About the IWG-OEC
The Interagency Working Group on Ocean Exploration and Characterization (IWG-OEC), established in 2020 and codified in 2022 (Pub. L. 117-263; 33 USC 3408), is charged with helping to implement parts of the National Strategy for Mapping, Exploring, and Characterizing the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The NOMEC Council provides direction and support to the IWG-OEC and consults and relies on the technical expertise and operational capacities of IWG-OEC member agencies in implementing its objectives. The IWG-OEC recommends and facilitates exploration and characterization efforts that provide needed information and insights about deep-water (>40 m) environments, including the seafloor, sub-bottom, and water column, from exploratory initial assessments to comprehensive characterization in direct support of specific research, resource management/stewardship, policymaking, or other mission objectives.
Strategic Priorities for Ocean Exploration and Characterization
To identify priorities for ocean exploration and characterization (NOMEC Strategy, Goal 3.1), the IWG-OEC brings together subject matter experts from Federal agencies across five thematic areas: benthic ecology, cultural heritage, marine resources, seafloor hazards, and the water column. Through a collaborative process that includes soliciting and reviewing white papers, the IWG-OEC synthesizes geographic and thematic priorities for ocean exploration and characterization within the United States EEZ. These priorities highlight areas where exploration and new data could help address important knowledge gaps, improve understanding of the ocean environment and its resources, and support science, management, and stewardship. The resulting reports provide a framework for coordinating Federal ocean exploration efforts and informing future exploration and characterization activities.
- 2022 — Strategic Priorities for Ocean Exploration and Characterization of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone: The first IWG-OEC strategic priorities report, identifying geographic and thematic priorities across the entire United States EEZ.
- 2026 — Strategic Priorities for Ocean Exploration and Characterization in the Pacific Islands Within United States Waters: The second IWG-OEC strategic priorities report, focusing on central and western Pacific waters within the United States EEZ and the Pacific Islands region.
