NSTC Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST)

JSOST Interagency Working Groups

There are six Interagency Working Groups (IWGs) under the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST).

Interagency Working Group on Ocean Partnerships (IWG-OP)
The IWG-OP has assumed the role and responsibilities of the National Ocean Partnership Program (NOPP) Interagency Working Group. The IWG-OP charter lists four functions:

1. Assuming those responsibilities previously administered by the NOPP IWG including development of extramural funding announcements, selection and funding of projects, and recognition of excellence in partnering.
2. Working with the ocean agencies and with OMB to increase flexibility in interagency and intergovernmental cost-sharing of ocean partnership projects.
3. Developing and periodically updating a strategic plan for out-year ocean partnership activities and directions, so that agencies can plan ahead to be participants.
4. Reporting regularly on its plans and activities to the JSOST and SIMOR and as requested to the Interagency Committee on Ocean Science and Resource Management Integration (ICOSRMI) and to ORRAP. An annual report on ocean partnerships will be publicly disseminated.

Interagency Working Group on Facilities (IWG-F)
The IWG-F has subsumed the Federal Oceanographic Facilities Committee (FOFC). They are currently finishing the Fleet Renewal Plan.

Interagency Working Group on Ocean and Coastal Mapping (IWG-OCM)
The IWG-OCM is currently working on an inventory of ocean mapping activities within the Federal government.

Interagency Working Group on Ocean Observations (IWGOO)
The IWGOO has assumed the role of the Ocean.US Executive Committee (EXCOM). The IWGOO is working on planning and administration of the Integrated Ocean Observing System.

Interagency Working Group on Harmful Algal Blooms, Hypoxia, and Human Health (IWG-4H)

The IWG-4H is working on a number of reports for the U.S. Congress on harmful algal blooms, oceans and human health, and hypoxia. The IWG-4H has released the following reports:

• Harmful Algal Bloom Prediction and Response Report (pdf, 1.7 Mb)
• Interagency Oceans and Human Health Research Implementation Plan: A Prescription for the Future (pdf, 3.3 Mb)
• Scientific Assessment of Freshwater Harmful Algal Blooms (pdf, 9.77 Mb)

Interagency Working Group on Ocean Education (IWG-OE)
The IWG-OE is a joint working group overseen by the JSOST and the Subcommittee on Integrated Management Ocean Resources. The focus of the IWG-OE is on improving ocean literacy in the United States.

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