The Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA), as part of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), provides critical infrastructure that supports disaster preparation, economic stability, public health & safety, and marine operations.

Federal funding cuts proposed by the Executive Branch in a leaked document would eliminate the IOOS Regional Observations budget for next year. The document also indicates that NOAA should reflect these proposed cuts in this year’s funding to IOOS regions, which is contrary to the budget Congress approved. If the cuts are implemented, SECOORA must begin shutting down operations in late summer. If IOOS funding is eliminated, SECOORA will need to raise $3 million to fill in the gap in funding.

With SECOORA’s funding at risk, we are doing everything we can to ensure that the services, products, and data that SECOORA provides for the benefit of the public, the maritime industry, scientists, and decision makers remain operational. Your donations will help us to ensure that SECOORA can continue its essential work in an uncertain federal funding landscape.