers can minimize the impact of severe weather, natural hazards, and other emergencies.
The GLOS is one recipient in a series of nationwide IOOS grant funded projects, totaling $21 million this year. The goal of each regional observing system is to maintain and enhance ocean and coastal observations in the area, making data easier to access and giving planners and policymakers the information needed to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment. Data from each region will also be available to researchers throughout the country via the national IOOS.
"This award represents NOAA's commitment to implementing the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation Act of 2009 which recognizes the IOOS regional systems as key components of the national effort," said Zdenka Willis, NOAA IOOS program director. "These projects are crafted to meet local customer needs while also contributing to the success of the national effort."
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit http://www.noaa.gov.
On the Web:
NOAA IOOS: http://www.ioos.gov
Great Lakes Observing System: http://www.glos.us