Sustained data for a changing ocean

The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI) is a science-driven ocean observing network that delivers real-time data from more than 900 instruments to address critical science questions regarding the world's oceans.

Funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation to encourage scientific investigation, OOI data are freely available online to anyone with an Internet connection.

Our Mission

The Ocean Observatories Initiative (OOI), funded by the National Science Foundation, advances understanding of the ocean’s complexity by operating and maintaining cutting-edge instrumentation in some of the most challenging marine environments. Through the delivery of openly accessible, long-term oceanographic data the OOI empowers researchers, decision-makers, educators, students, and the public to better understand the inner workings of the ocean. The initiative fosters innovation by supporting new technology integration, offering infrastructure for collaborative deployments, and providing tools for education and outreach anywhere in the world.

A Visual journey

A Window into the Changing Planet is a short documentary that shows the beauty and fragility of the ocean and explains how scientists, students, and policymakers are using OOI data to determine how the ocean is changing, at what speed, and what it means for the planet.

OOI Updates

Learn about the latest OOI activities and how OOI data are changing the shape of classroom instruction and advancing ocean research.

OOI In The News May 24, 2025

Oceanic Biogeochemical Sensor Networks: 2025 Market Surge & Next-Gen Tech Unveiled

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OOI In The News May 20, 2025

Scientists use salinity to trace changes in the US Northeast Coastal Ocean

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News May 16, 2025

Open Access, Open Ocean: Marking 75 Years of NSF Through Sustained Ocean Observation

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News May 13, 2025

Advancing Mooring Technology for Long-Term Ocean Observation

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Latest Expeditions

Learn about the latest OOI expeditions that keep the OOI arrays continuously gathering so you have access to real-time ocean data around the clock from your laptop.

OOI Events

Mask Group 30
Upcoming Event
Jun 09 2025 - Jun 09 2025 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

OOI-RCA Data Team Monthly Virtual Office Hours for Data Access and Support

OOI Events

Jun 18 2025 - Jun 20 2025 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

OOIFB Imaging FlowCytobot (IFCB) Community Focus Group

Jul 08 2025 - Jul 08 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

OOI Pioneer and Global Arrays Virtual Office Hours for Data Access and Support

Jul 14 2025 - Jul 19 2025 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

2025 OOIFB Summer School on Acoustics

How to participate

OOI brings data to your doorstep, without ever having to go to sea.

Opportunities exist to customize OOI data by adding instruments or platforms to the existing infrastructure, proposing additional or modified sampling, participating in cruises, borrowing OOI equipment, or simply exploring real-time data to answer scientific questions. Explore the ways you can participate in the OOI.