The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System is the only certified regional association focused solely on the Gulf, where it provides timely, reliable, accurate and on-demand information on the open ocean and coastal ocean waters.

GCOOS operates in support of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida communities, helping to ensure a healthy, clean, productive ocean and resilient coastal zone.

Distinguishing features of the Gulf of Mexico region:

• Water quality monitoring for biological parameters, including ocean acidification and harmful algal blooms, especially the development of the Red Tide Respiratory Forecast.
• Glider operations coordinating entity in support of enhanced hurricane modeling and forecasting abilities to further protect at-risk communities in the Gulf and beyond; creation of a glider dashboard for operators and data users.
• Enhancing high-frequency radar coverage.
• Outreach and education to stakeholders across the Gulf so communities can make informed decisions about a variety of coastal and open-ocean activities — from recreational activities to emergency response.
• Supporting the addition and dissemination of new data streams as they become available, along with the data management and cyberinfrastructure systems that underpin the GCOOS data portal.