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.