Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services
Stored: Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services
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Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) is a part of the National Ocean Service (NOS) under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), responsible for delivering operational oceanographic data and services critical to maritime safety, coastal management, and environmental protection.
Mission
The Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services aims to provide high-quality oceanographic and meteorological data such as tides, currents, and water levels to support safe navigation, coastal resilience, and environmental decision-making. Through its efforts, CO-OPS contributes to NOAA’s broader goals of environmental stewardship and economic security by maintaining critical observation networks and predictive models.
Parent organization
CO-OPS is part of the National Ocean Service, which operates under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Legislation
While not established by a specific piece of legislation, CO-OPS evolved from historical efforts dating back to the 1800s under NOAA’s predecessor agencies, formalized through NOAA’s organic authority and mission expansion.
Partners
- U.S. Navy for PORTS system expansions
- State transportation departments for infrastructure planning
- Academic institutions for research collaboration
Number of employees
CO-OPS employs approximately 150 federal staff, supplemented by around 65 contract employees.
Organization structure
CO-OPS operates as a cohesive unit with a focus on operational and scientific excellence:
Leader
The center is led by a **Director**.
Divisions
- Operations Division for managing real-time data systems
- Science and Analysis Division for predictions and modeling
- Field Operations Division for maintaining observation networks
List of programs
- National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) for water level monitoring
- Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS) for real-time coastal data
- Tidal Current Prediction Program for navigational support
Last total enacted budget
The last reported budget for CO-OPS was approximately $40.5 million for Fiscal Year 2023.
Staff
CO-OPS employs around 150 federal employees, including oceanographers, engineers, and data analysts, with additional support from 65 contract staff.
Funding
Funding is derived from NOAA’s annual budget appropriations, allocated through the National Ocean Service for operational and research activities.
Services provided
CO-OPS delivers tide predictions, real-time water level and current data, oceanographic modeling, and coastal monitoring services, supporting maritime commerce, disaster preparedness, and environmental management.
Regulations overseen
CO-OPS does not directly oversee regulations but provides data supporting regulatory compliance, such as navigation safety standards and flood forecasting.
Headquarters address
1305 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910
History
CO-OPS traces its origins to tide and current observations begun in the 1800s by NOAA’s predecessors, evolving into a modern center under NOS to meet growing demands for operational oceanographic data and services.