Media Inquiries
This section provides a repository of information for journalists and others who wish to quickly find high level information about the Ocean Observatories Initiative. Please contact the WHOI Media Office if you do not find what you need.
Media Inquiries
WHOI Media Office
Woods Hole, MA
E: media@whoi.edu
P: 1-508-289-3340
Project specific queries can be directed to
Darlene Trew Crist Cell: 774-392-4685
Images, Logos & Maps
Image Policy
The OOI is a federally (NSF) funded program, as such, all images on our website taken by individuals within the OOI program are considered to be in the public domain, i.e. free for use. The only exception to this is images on the OOI website that were provided by a specific vendor. There are very few of these images on the website and the vendor name will be included in those captions. If you are not sure, feel free to ask! Additionally, if you cannot find the photo you are looking for, please contact the media office and we will help find the image for you. If you do use an image from the OOI website, we just ask that you include either the credit associated with the image on the website or the standard credit: “Image credit: National Science Foundation’s Ocean Observatories Initiative”
Logos
The following logos are provided in various file formats for use by journalists and members of the public who wish to reproduce the Ocean Observatories Initiative logo. No special permission is required from the Ocean Observatories Initiative to reproduce these images.
OOI Station Map
Similar to other images, the map of OOI arrays is in the public domain and free for use. The map is periodically updated; the most up to date version can be downloaded here (6.8 MB). We ask that when using the map, you please include the following image credit: Image Credit: National Science Foundation’s Ocean Observatories Initiative
Frequently Asked Question
What is the OOI?
The National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded OOI, is a networked observatory of science-driven sensor systems that measure the physical, chemical, geological and biological variables of the ocean, seafloor, and near ocean atmosphere. The OOI consists of six arrays located across the North and South Atlantic and Pacific, including one cabled, two coastal, and three global arrays. The OOI infrastructure is made up of 83 platforms, carrying over 830 instruments, providing over 100,000 data products. Greater knowledge of the ocean’s interrelated systems is vital for increased understanding of their effects on biodiversity, ocean and coastal ecosystems, ecosystem health and climate change. The OOI puts ocean observing data into the hands of a vast user community of oceanographers, scientists and researchers, educators and the public.
How is the OOI Managed?
The OOI is an NSF-funded award to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), which leads the OOI Operations and Management (O&M) through sub-awards with Oregon State University, University of Washington, and Rutgers University. These institutions function as Implementing Organizations (IOs). The IOs are responsible for O&M of the different components of the program. WHOI is responsible for the three global arrays and the Coastal Pioneer Array. OSU is responsible for the Coastal Endurance Array. UW is responsible for all cabled assets including those on the Coastal Endurance Array as well as the Cabled Array. Rutgers University is responsible for maintenance of the Cyberinfrastructure component.
How has the OOI been funded so far?
The NSF is the sole funding agency for the OOI. The five-year construction phase began in September 2009, with nearly $106 million of first-year funds coming from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The total construction project budget for OOI is currently at $386.42 million. The FY16-FY18 budget has been approximately $55 million per year. The FY19 through FY24 funding is planned at $44M per year.
How will the OOI advance knowledge of the oceans?
The OOI is delivering ocean and atmospheric data and data products 24/7/365 for a 25-year planned life, through an extensible architecture that can meet emerging technical advances in ocean science. The OOI is addressing critical science-driven questions, providing near realtime measurements for scientists, educators and the public, and contributing to a greater understanding and management of our oceans.
Who has access to OOI Data?
OOI data are made available free of charge over the internet to anyone who creates a login. This includes a vast user communities of oceanographers, scientists, educators and the public.
Current Status:
The OOI has officially completed construction and has transitioned into its Operation and Management (O&M) phase.
Data from deployed OOI assets are accessible online through the OOI Data Portal. Some of the data are streamed back to shore via fiber-optic cables or satellites, while the remaining data becomes accessible upon instrument retrieval during maintenance cruises. Every 6-months (Coastal Arrays) or 12-months (Global and Cabled Arrays), OOI infrastructure are “turned.” Turning involves retrieving the deployed infrastructure and replacing it with freshly refurbished and calibrated infrastructure. The retrieved infrastructure is taken back to the lab where data are downloaded, instruments are re-calibrated, and the equipment is refurbished for the next turn cruise.
To create a login for the OOI Data Portal, go to ooinet.oceanobservatories.org
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To submit a question, go to HelpDesk