OceAn science OceAn science OceAn science

Opportunities
for Progress
Developing the Tools
To address key ocean-related societal issues and to apply existing understanding to support
meaningful decision-making requires development and implementation of a broad
infrastructure. Each societal theme outlines the tools needed to address the respective
research priorities, such as vessel time and new ship-based technologies (Stewardship of
Natural and Cultural Ocean Resources, Improving Ecosystem Health), shore-based facilities
with specialized instrumentation (Enhancing Human Health), and reactive deployment
capabilities (Increasing Resilience to Natural Hazards), all of which are critical
to pursing the research priorities. Several key infrastructure needs were common across
many themes and are described below.
Observing Systems
The need to acquire, manipulate, analyze, and deliver requisite information about the
ocean calls for development of an integrated ocean-observing system that includes
coupled observational and research components. This system will consist of existing
capabilities (e.g., established in situ networks, current and planned satellite missions)
that will be continually integrated with future systems (e.g., seafloor networks, regional
observing systems). Covering a diverse suite of spatial (coastal watersheds to polar seas)
and temporal (microseconds to decades) regimes, an integrated ocean-observing system
will provide data (at real time or near real time) to address a broad spectrum of societal
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