The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) establishes a sustained observing system for the Gulf of Mexico and provides observations and products needed by users in this region for the purposes of:

• Detecting and predicting climate variability and consequences,

• Preserving and restoring healthy marine ecosystems,

• Ensuring human health,

• Managing resources,

• Facilitating safe and efficient marine transportation,

• Enhancing national security, and

• Predicting and mitigating against coastal hazards.

The sharing of data, models, and products via the Internet benefits all participants, including industry, non-governmental organizations, academia, and federal, state, regional, and local government agencies. The Gulf of Mexico Ocean Observing System integrates with other regional coastal ocean observing systems, in particular, the US component of the ocean observing system.

NOAA's National Coastal Data Development Center is working with GCOOS and the Environmental Protection Agency Gulf of Mexico Program to expand the scope of the Harmful Algal Bloom Observing System, including a pilot program for the coastal states of Mexico.

NCDDC involvement within GCOOS:

Joe Stinus – Member on Products & Services Committee

Julie Bosch - Member on Data Management & Communication Committee

Brad Nunn - Member on Data Management & Communication Committee