Center for Operational

Oceanographic

Products and Services

(CO-OPS)

www.tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov

Monitoring Climate Change — 200 years of

careful operation of the tide and water level

station network around the US coast and Great

Lakes has yielded historical data that helps us

understand trends in sea level rise, the impact of

coastal storms and El Nino type events, and the

impact of long-term water level fluctuations in

the Great Lakes.

CO-OPS combines its trademark reliability and

proven approaches to oceanographic measurement

with visionary ideas that anticipate and respond to

customer needs. By listening to its customers, CO-OPS

documents user requirements and sets the standards

for data collection, processing, and analysis. It adds

value by integrating data products with practical

applications that represent the total solution.

CO-OPS’ commitment to innovation is realized

through the development of new and improved

oceanographic observing systems to meet emerging

needs and strengthen day-to-day operational

activities.

Center for Operational Oceanographic 

Products and Services (CO-OPS)

(301) 713-2981

N/OPS

1305 East-West Highway

Silver Spring, MD 20910
F

or 200 years CO-OPS and its predecessors have

gathered oceanographic data along our nation’s

coasts and turned those data into meaningful

information to protect life, property, and the

environment. Serving both the public at large and other

government agencies, CO-OPS is the authoritative source

for accurate, reliable, and timely water level and current

measurements that support safe and efficient maritime

commerce, sound coastal management, and recreation.

The collective knowledge and experience of CO-OPS’

technicians, scientists, and engineers working to carry

out this mission has created a center of expertise for

coastal physical oceanography. Guided by the principles

of science, service, and stewardship, CO-OPS is at the

center of NOAA’s vision for an informed society that uses 

a comprehensive understanding of the role of the oceans, 

coasts and atmosphere in the global ecosystem to make the 

best social and economic decisions. 

CO-OPS’ mission of collecting, analyzing, and

communicating oceanographic informationis asrelevant

today as it was 200 years ago. CO-OPS initiatives return

significant benefits for people and communities whose

livelihood depends on the coastal environment.

Enhancing Navigation — Over 95% of US

international trade moves through U.S. ports

and harbors. CO-OPS’ products contribute

to the nation’s economic competitiveness,

while reducing risks to life, property, and the

coastal environment. For example, the Physical

Oceanographic Real-Time System (PORTS®) helps

mariners by integrating real-time environmental

observations and forecasts. Similarly, CO-OPS

Tide and Tidal Current Tables are used daily to plan

voyages, while CO-OPS provides the reference for

dredging and charting projects.

Supporting Coastal Zone Management — Armed

with CO-OPS tide data and analyses, coastal zone

managers and engineers arewell-equipped to plan

and successfully accomplish beach renourishment

and marsh restoration projects, as well as to

guide coastal development risk assessments and

land-use planning.

Assisting Coastal Hazard Mitigation — From

monitoring storm tide, to providing information

for tsunami detection and warning, to distributing

real-time data for search-and-rescue or oil-spill

clean up operations,CO-OPS providestime-critical

information that impacts the nation’s ability to

prepare for and confront coastal hazards.