requirements, and common logistical constaints cut across the module boundaries.
Implementation of GOOS also depends in part on economic studies to more precisely define and quantify the socio-economic benefits derivable from GOOS products. GOOS will provide the basis for better environmental predictions and timely warnings, more effective management and control measures, new response strategies and guidance to appropriate ameliorative actions.
3. The U.S. Contribution to the Global Ocean Observing System
The U.S. recognizes international planning according to the five modules listed above. However, at present it is envisioned that implementation of U.S. GOOS will encompass three themes:
Climate
Coastal
Fisheries
Many of the most critical problems associated with the health of the ocean occur in the coastal zone so, for now, U.S. contributions to the Health of the Ocean module are being planned within the Coastal Theme. Planning for the Marine Services module of GOOS is embryonic and, until better elaborated, has not been isolated in the U.S. from other components of GOOS. Many marine services are critical to coastal issues and are being considered within the Coastal Theme. Marine services for the open ocean are also needed and explicitly recognized within the Coastal Theme. The U.S. has adopted the themes for implementation according to the impact on economic sectors that are potentially the primary advocates and beneficiaries of GOOS. A key to implementing GOOS comprehensively is accurate estimates of the economic and societal benefits of GOOS; they must be clearly identified, understood, and communicated. This approach to GOOS implementation, of focusing on these three broad sectors or users of GOOS, is a new one.
In June 1994 the National Research Council of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences reviewed the status of U.S. GOOS, strongly supporting the concept and urging vigorous U.S. leadership internationally and substantial expansion of U.S. planning and implementation activities. The U.S. GOOS Interagency Working Group is working with the National Science and Technology Council's Committee for Environment & Natural Resources (CENR) to coordinate GOOS planning with other national research initiatives and national priorities.
Table 1 attempts to summarize the nominated U.S. contributions to GOOS in relation to the international GOOS modules and the ultimate customers and beneficiaries of GOOS. Note the overlapping relationship between the initial U.S. GOOS Themes and the international GOOS modules. Part of the Coastal Theme incorporates the open ocean marine services at present. Sub-themes to the three U.S. GOOS Themes have been introduced. The sub-themes more closely couple to specific U.S. policy objectives or classes of ultimate customers of GOOS products. Specific U.S. GOOS goals are elaborated within the sub-themes and couple the sub- themes to specific Federal agency contributions to U.S. GOOS. Each goal has been associated with specific classes of beneficiaries and may be addressed by more than one Federal agency.
