Metrics for Ocean Observing Systems (MOOS) Task Team
Goals and Rationale
Metrics are tools for supporting actions that allow programs to evolve toward successful outcomes, promote continuous improvement, and enable strategic decision making. Additionally, they are now utilized as a means of communicating program aims, status, and progress. The purpose for developing a set of ocean observing metrics for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) include:
- Characterizing the scope and nature of IOOS;
- Gauging progress toward achieving established goals.
The MOOS Task Team identified the following tasks to achieve the overall goal of developing a set of ocean observing metrics:
- Determine the audience for metrics;
- Develop suggestions for a suite of measurable and repeatable metrics and/or indicators,
- Recommend a process for agencies to contribute towards those metrics;
- Consider/recommend pilot metric development projects;
- Suggest ways to assess the impact of metrics on the target audience; and
- Recommend next steps towards moving beyond pilot metrics.
Outcomes
The MOOS Task Team identified an audience, outlined goals, and developed a suite of measurable and repeatable pilot metrics for three ocean observing themes. These metrics are summarized in the report Measuring the Performance of Ocean Observing Systems: Pilot metrics for sea level rise, ocean acidification, and harmful algal blooms.
The team extended the MOOS task team to ensure the foundational metrics work is built upon and transitioned into sustained efforts. As a result, the task team developed a follow on report, Measuring the Performance of Ocean Observing Systems: Pilot Metrics 2021.
Contact
If you have any questions concerning this task team, reach out to iooc@ucar.edu.