Program Information
We Are All Connected by a Global Ocean
NOAA’s Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program (GOMO) supports half of the world’s ocean observing research.
Ocean observations are used in climate and weather prediction models and help us understand our changing ocean and its impact on the environment.
Mission:
to provide and support high quality global ocean observations and research to improve our scientific understanding and inform society about the ocean’s role in environmental change.
Vision:
a resilient, innovative, and fully integrated global ocean observing system that benefits scientific research, fosters environmental stewardship and serves society.
Why Do We Observe the Ocean?
Ocean observations are used in climate and weather prediction models and help us understand our changing ocean and its impact on the environment.Increasing our knowledge of patterns, trends, and the state of the global ocean can help with prediction of hurricanes, interannual events such as El Niño, and even the 10-day weather forecast. Ocean observing research also helps with maritime safety and navigation, coastal planning, farming, and the blue economy. Our research informs policy and it helps improve the livelihood of communities from the Arctic to island nations. Read more about how our research informs NOAA’s priorities.
The Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Program works with partners in the US and internationally. Some of these partners include NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Lab, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Lab, and Physical Sciences Lab, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, and more from NOAA’s Cooperative Institutes.
Ocean observations are conducted on research vessels and with moored buoys, free floating instruments like gliders, and robotic tools like Argo floats. Learn more about how we study the ocean by visiting our Research pages.
GOMO’s activities are guided by input from our community partners, our Strategic Plan and external Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing Committee. Read more below:
Strategic Plans and Program Documents
Learn more about what we are researching now on our Funded Projects page.