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Additional Information

Reports and Backgrounders on Observatories

U.S. National Research Council studies

Enabling Ocean Research in the 21st Century: Implementation of a Network of Ocean Observatories (2003)
Study of the issues related to the implementation of a seafloor observatory network
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Exploration of the Seas: Voyage into the Unknown (2003)
Study to examine the feasibility and value of an ocean exploration program
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Illuminating the Hidden Planet: The Future of Seafloor Observatory Science (2000)
Study to examine the need for long-term, fixed observatory sites in the oceans for conducting basic research.
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Global Ocean Science: Toward an Integrated Approach (1999)
Study of the roles of the major U.S. programs in ocean research
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Building Collaboratories for Oceanography (1993)
Part of an NRC study of integrated, tool-oriented computing and communications systems that support scientific collaboration
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National Science Foundation reports

Sensors for Environmental Observatories (2005)
Report from a workship to identify opportunities for enhancing existing ocean sensors and systems and development new ones
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Ocean Sciences at the New Millenium (2001)
Decadal survey of the current state and future plans for ocean research
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50 Years of Ocean Discovery: National Science Foundation 1950-2000 (2000)
History of a half-century of NSF-funded achievements in ocean sciences
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Other reports and documents

The Potential Economic Benefits of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (PDF)
Report from a meeting of economists and social scientists on the value of coastal observing programs
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The Benefits and Problems Facing the Development of an Integrated Ocean Observing System
Testimony by WHOI Senior Scientist Robert Weller to the Resources Subcommittee on Fisheries  Conservation, Wildlife, and Oceans of the U.S. House of Representatives on July 12, 2001

Clearinghouse of documents on U.S. Ocean Observatories programs

(Courtesy of the NEPTUNE Project)