The Role of the Private Sector in GCOOS Worth D. Nowlin, Jr. Texas A&M University GCOOS Meetings April 2006 Biloxi, MS

In my opinion, the private sector will emerge as the principal user, operator, and advocate of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System.

Private sector roles in making observations Provide technology, chemicals, communication systems and even oceanographic vessels for development and maintenance of in situ observing system elements Provide engineering and technical capabilities to enable satellite-based remote sensing Maintain in situ observing system elements for government agencies Maintain in situ observing system elements for other private sectors.

Private sector roles in data managements Provide integrated, interoperable data systems Use those systems to manage data for public and private sectors

Private sector roles in production of products and services Produce and provide products and services for other companies—some from data collected privately and some as value-added products from public data. Produce and provide selected products or services for public release. This might be at the expense of a private company or government.

Roles of Private Sector as Primary Users of Measurements and Products Acquire and use for their purposes measurements or products from the observing system (public and private). Produce products and services from acquired measurements or products for sale to other private sector companies. Participate in oversight of observing system development and maintenance.

Roles of Private Sector as Secondary Users of Products Purchase products and services from primary private sector data users/product providers. Participate in oversight of observing system development and maintenance.

The end-to-end ocean and coastal observing system. Yellow indicates private sector roles.

Thank you Suggested additions and corrections are welcomed.