About

CIOOS

The Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS) [sea-use] is a national online platform to make ocean data openly discoverable and accessible, and to facilitate knowledge exchange in ocean sciences. Ocean observations produced through regional systems and networks are key to effective ocean management. Three regional associations (RAs) located in the Pacific, the St. Lawrence, and the Atlantic work closely with local oceanographic communities to meet their needs for using CIOOS.

CIOOS Pacific

Through meaningful engagement and ongoing communication, CIOOS Pacific staff are developing a data management system that focuses on Canada’s West Coast. This system promotes easy access to ocean data and supports the work of partners, researchers, industry, coastal communities, First Nations, and non-profits. We are committed to the development of a data management and dissemination approach to meet the needs of the regional marine community and contribute to global ocean observing. Connect with us to contribute to the effort. 

Partners

Partnerships along the coast of British Columbia have been essential to observing the coastal ocean and this spirit continues in CIOOS Pacific. Academic, government, and non-profit organizations are founding members of CIOOS Pacific and we welcome additional organizations that will help elevate ocean monitoring on the coast. 

Data Management

CIOOS believes in findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR) data principles and open access of ocean data. To ensure interoperability with other national and international data repositories we have adopted standards for metadata (or data about data) that will help data consumers understand the origins of the original observations. 

Essential Ocean Variables

CIOOS captures a selection of essential ocean variables (EOVs) aligned with the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), contributing to global efforts to better understand the ocean, marine issues, and interactions with other earth systems. These EOVs are initial targets for ingestion into CIOOS and additional data types will be added as the system matures.