The Cooperative Institute for Ocean Exploration, Research,
and Technology (CIOERT) was established in July 2009. CIOERT is a consortium
led by the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
at Florida Atlantic University in Fort Pierce, FL. The University of North
Carolina-Wilmington is the co-managing partner. Limited partners are
SRI International, St. Petersburg, FL, and the University of Miami.
CIOERT conducts research and activities under four main themes: (1) Development of Advanced
Underwater Technologies - The CI will expand the scope and efficiency of exploration
and research by developing, testing, and applying new and/or innovative uses of existing
technologies to ocean exploration and research activities; (2) Exploration and Research of Frontier Regions
of the Eastern Continental Shelf and Beyond - The CI will focus on the exploration and research of ecosystems
and habitats of economic, hazardous, scientific or cultural importance within and beyond the eastern U.S. Continental
Shelf; (3) Improved Understanding of Deep and Shallow Coral Ecosystems - Priority activities will include supporting
ocean exploration and research using advanced underwater technologies and techniques to improve the understanding of
coral and sponge ecosystems; and (4) Outreach and Education - Outreach and Education will focus on ocean literacy
and building NOAA's technical and scientific workforce.
NOAA’s Office of Ocean Exploration and Research will be the CIOERT’s primary NOAA partner.
CIOERT's research activities support NOAA in its Mission Goal to Protect,
restore, and manage the use of coastal and ocean resources through an ecosystem
approach to management. critical support for NOAA's mission.
