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IOOS Certification

MARACOOS is federally certified for meeting rigorous governance, data management, and quality assurance standards. All IOOS Regional Associations undergo this certification process, ensuring that the data they provide—from collection to archive—meets the same high standards as federal data.

Learn More About Certification from U.S. IOOS

What Certification Means

Certification confirms that MARACOOS delivers data of the highest quality, consistent with federal requirements. Established under the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (ICOOS) Act of 2009, certification sets standards for data governance, management, archival, and accessibility.

Key Components of Certification:

Governance

MARACOOS’ regional structure promotes collaboration and coordination across the Mid-Atlantic, supporting a stable and enduring organization.

Data Management

Certification guarantees that data are reliable, consistent, and maintained to the same standards as federal datasets.

Quality Assurance

All data undergo rigorous quality checks and are archived with NOAA’s National Center for Environmental Information for long-term storage and accessibility.

Regional Focus

While meeting national standards, MARACOOS’ data products are tailored to address the specific needs of Mid-Atlantic users.

Benefits of Certification

  • Users can trust the reliability and integrity of MARACOOS data.
  • Certification facilitates efficient interagency coordination.
  • Federal agencies depend on IOOS regions to access non-federal data and share integrated regional datasets.
  • Researchers and grant-funded projects can leverage certified data to meet federal data management requirements.
  • Certification provides liability protection for Regional Associations.
Primary Certification Documents
Supporting Documents