On November 7, 2019 the CARICOOS Board of Directors met with the system’s technical and administrative leadership to discuss and agree on approaches to follow towards a comprehensive stakeholder need assessment and prioritization process. Said need assessment is essential for the design of the proposal requesting support for the upcoming five-year funding cycle.  CARICOOS’s Board, composed of representatives from critical agencies, industries and news media, will provide their expertise and access to key stakeholders in order to prioritize coastal information needs. Five committees were formed to support: Safe and Efficient Maritime Operations; Mitigation of Coastal Hazards and Threats to Human Health; Management and Restoration of Living Resources (Fisheries, Mangroves, Reefs and Seagrasses); Assessment of Regional Climate Variability, including Coastal and Open Ocean Structure; and Data/Product Communication & Stakeholder Education. If you wish to provide input, please contact one of our board members or us at contact@caricoos.org to direct your idea or concern. This effort will allow CARICOOS to continue meeting  critical data needs from those living, working and/or enjoying the region’s wealth of coastal areas.