Ocean Observatories and the Role of Federal Ocean Education Networks

Recommendations of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and Ocean Research Interactive Observatory Networks (ORION) education communities for coordination of ocean observing education efforts include collaborations with existing ocean and coastal educational networks. The ocean observing systems provide a focus around which the efforts of various Federally-funded ocean education networks can be coordinated. This paper explores the connections that exist and highlights opportunities for collaboration. The education networks addressed include the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS), the National Marine Sanctuaries Program (NMSP), Sea Grant Educators Network (SGEN), and the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Centers for Ocean Sciences Education Excellence (COSEE). Some initial collaborations among these networks exist. For example, NERRS and NMSP are working together with the IOOS and ORION to bring the NERRS data to the education community. The COSEE network is also beginning to coordinate with NASA and NOAA networks on a national level. This cross-network collaboration will strengthen overall national efforts to promote ocean and coastal education and will lead to a far greater educational impact on the general public and on our nation's formal educational system. Successful use of the ocean observing systems for educational and public outreach purposes will also amplify the value of these systems to our nation.