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.

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.

News October 31, 2025

Nine years of water sampling data from the Pioneer New England Shelf Array now Available through BCO-DMO

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OOI In The News October 30, 2025

UW researcher launches new technology for underwater acoustics

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Science Highlights October 24, 2025

The 2019 marine heatwave at Ocean Station Papa

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Science Highlights October 24, 2025

Submarine canyon sediment transport and accumulation during sea level highstand: Interactive seasonal regimes in the head of Astoria Canyon, WA

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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
Dec 15 2025 - Dec 15 2025 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

OOIFB Town Hall at AGU 2025

OOI Events

Feb 22 2026 - Feb 27 2026 @ 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Ocean Sciences 2026

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.