Global Ocean Observing System for Indian Ocean

Introduction

IOGOOS is an Association of marine operational and research agencies in the Indian Ocean Region established during Indian Ocean Principals’ Meeting held on November 8-9, 2001 at New Delhi to co-operate in promoting GOOS in the Indian Ocean region.

The following observations were made during the High level Consultations among the participants

• At least 1.5 billion people on this planet Earth are profoundly influenced by the Indian Ocean characterised by a fragile living environment that is sensitive to climate changes, natural disasters and human impact.
• There is an imperative need to take a pro-active role and concerted actions to understand the Ocean and Coasts for making informed decisions that save lives and protect living habitats and resources in the Indian Ocean region.
• Need to contribute, collectively, to the progress of ocean observations, ocean science and operational oceanography, focussing on these imperative needs of the Indian Ocean region.
• Recongnized the important role taken by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) sponsored by United Nations Agencies (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO; World Meteorological Organisation; and United Nations Environment Programme) and the International Council of Scientific Unions, to facilitate a global coordination of ocean and coastal observing systems and to catalyse formation of alliances between nations to focus effort on their pressing regional concerns.
• Need to establish IOGOOS to provide an organizational framework for planning, coordination and effective implementation of appropriate regional and sub-regional ocean and coastal observing systems and services.

By signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the participated Agencies agreed to

1. establish IOGOOS, an association of marine operational and research agencies in the Indian Ocean region
2. to become Members of IOGOOS
3. to co-operate in promoting GOOS in the Indian Ocean region.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Indian Ocean Principals’ issued a statement New Delhi Statement declaring the formation of IOGOOS