The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing Systems (IOOS) is an emerging national infrastructure that seeks to meet society's need for observing, understanding and predicting the ocean. Identified needs include:

• Detecting and forecasting oceanic components of climate variability
• Facilitating safe and efficient marine operations
• Ensuring national security
• Managing resources for sustainable use
• Preserving and restoring healthy marine ecosystems
• Mitigating natural hazards
• Ensuring public health

A key component of IOOS are regional ocean observing systems, which together will cover the entire U.S. coastal margin. The Northwest Association of Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) is the emerging regional observing system for the Pacific Northwest (PNW).

Many of the technologies and assets of IOOS and NANOOS are still in development. As one of various development efforts around the country, a NANOOS Pilot Project is focused on PNW estuaries and beaches. In particular, the NANOOS Pilot Project is:

• Integrating and expanding several existing observation networks in Oregon and Washington
• Developing technology towards a PNW-wide forecasting system for estuarine circulation
• Developing technology towards modeling of short waves in tidal inlets
• Developing standards for metadata and for quality control of observations and models
• Developing user-friendly products for access to information from sensors and models

We envision NANOOS as open infrastructure for the Pacific Northwest. NANOOS and its Pilot Project welcome a broad participation of the region in their development, maintenance and use. There are many ways to get involved. Contact us for further information. Leading partners in the NANOOS Pilot Project are currently:

• Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries
• Oregon Health & Science University
• Oregon State University
• South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve
• University of Washington
• US Geological Survey
• Washington Department of Ecology