The US Ocean Carbon and Biogeochemistry (OCB) program was established in 2006 as one of the major activities of the U.S. Carbon Cycle Science Program, an interagency body that coordinates and facilitates activities relevant to carbon cycle science, climate, and global change issues. OCB’s overarching goal is to explore the ocean’s role in the global carbon cycle and the response of marine ecosystems to environmental changes of the past (paleo), present, and future (prediction). OCB brings together scientific disciplines and cultivates partnerships with complementary US and international programs to address high-priority research questions about marine ecosystems and biogeochemistry. OCB plays multiple important support roles for its network: (A) Organizes and co-sponsors workshops, short courses, working groups and synthesis activities on emerging research issues; (B) Serves as a central information hub (websites, email list, newsletter, social media) to broadcast scientific news, opportunities, and research highlights; (C) Engages with relevant national and international science planning initiatives; (D) Develops education and outreach activities and products with the goal of promoting ocean carbon science to broader audiences; (E) Trains the next generation of ocean scientists and engages early career scientists in OCB activities (travel support, networking, mentoring).
