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 NSF's Ocean Observatories Initiative operates and maintains sophisticated instrumentation in demanding ocean locations to collect and provide data to better understand the ocean, its complexity, and how it is changing because of natural and anthropogenic processes. The OOI connects the community to a wide range of ocean platforms and sensors through its cyberinfrastructure without the need to go to sea.

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.

News February 6, 2025

2025 OOIFB Summer School on Acoustics: Applications Now Open

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OOI In The News February 5, 2025

Regional Cabled Array Tracks Axial Seamount’s Impending Eruption

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Science Highlights January 31, 2025

Irminger Sea Convection and the roles of Atmospheric Forcing and Stratification

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Science Highlights January 31, 2025

Bloom Compression Alongside Marine Heatwaves Contemporary with the Oregon Upwelling Season

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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
Mar 18 2025 - Mar 24 2025 All Day Event

2025 U.S. National Science Foundation Research Infrastructure Workshop

OOI Events

May 06 2025 - May 08 2025 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Spring 2025 OOIFB and DSC Meetings

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.