Scientists from states and provinces around the Gulf of Maine have implemented GoMOOS, the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System. The Gulf of Maine has a considerable history of cooperation between industry, resource management and scientific research. To foster this cooperative spirit and to meet its mission as a user-driven system, GoMOOS became a non-profit membership organization; its members represent the varied users, and the governing Board of Directors is drawn from the membership. This organizational model allows users in the region to become stakeholders in the observing system, which facilitates and virtually guarantees an effective response to user needs. As a result, GoMOOS serves an ever-growing variety of users in both the public and private sectors. Experience so far demonstrates strong support for this model of regional governance.

GoMOOS is also pursuing partnerships with federal agencies and other observing systems, thereby working toward the vision of a national federation of linked regional systems along the coast, as described in the recent Ocean.US report to the White House and Congress. The vision allows regional systems to contribute to the national system while they provide local enhancements motivated by regional priorities. A key goal is to establish effective partnerships on the regional and national levels while maintaining the flexibility to accommodate regional needs for ocean observing and governance.

GoMOOS began collecting and distributing data in the summer of 2001 and continues to evolve in two critical areas: (1) user-needs assessment and information-product development, and (2) sustained 24/7 operational capabilities. Product development requires ongoing contact with users, and operational capabilities can benefit from successful partnerships. GoMOOS has some “lessons learned” to share in both arenas.