We are the Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing SystemsÂ
(NERACOOS)
Providing ocean data for decisions.Â
We generate data about the ocean, consolidate that data, and share it with anyone who wants or needs it.
NERACOOS is one of 11 Regional Associations operating within the national Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). The mission of IOOS, and by extension our own, is to guide the development of an ocean observing system that is responsive to the needs of our users.
We are certified by NOAA as a Regional Information Coordination Entity, which means the data we serve meet the high standards set for federal data gathering and management. To learn more about our certification and its documentation visit our Governance page.
As we work to fulfill our mission, we are guided by these core values that shape our activities and approach:
- In order to use resources sustainably we need a better understanding of the coupled coastal-ocean system
- Our work is and will continue to be driven by feedback from stakeholders
- The data we provide must be high quality & accessible by all
- We are a non-partisan not-for-profit and our work is based in science
- Through collaboration and leadership we support regional, national and international coastal ocean observing and modeling
- Education helps deepen people's connection with the ocean and encourages environmental stewardship
- Creating opportunities for innovation is important both for tools and our next generation of ocean professionals
Jake Kritzer
Executive Director
Rob Cardeiro
Finance Director
Jackie Motyka
Strategy Director
Tom Shyka
Technology Director
Emily Silva
Grants Manager
Brenda Darroch
Marketing Communications Manager
Cameron Thompson
Pelagic Ecologist
Katy Bland
Engagement & Research Manager
Anna Simpson
Coastal Resilience Manager
Austin Pugh
Climate & Ecosystems Coordinator
Caitlin Shanahan
Adminstrative Assistant
THE NERACOOS NETWORK
THE NERACOOS NETWORK
Meet the NERACOOS System Operators, Partners, Members, and Board of Directors
SYSTEM OPERATORS
As the owners and operators of NERACOOS’s observing assets, our System Operators play a key role in our monitoring and modeling efforts.
PARTNERS
These organizations are integral members of the NERACOOS network, providing critical leadership, support, and expertise on projects that advance our understanding of Northeast marine ecosystems.Â
MEMBERSHIP
The federal funding we receive provides a critical base of support, but in order to maintain and repair infrastructure, NERACOOS relies on the revenue from memberships to keep our system operating and improving. Â
NERACOOS members understand the importance of having high quality, real time ocean observations, and choose to support us in our efforts to provide the best information possible. Thank you so much for your contributions and hard work!
If you’re interested in becoming a member, we would be delighted to speak with you further. Send us an email, call us at (603) 319-1785, or head over to the CONTACT page.Â
Thank you so much for supporting NERACOOS’s critical work!
Kelly Cove Salmon (Cooke Aquaculture)
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
These organizations have pledged at a level between $1,000 and $2,999; we are so grateful for their support!
Penobscot Bay and River Pilot’s Association
These organizations and individuals have generously pledged at a level between $500 and $999.
Organizations:
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Maine Department of Marine Resources
Maine Lobstermen’s Association
Marine & Oceanographic Technology Network
Marine Renewable Energy Collaborative
Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association
St. Lawrence Global Observatory
Individuals:
Melville Cote Jr.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The NERACOOS Board of Directors is comprised of stakeholders from each coastal New England state, representing both public and private sector industries. The Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC), and the Northeast Academic Consortium (NEAC), members from which comprised the first iteration of the NERACOOS Board, still participate through specific appointments. The first Board of Directors meeting was held on November 13, 2008, at which time the NERACOOS Bylaws were adopted.
Documents related to Board operations, including meeting minutes, can be found on the Governance page.
This list is current as of August, 2022.
- PRESIDENT: Rhonda Moniz (Underwater Investigative Group)
- VICE PRESIDENT: Nicole Bartlett (NOAA North Atlantic Regional Team)
- SECRETARY: Prassede Vella (MA Coastal Zone Management/MassBays NEP)
- TREASURER: Chris Williams (NH Department of Environmental Services)
- Larry Alade (NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center)
- Nicole Bartlett (NOAA North Atlantic Regional Team)
- Janet Duffy-Anderson (Gulf of Maine Research Institute)
- Shayla Fitzimmons (Candian Integrated Ocean Observing System)
- Diane Foster (University of New Hampshire)
- Catherine Johnson (Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada)
- Steve Lohrenz (University of Massachusetts Dartmouth)
- Rhonda Moniz (Underwater Investigative Group)
- Todd Morrison (NOBSKA Development Corporation)
- Kevin O’Brien (Connecticut Natural Estuarine Research Reserve)
- Katie O’Brien Clayton (Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection)
- Jim O’Donnell (University of Connecticut)
- Rebecca Peters (Maine Department of Marine Resources)
- Neal Pettigrew (University of Maine)
- Hung Pham (Massachusetts Maritime Academy)
- Jane Sawyers (Rhode Island Dept. of Environmental Management)
- Prassede Vella (MassBays National Estuary Partnership NEP)
- Aleck Wang (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
- Chris Williams (New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services)
- David Wu (Massachusetts Water Resources Authority)
- EXECUTIVE: Rhonda Moniz, Nicole Bartlett, Chris Williams, Prassede Vella
- FINANCE: Janet Duffy-Anderson, Shayla Fitzsimmons, Diane Foster, Steve Lohrenz, Todd Morrison, Pam DiBona
- NOMINATING: Chris Williams, Kevin O’Brien, Jim O’Donnell