Multi-National Argo

The array is made up of 30 different countries’ contributions that range from a single float, to the U.S. contribution, which is roughly 50% of the global array. To see how many floats are deployed by each country, look at the Commitments Table

Funding mechanisms differ widely between counties and involve over 50 research and operational agencies. Each national program has its own priorities but all nations subscribe to the goal of building the global array and to Argo's open data policy.

Management of Argo

The project is overseen by an International Argo Steering Team and a Data Management Team that are comprised of representataives of float-providing countries. The array's growth is monitored by the Technical Coordinator at the Argo Information Center (AIC) that is located in Toulouse as part of the JCOMMOPS monitoring and co-ordinating system for operational ocean observations. There is also an Argo Director.

A primary function of the AIC is to implement resolution XX-6 of the Intergovernmental Ocean ographic Commission of UNESCO. This resolution states that : "Concerned coastal states must be informed in advance, through appropriate channels, of all deployments of profiling floats which might drift into waters under their jurisdiction, indicating the exact location of such deployments."

Thus the AIC operates a formal deployment notification process and some countries have given formal concurrence for the operation of Argo floats within their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Countries Involved in Argo

	Argentina		Australia		Brazil
	Bulgaria		Canada		Chile
	China		Costa Rica		Denmark
	Ecuador		European Union		Finland
	France		Gabon		Germany
	Greece		India		Ireland
	Italy		Japan		Kenya
	Korea		Lebanon		Mauritius
	Mexico		Netherlands		New Zealand
	Norway		Poland		South Africa
	Spain		Turkey		UK
	USA

Several other countries including Cook Islands, Fiji, Iceland, Indonesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Mozambique, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Russia, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu have assisted greatly with float deployments using everything from small research vessels to huge container ships to aircraft. Broader participation in Argo by many nations and research groups is encouraged either through float procurement, logistical support for float deployment, or through analysis and assimilation of Argo data.