Identifying Oceanographic Data Gaps in the EEZ

The issuance of the Presidential Proclamation on the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in March of 1983 has resulted in an appraisal of the state of knowledge of oceanographic data in the coastal waters within 200 miles of the United States and its territorial possessions. This appraisal revealed a significant gap in our knowledge of the region in certain ocean parameters and in certain frontier areas, i.e. Alaska and Pacific Trust territories. An analysis of the data holdings in the National Oceanographic Data Center, several reviews held by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of the Interior, and the National Advisory Committee on Oceans and Atmosphere have further verified these data gaps and the impacts of these gaps on the mandate to explore and assess the resources of the FEZ.