Signatories of the PacIOOS Memorandum of Agreement
American Samoa • CNMI • FSM • Guam • Hawaiʻi • Palau • RMI • Regional
PacIOOS works closely with a wide variety of stakeholders and partners throughout the Pacific Islands region. To formalize the partnerships, many organizations have become Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) partners of PacIOOS. The MOA is a non-binding, non-legal document that provides a framework to work cooperatively to accomplish both PacIOOS’ and MOA partner’s mission and goals. Through a coordinated approach, PacIOOS, along with its partners, aims to enhance availability and access to coastal and ocean information, data, and tools. MOA signatories can help guide the future direction by providing valuable feedback and input. MOA partners are also eligible for election onto the PacIOOS Governing Council.
Click here to view the Memorandum of Agreement. |
* Denotes PacIOOS Governing Council Representation
American Samoa
American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
The mission of the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is to provide regulatory services to promote clean air, safe and clean water, and land free of pollutants, in order to protect the environment and safeguard the quality of natural resources upon which life on American Samoa depends.
Department of Port Administration (DPA)
The mission of the American Samoa Department of Port Administration (DPA) is to provide excellent services to its customers and the community, and by doing so, raise the standard of living of the Territory in a manner that protects the environment and maintains the best of the faʻa-samoa (Samoan way of life).
Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR)
The mission of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources (DMWR) is to manage, protect, preserve and perpetuate the marine and wildlife resources in American Samoa. Their vision is to promote the wise and sustainable utilization of both marine and wildlife resources in the Territory of American Samoa.
National Park of American Samoa*
The National Park of American Samoa, the only National Park Service (NPS) site south of the equator, provides habitat for paleotropical rainforests and Indo-Pacific coral reefs. The park’s purpose is to preserve and protect the tropical rainforest, coral reefs, archeological and cultural resources of American Samoa, to maintain the habitat of flying foxes, preserve the ecological balance of the Samoan tropical forest, and to provide for the enjoyment of these unique resources.
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
500 Sails
500 Sails is a 501(c)(3) and CNMI tax-exempt non-profit organization dedicated to reviving, promoting, and preserving the maritime cultural traditions of the Mariana Islands through community engagement in canoe cultural values and activities. 500 Sails’ vision is a healthy thriving native community that has successfully integrated traditional cultural values into modern life.
CNMI Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ)*
The Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality (BECQ) was created through Governor’s Executive Order 2013-24 to reorganize the Coastal Resources Management Office and the Division of Environmental Quality in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
CNMI Office of the Governor
The CNMI Office of the Governor believes that the Commonwealth’s greatest resource is its people, those who are willing to contribute their talent and energy to help tackle their challenges. The Office of the Governor works to bring people together to move the islands forward, every day.
Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA)
The Mariana Islands Nature Alliance (MINA) is a community-based, non-profit organization that was formed to promote the protection and restoration of the natural resources in the Northern Mariana Islands. MINA believes that fostering community watch and outreach efforts will accomplish the long-term goals towards a sustainable future.
Northern Marianas College (NMC)
Northern Marianas College (NMC), through its commitment to student learning, provides high quality, affordable and accessible educational programs and services for the individual and people of the Commonwealth.
Federated States of Micronesia
College of Micronesia – FSM
The College of Micronesia – FSM (COM-FSM) is a learner-centered institution of higher education that is committed to the success of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) by providing academic, career and technical educational programs characterized by continuous improvement and best practices.
Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP)
The mission of the Conservation Society of Pohnpei (CSP) is to preserve and enhance the natural heritage of Pohnpei State by promoting community-led resource management and sustainable development. CSP aims to increase community involvement in the conservation and management of Pohnpei’s natural resources; to build local capacity through public and private partnerships; to develop alternatives to unsustainable practices; and to promote law and policies that support these objectives.
Chuuk Conservation Society (CCS)
The mission of the Chuuk Conservation Society (CCS) is to preserve and protect Chuuk’s natural resources to sustain community livelihoods by working with community partners. The organization aims to achieve this through the following objectives: (1) protect the cultural and natural resources of their communities by establishing an initial framework for a state-wide protected/managed area network; and (2) build the effectiveness and accountability of CCS by providing the necessary tools and resources to carry out its mission.
Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization (KCSO)
The mission of the Kosrae Conservation and Safety Organization (KCSO) is to sustainably manage and protect Kosrae’s biodiversity and natural heritage through community engagement and partnerships for the benefit of present and future generations.
Marine and Environmental Research Institute of Pohnpei (MERIP)
Founded in 1997 as part of the Ponape Agriculture and Trade School, the initial focus of MERIP was teaching practical marine sciences to students from all over Micronesia. Because Micronesia is 99% water and marine conservation is critical to sustainable living in the region, MERIP’s current focus is developing low-impact aquaculture as a means of income generation for communities who sponsor and support marine protected areas.
Micronesia Management and Marketing Enterprises (MMME)
Micronesia Management and Marketing Enterprises (MMME) is a Kosrae State business that focuses on the culture and trade of a range of aquaculture commodities destined for the international marine aquarium industry.
Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT)*
The Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT) supports biodiversity conservation and related sustainable development for the people in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). MCT aims to respect and manage the land, air, and sea and to enhance livelihoods and the environmental integrity of the islands.
Pohnpei Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Pohnpei Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for overseeing the wise use, protection, and preservation of Pohnpei’s resources, balancing the needs of economic and social development with those of environmental quality and respect for traditional ways.
Pohnpei NOAA/NWS Weather Service Office (WSO)
The NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Service Office (WSO) in Pohnpei (NWS Pohnpei) is under the Pacific Region of the National Weather Service. It is one of the NWS programs that cover a large expanse of the Pacific, providing Pacific-basin tsunami watches, warning, and information and educational services to the disaster preparedness community and general public.
Pohnpei Surf Club (PSC)
The mission of the Pohnpei Surf Club (PSC) is to cater to the needs of surfers, divers, fishermen, and tourists during their stay in Pohnpei. PSC aims to supply travel needs and give viewers a glimpse of Pohnpei.
Guam
Guam Coastal Management Program (GCMP)
The Guam Coastal Management Program (GCMP) was established in 1979 through a cooperative agreement between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Bureau of Planning, Office of the Governor and draws its authorities from the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972 and 5 GCA Ch.1, Article 2, Centralized Planning under the renamed Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Office of the Governor. The GCMP is responsible for the land-use and natural resource planning duties of the Bureau. The Common interest and function of GCMP is to integrate its policy making efforts with public and private interests engaged in physical, social, and economic development planning for the island through a process and mechanism in which duly adopted policies of Guam are linked and considered with all elements of decision making among governmental and non-governmental coastal uses. GCMP’s goal is to create the responsible and balanced use of Guam’s coastal resources through improving management and policy systems, optimizing planning, creating awareness, and improving the administration and enforcement of natural resource related laws and regulations.
Guam Office of the Governor*
The mission of the Office of the Governor is to change government, foster economic growth, eliminate poverty, and build a Guamanian Dream for every citizen. The Office of the Governor seeks to improve lives by breaking down barriers, bringing vision into everyday decisions, and making government transparent, responsive, caring, and restrained.
University of Guam, Sea Grant
The University of Guam (UOG) Sea Grant Program is a partnership between UOG and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The UOG Sea Grant’s mission is to integrate and apply research, extension, and education activities to sustain and develop island environments while integrating knowledge and cultural views of the island’s people.
Hawaiʻi
Conservation International (CI) Hawaiʻi
Conservation International (CI) Hawaiʻi strives to restore nearshore seafood security in Hawaiʻi by engaging communities and stakeholders to protect their critical natural capital, foster effective governance, and promote the sustainable production, distribution, and consumption of locally sourced, sustainable seafood. Conservation International Hawaiʻi focuses on three program areas: Sustainable Management of Small-Scale Fisheries; Restoration of Coastal Habitats and Biocultural Systems; and Transforming Seafood Value and Supply Chains.
Forever Oceans, Corp.*
Forever Oceans, Corp. offers a reliable and sustainable aquaculture alternative, providing complete aquaculture solutions that produce premium fish. Leading technology is combined with advanced biology, a comprehensive training program, and more to offer investors the opportunity to license an end-to-end farm solution. Forever Oceans is not only committed to preserving the environment, but also leading the charge in voluntarily measuring ocean conditions.
Hawaiʻi Harbors User Group (HHUG)
The Hawaiʻi Harbors Users Group (HHUG) is a non-profit maritime transportation industry group. The organization’s objectives are: (1) to establish a maritime transportation industry group to develop a set of priorities for future and port development; and (2) to help the State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (DOT) to obtain mandates, approvals, and financing to implement projects to meet the transportation needs of the community.
Hawaiʻi Pilots Association*
Hawaiʻi Pilots Association (HPA) provides safe, reliable and efficient pilotage services for all commercial ports throughout the Hawaiian Islands. HPA’s pool of nine pilots are responsible for safely navigating ships in and out of Hawaiʻi’s seven commercial deep draft harbors, 24/7.
The Kohala Center
The Kohala Center is an independent, not-for-profit, community-based center for research, conservation, and education. The Kohala Center was established in direct response to the request of island residents and island leaders to create greater educational and employment opportunities by caring for—and celebrating—Hawaiʻi Island’s natural and cultural landscape.
Liquid Robotics, Inc.*
Liquid Robotics, Inc. (LRI) is an ocean data services provider and developer of the Wave Glider®, the world’s first wave-powered, autonomous marine robot designed to help address the biggest challenges the world faces, including global climate change, national security, hurricane and tsunami warning, and offshore energy and resource management.
Mālama Maunalua*
The goal of Mālama Maunalua is to restore Maunalua Bay of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi by removing invasive alien algae, reducing the run-off of sediment and pollutants from the land into the Bay, and increasing the marine life within the Bay.
Marine and Coastal Zone Advocacy Council (MACZAC)
MACZAC’s mission is to, “Advocate for a comprehensive management system which restores, preserves and protects Hawaiʻi’s marine and coastal environment.” Since its founding in 2001, MACZAC has worked on the mapping of coastal parking access and recommendations regarding shoreline certification, commercial boating regulations, harbor facilities, integrated ocean resource management, cultural resources management, coastal water quality, coastal carrying capacity, marine managed areas, regulatory review, legislative advocacy, public education and outreach, as well as many other marine and coastal issues in Hawaiʻi.
Maui Ocean Center
Aptly named “The Hawaiian Aquarium”, the Maui Ocean Center is one of the only facilities in the world dedicated to fostering understanding, wonder, and respect for Hawaiʻi’s marine life. Dedicated to perpetuating the island’s host culture, Maui Ocean Center’s exhibits and tours also showcase the language, myths, and history of the Hawaiian Islands in an entertaining and educational format.
Ocean Era
Ocean Era (formerly Kampachi Farms) is a Hawaiʻ;i-based mariculture company focused on discovering and commercializing ways that marine aquaculture can feed humanity and mitigate climate change. Through innovative research, and application of the best available science, Ocean Era will remain on the cutting edge of healthy, environmentally responsible seafood.
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of Aquatic Resources
The mission of the Division of Aquatic Resources is to manage, conserve and restore the state’s unique aquatic resources and ecosystems for present and future generations. Major program areas include projects to maximize commercial fishery and aquaculture productivity, protecting native and resident aquatic species and their habitat, and providing facilities and opportunities for recreational fishing consistent with the interests of the State.
State of Hawaiʻi Department of Transportation (DOT) Harbors Division
The mission of the Harbors Division is to effectively manage and operate a statewide commercial harbor system that facilitates the efficient movement of people and goods to, from, and between the Hawaiian Islands. The Harbors Division aims to support the State’s economic prosperity and quality of life of its residents. In addition, the division works to promote the well-being of cargo, fishing, and passenger cruise industries, other maritime-related service and support activities, and the enjoyment of waterfront facilities by the general public.
State of Hawaiʻi Office of Planning*
The State of Hawaii Office of Planning gathers, analyzes, and provides information to the Governor to assist in the overall analysis and formulation of state policies and strategies. The purpose of the Office is: (1) to provide central direction and cohesion in the allocation of resources and effectuation of state activities and programs; and (2) to effectively address current or emerging issues and opportunities.
University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST)*
The vision of SOEST is to serve society by acquiring and disseminating new knowledge about the ocean, earth, and planets, and to enhance the quality of life in the State and the Nation by providing world-class education, contributing to a high-tech economy, and promoting sustainable use of the environment.
The Nature Conservancy, Hawaiʻi Program
The Nature Conservancy is a private non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the preservation of the lands and waters upon which all life depends. In Hawaiʻi, The Conservancy manages 43,000 acres in 12 preserves and works in 20 coastal communities to help protect the near-shore reefs and waters of the main Hawaiian Islands. The Conservancy also co-owns and co-manages the Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge.
Trilogy Excursions
Since its start in 1973, Trilogy Excursions has been operating premium sailing catamaran tours on Maui and Lānaʻi that lead the industry in Hawaiian hospitality, U.S. Coast Guard safety standards, and sustainable ecotourism. Family owned and operated by the "Sailing Coon Family", Trilogy has been awarded numerous accolades; most recently Trilogy Excursions was selected as the Eco Tourism Company of the Year by the Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association.
U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) District 14 (D-14)*
The Fourteenth District of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG D-14) covers more than 12.2 million square miles of land and sea, with units on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi Island, and in American Samoa, Saipan, Guam, Singapore, and Japan. The District Commander oversees 25 operational units ashore and afloat throughout the Pacific, which regularly perform missions in maritime safety, protection of natural resources, maritime security, homeland security, and national defense.
Waikīkī Aquarium
The mission of the Waikīkī Aquarium is to inspire and promote understanding, appreciation, and conservation of Pacific marine life.
Republic of Palau
Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF)
The Coral Reef Research Foundation (CRRF) is a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of California and the Republic of Palau. CRRF aims to increase knowledge of coral reefs and other tropical marine environments to allow intelligent conservation and management decisions. The CRRF research programs are oriented towards the following areas: (1) dynamics of the marine environment as they relate to conservation decisions; (2) limits of species diversity, community distribution, and biogeography; and (3) monitoring with respect to short- and long-term environmental and climate changes.
Ebiil Society
The society’s main goal is the education of environmental protection and proper management of natural resources through indigenous knowledge. Current projects include terrestrial management/reforestation, turtle monitoring, marine debris monitoring and education, and summer camps which teach indigenous knowledge about environment, culture, and tradition.
Office of Climate Change, Republic of Palau Government*
The Office of Climate Change is the Republic of Palau National Government’s arm with a mission to build the resilience of Palau to the impacts of climate change and disasters by coordinating and supporting activities to: 1) enhance adaptation and resilience to the expected impacts of climate change across all sectors; 2) improve Palau’s ability to manage unexpected disasters and minimize disaster risks; and 3) mitigate global climate change by working towards low carbon emission development, maximizing energy efficiency, protecting carbon sinks, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.
Palau Automated Land and Resource Information System (PALARIS)
The Office of the Palau Automated Land and Resource Information System (PALARIS) has the responsibility to develop the National Geographic Information System (GIS), a centralized land and resource system to inventory and support the management of human, economic and natural resources of the Republic of Palau.
Palau Community College (PCC)
Palau Community College (PCC) is an accessible public educational institution helping to meet the technical, academic, cultural, and economic needs of students and communities by promoting learning opportunities and developing personal excellence.
Palau Conservation Society
The mission of the Palau Conservation Society is to work with the community to preserve the nation’s unique natural environment and perpetuate its conservation ethic for the economic and social benefit of present and future generations of Palauans and for the enjoyment and education of all
Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC)
The Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) is Palau’s leading research and aquarium institution with a mission to be an international Center of Excellence to support conservation and management for the perpetuation of marine and associated environments through research and education significant to Palau and relevant to the world. The vision of PICRC is people empowered with science and knowledge for effective marine conservation and management.
Republic of the Marshall Islands
College of the Marshall Islands (CMI)
The mission of the College of the Marshall Islands (CMI) is to provide quality, student-centered educational services to Marshallese people who desire access to a post-secondary education.
Majuro NOAA/NWS Weather Service Office (WSO)
The NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Majuro Weather Service Office (WSO) sits under the Pacific Region of the National Weather Service. It is one of the NWS programs that cover the large expanse of the Pacific, providing Pacific-basin tsunami watches, warnings, information, and educational services to the disaster preparedness community and the general public.
Marshall Islands Conservation Society
The Marshall Islands Conservation Society’s vision is People and Nature in Harmony wherein the Marshallese people come to a new equilibrium with nature, based on a combination of traditional resource management practices and scientific assessments and insights for protection and management of target features, species and locations. The Marshall Islands Conservation Society is dedicated to building awareness, support and capacity for sustainable use of resources, conservation and protection of biodiversity through the Reimaanlok process and Micronesia Challenge commitment.
Mieco Beach Yacht Club (MBYC)
Founded in 2003, the Mieco Beach Yacht Club (MBYC) is located on the lagoon of Majuro Atoll. MBYC offers pristine diving, snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, fishing, skiing, sailing, and power boating. The club promotes yachting in the Marshall Islands with an emphasis on having fun activities both on and off the water utilizing sponsor’s facilities for meetings, docking, and MBYC entertainment.
Office of Environmental Planning and Policy Coordination (OEPPC)
The mission of the OEPPC is to protect human health and the natural environment of the Marshall Islands, actively supporting a sustainable balance between RMI’s economy and its natural environment, and to ensure improved coordination of all international and regional environmental programs and activities, allowing policy coordination to rest directly with the office of the President. OEPPC has been working since 2003 for a cleaner, healthier environment in the atolls.
RMI Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)*
The mission of the RMI Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is to look after the natural environment of the Marshall Islands, ensure sustainability of resources, ensure a balance between economic development and the environment, and to enhance the quality of life (public health and safety) for the Marshallese people.
RMI Ports Authority (RMIPA)
The Republic of the Marshall Islands Ports Authority (RMIPA) is responsible for the management, operation, development and maintenance of two multi-purpose port facilities and the international airport, all of which are located at Majuro Atoll, the capital and main port of entry for the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI).
Regional
Association of Pacific Island Legislatures*
The Association of Pacific Island Legislatures (APIL) is a regional organization committed to working together on matters where regional cooperation, coordination, exchange and assistance may help governments achieve their goals through collective action. APIL is comprised of legislative representatives from 12 island governments, including American Samoa, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, Guam, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) State of Chuuk, FSM State of Kosrae, FSM State of Pohnpei, FSM State of Yap, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, State of Hawaiʻi, Republic of Nauru, and Republic of Kiribati.
CODAR Ocean Sensors
CODAR Ocean Sensors, located in Mountain View, California, conducts research, design, manufacturing, and support of high-frequency (HF) radar systems primarily for ocean current and wave monitoring. CODAR Ocean Sensors has produced approximately 80% of all HF radars ever built worldwide, with a total operating time of over 2,000,000 hours.
NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC)
The Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Center administers scientific research and monitoring programs that support the domestic and international conservation and management of living marine resources.
NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) Pacific Region*
The mission of the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) is to provide weather, water, and climate data, forecasts and warnings for the protection of life and property and enhancement of the national economy. The NWS Pacific Region administers the programs and facilities of the NWS throughout a large expanse of the Pacific. This area includes the Islands of Hawaiʻi, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau, and American Samoa.
Outrigger Enterprises Group
The Hawaiʻi-based Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the fastest-growing, privately-held hospitality companies in the Asia-Pacific region. Today, the family-owned Outrigger Enterprises Group continues the legacy of its founders with a global vision for hospitality-based innovation, effective partnerships, and a deep respect for culture, tradition, and environmental sustainability.
Pacific Disaster Center (PDC)
The Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) uses information, science, and technology to enable effective evidence-based decision making and to promote disaster risk reduction concepts and strategies. PDC harnesses advances in data collection and observation systems, computing, impact modeling and risk assessment, visualization, and information and communication systems to empower decision makers, disaster management professionals, and the public.
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
SAIC is a leading technology integrator providing full lifecycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, and enterprise IT markets. SAIC designs, develops, and sustains offerings that empower diplomatic missions, support warfighter requirements, and advance exploration from the ocean floor to outer space. SAIC’s diversified contract base enables them to provide end-to-end capabilities and solutions across mission and enterprise lifecycles.
Surfline/Wavetrak, Inc.
For over 30 years, Surfline/Wavetrak Inc. has connected people with the ocean. Starting with surfers and since expanding to offshore cruisers, fishermen and a myriad of other ocean-goers, Surfline/Wavetrak Inc. has found ways to deliver the peak ocean experience. It is the company’s mission to provide the most accurate forecast data and eye-popping content in order to make your life better, whatever your ocean pursuit may be.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)*
The mission of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is to deliver vital public and military engineering services, partnering in peace and war to strengthen the nation’s security, energize the economy, and reduce risks from disasters. The USACE’s vision focuses on engineering solutions for the nation’s toughest challenges.
U.S. Pacific Fleet*
The U.S. Pacific Fleet protects and defends the maritime interests of the United States in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. By providing combat-ready naval forces and operating forward in global areas of consequence, U.S. Pacific Fleet enhances stability, promotes maritime security and freedom of the seas, defends the U.S., deters aggression, and when necessary, conducts decisive combat action against the enemy.
Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC)*
The Western Pacific Regional Fishery Management Council (WPRFMC) is one of eight regional fishery management councils established by the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976. The WPRFMC is a bottom-up process, emphasizing public participation and involvement of fisheries management at the local and community levels.