Towards a Comprehensive Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS)

Lead PI: Dr. Scott Glenn, Rutgers University

Building on past accomplishments and lessons learned, the proposed effort over the next 5 years will (1) unite and integrate the organizational activities of The Mid-Atlantic Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (MACOORA) and the operational activities of Mid-Atlantic Regional Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARCOOS) into a new corporate entity called the Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS); (2) maintain and expand the existing observing, data management and forecasting subsystems focused on the transition from data-generated to model-generated ensemble ocean forecast products that target multiple users; and (3) expand end-to-end operations across all five regional themes through (a) enhanced education and engagement activities, (b) the leveraging of resources beyond IOOS Through expanded Users and Advisory Councils, and (c) the application of NFRA-endorsed metrics to measure and demonstrate success.

The new MARACOOS, bringing together over 40 investigators and partners from 20 institutions, will result in closer connectivity between ocean observatory data, model generators and the wide range of end users. The five regional themes will shape the work plans for the ocean observatory data and model information generation – outputs will be incorporated into appropriate stakeholder engagement, outreach, and education activities with targeted expansion.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2015

Partners:

• University of Delaware
• University of Maryland
• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
• Old Dominion University
• U.S. Coast Guard
• National Weather Service
• Stevens Institute
• Liberty Science Center
• SUNY Stony Brook
• ASA
• Monmouth University
• NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service
• University of Connecticut
• University of North Carolina
• WeatherFlow, Inc.
• University of Rhode Island
• USGS
• CIT
• Freeport Tuna

FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

Developing the Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System (PacIOOS)

Lead PI: Mr. Chris Ostrander, University of Hawaii at Manoa

The goal of the proposed work is to maintain the existing capacity developed in Hawaii and elsewhere in the U.S. Insular Pacific through the initial stage of PacIOOS implementation and to continue to enhance the operational ocean monitoring and forecasting system to provide integrated, customized, and timely ocean information, data products, and marine spatial planning tools that meet defined user needs. Initial development of PacIOOS, has focused on four thematic areas: Coastal Ocean-State and Forecasting, Coastal Hazards and Resiliency, Water Quality Sensing, and Marine Ecosystem Information and Monitoring.

The work proposed will continue to strengthen and integrate observing assets within the PacIOOS region with other regional associations into the national system. An iterative, participatory process of engagement, outreach, and extension of PacIOOS capacity and data products has led to clearly defined stakeholder needs for additional customized and integrated data and information products in both Hawaii and the Insular Pacific region. To that end, PacIOOS proposes to continue to develop the observational, modeling, data management, and outreach components of the observing system to generate products that help ensure a safe, clean, and productive ocean and resilient coastal zone for the U.S. Pacific Islands.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• University of Hawaii at Hilo
• Marine and Environmental Research Institute of Pohnpei
• University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

Continued Development of Regional Coastal Ocean Observing System: Alaska Ocean Observing System

Lead PI: Ms. Molly McCammon, Alaska Ocean Observing System

The mission of AOOS is to provide coastal and ocean observations, forecasts and data and information products to meet agency and stakeholder needs. The proposed work builds upon efforts begun with AOOS’s initial funding, and takes into account the paucity of real-time observations in Alaska by relying extensively on collaborations and leveraging with other programs. The proposal represents the priorities identified by stakeholder workshops and adopted by the AOOS Board: 1) Increase access to existing coastal and ocean data; 2) Package information and data in useful ways to meet the needs of stakeholders; and 3) Increase observing and forecasting capacity in all regions of the state, with a priority on the Arctic and the northern Gulf of Alaska.

Alaska’s many stakeholders include state and federal resource managers, oil spill responders, search and rescue teams, commercial and recreational fishers and boaters, subsistence users, coastal community residents, and the shipping, mining, and oil and gas industries. Benefits will take the form of increased access to existing data and improved observations and predictions of weather, ocean, and sea ice conditions. The information is aimed to inform decision-making by stakeholders. Many factors currently affecting Alaska heighten the need for reliable and accessible marine information, including increases in marine traffic and other industrial activities in the Arctic, and the dramatic retreat of sea ice.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• Axiom Consulting & Design
• University of Alaska Fairbanks
• Prince William Sound Science Center/Oil Spill Recovery Institute
• University of California at Los Angeles
• Marine Exchange of Alaska
• NOAA Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory
• NOAA Kasitsna Bay Laboratory

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2014 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

Continued Development of the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System

Lead PI: Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick, Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System

The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) is developing a sustained ocean observing system that provides data, information, and products on marine and estuarine systems to a wide range of users. The goal of this project is to build a robust, user-driven, sustained, operational GCOOS that integrates data from diverse providers; assures consistency and quality of the data; creates new data products needed by users; and provides accurate data, products, and services to IOOS, decision-makers, and the public in a timely and efficient manner. Physical, meteorological, biogeochemical, and bathymetric data are included in the data system.

Further integration of existing observing elements into a unified ocean observing system will provide easy access to data, products, and services needed by users in their desired formats. Also, observations which are in jeopardy of being eliminated will be continued. Through outreach and education projects, more information will be available to the public to help make informed decisions regarding a broad range of interactions with the coastal ocean environment—from recreational activities to emergency responses. Lastly, new connections between different sectors and the resulting synergies will provide society the capability to better predict and mitigate against coastal hazards, preserve and restore healthy marine ecosystems, ensure human health, manage resources, facilitate safe and efficient marine transportation, enhance national security, and detect and predict climate variability and consequences.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• Texas A&M Research Foundation
• Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
• Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
• University of Miami
• University of Alabama-Huntsville
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
• Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Laboratory
• Dauphin Island Sea Laboratory
• University of Southern Mississippi
• Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute
• Mote Marine Laboratory
• University of Colorado
• Fugro-GEOS, Inc.
• Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium
• Florida State University
• Louisiana State University
• University of South Florida

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2014 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

Sustaining NANOOS, the Pacific Northwest Component of the US IOOS

Lead PI: Dr. David Martin & Dr. Jan Newton, University of Washington

The primary mission of the user-driven Networked Ocean Observing Systems (NANOOS) is to provide Pacific Northwest (PNW) stakeholders with the ocean data, tools, and information they need to make responsive and responsible decisions, appropriate to their individual and collective societal roles. Established in 2003, NANOOS uses results from several years of NOAA-funded efforts and other regional contributions to build regional partnerships in the PNW, to coordinate regional activities, and to identify high priority user needs and requirements. NANOOS members have identified the priority areas for product development to be: maritime operations; ecosystem assessment and climate change, including PNW priority topics of hypoxia, ocean acidification, and Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs); fisheries and bio-diversity; and, mitigation of coastal hazards. These four priorities operate within the essential context of Coastal Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP), in which NANOOS is presently engaged with state, federal, and NGO regional partners.

NANOOS seeks to maintain the Regional Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (RCOOS) subsystems it has developed, implemented, and integrated with NOAA IOOS. Proposed enhanced developments for NANOOS include a focus on hypoxia, ocean acidification, and biodiversity, within the context of CMSP and Marine Protected Areas. NANOOS will remain focused on delivering data-based products and services that are easy to use to a diversity of stakeholders. NANOOS will continue its proactive interactions and regional coordination with a wide range of PNW stakeholders, to prioritize and refine observations, products, and outreach efforts.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• Oregon State University
• Oregon Health and Science University
• Boeing
• DOGAMI
• WDOE
• ODSL

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

Advancing the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System

Lead PI: Mr. Julio Morell, University of Puerto Rico

The Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CariCOOS) has strived to meet prioritized stakeholder needs for coastal information with an efficient design- minimizing observing assets -while developing complementary modeling tools. This initial system has proved effective in providing wind, wave, and current data products as well as simulations that support forecasting on the Atlantic and Caribbean insular shelves. The Caribbean Regional Association (CaRA) intends to complete the initial CariCOOS phase and develop the required observing, modeling, and skill assessment assets and tools needed before proceeding onto a shoreward extension of the CariCOOS product domains.

Informational access to the near coastal regions will allow CaRA to bring services to specific shore dependent activities/sectors such as port and harbor operations, recreational activities, and coastal resource management. Specifically, CaRA will focus on supporting navigation safety and rapid response recovery in the most important regional ports, minimizing hazards to beachgoers and other recreational users, long term observing of climate change and ocean acidification, remediation, mitigation and adaptation to coastal hazards, data support for marine spatial planning and marine protected areas, and outreach and education to develop an “ocean literate” society. Funding will continue support for the regional association in its mission including continued stakeholder engagement and representation and continuing CaRA’s outreach and key alliances.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• University of Virgin Islands
• WeatherFlow Inc.
• National Weather Service

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

The Continued Development of the Northeastern Regional Coastal Ocean Observing System

Lead PI: Dr. J. Ruairidh Morrison, Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems (NERACOOS)

This project will continue operation and development of the coastal ocean observing system for the coastal waters of the northeastern United States and Canada. In the last year, the Northeastern Regional Coastal Ocean Observing System (NERACOOS) has partnered with regional groups interested in ocean policy, especially the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC), and executed an extensive process of consultation among a wide variety of users and user groups. The planned research reflects the priorities developed, which fall into four main categories: Marine Operations, Ocean and Coastal Ecosystem Health, Ocean Energy Planning and Management, and Coastal Hazards Resiliency. In addition, the New England States have recognized the need for information products that inform Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning (CMSP), and supporting this need is a NERACOOS priority. Enhancing ocean data management and public understanding of the ocean are national priorities that remain central themes of NERACOOS.

At the core of NERACOOS are multi-use instrument systems making measurements in the ocean. This project will sustain the buoy network in the Gulf of Maine, Long Island Sound and Great Bay. Some of these systems have been deployed for nearly a decade and have documented major changes. The network will be expanded to observe harmful algal blooms and CO₂ concentrations, acquire wind and wave statistics off Rhode Island, establish a program of surface current measurement by drifters, support the delivery of water quality data from Narragansett Bay, and reestablish data acquisition from ferries. A program of at-sea sampling to monitor the ecosystem at sentinel sites and support delivery of satellite data products will also be developed. NERACOOS plans to make effective use of the observation network by continuing to operate a distributed data system, to provide support for a variety of forecasting models, and to outreach to the public.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
• Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
• Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
• New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services
• University of Maine
• University of Connecticut
• University of New Hampshire
• University of Rhode Island
• Gulf of Maine Research Institute
• Bedford Institute of Oceanography
• Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment
• RMC Research Corp.
• Applied Science Associates
• NOAA

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report

Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA): Coordinated Monitoring, Prediction and Assessment to Support Decision-Makers Needs for Coastal and Ocean Data and Tools

Lead PI: Ms. Debra Hernandez, Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association

The proposed effort will integrate and augment existing observational, modeling, data management and education assets in the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) domain to provide lasting benefits to communities and natural resources that make the SE unique. This effort will provide positive impacts for a broad range of constituents, including federal, regional, state, and local interests.

The use of a Regional Coastal Ocean Observing System (RCOOS) in the service of societal goals requires an optimal combination of observational, modeling, data management, and education and outreach (E&O) assets to enable characterization, prediction, and assessment of the marine environment as well as the formulation of scientifically-founded, economically-beneficial, and environmentally-sensitive responses to issues, concerns and opportunities. Fisheries, coastal development and erosion, storms and coastal hazards, and water quality are all critical concerns that require informed management policy and strong science.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• Kennesaw State University
• Skidaway Institution of Oceanography
• University of South Carolina
• University of Georgia
• University of Florida
• University of North Carolina Wilmington
• Florida Institute of Oceanography
• North Carolina State University
• University of Maryland
• University of Notre Dame
• University of North Florida
• University of South Florida
• University of Miami
• South Atlantic Fishers Management Council
• Roffer’s Ocean Fishing Forecasting Services, Inc.
• COSEE-SE
• Georgia-Tech Savannah

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2013 PI Report
FY 2014 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System

Lead PI: Dr. Eric Terrill, University of California San Diego – Scripps Institution of Oceanography

The principal goal of the Southern California Coastal Ocean Observing System (SCCOOS) is to provide observations and data products to a diverse stakeholder community of managers and planners, operational decision makers, scientists, and the general public. As the regional observing system for Southern California, SCCOOS has developed the capabilities to support short-term decision-making and long-term assessment by implementing and leveraging biological, chemical, and physical observations, many of which are available in near real-time.

SCCOOS continues to explore new visualizations and technologies to make data and products more comprehensible and widely available. In order to achieve an effective outreach and education strategy that fully engages a wide range of audiences, SCCOOS focuses on developing projects through partnerships on the local, regional, and national levels. SCCOOS collaborates with the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) on statewide issues and formed a Joint Strategic Advisory Committee, of users and stakeholders across the state, to create a unified and coordinated approach to ocean observing in California. SCCOOS is also committed to contributing to larger ocean observing collaborations regionally, nationally, and internationally.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• Scripps Institution of Oceanography
• California Polytechnic State University
• Farrallon Institute for Advanced Ecosystem Research
• University of California Los Angeles
• University of California Santa Barbara
• University of Southern California

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2013 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

CeNCOOS: Integrating Marine Observations for Decision Makers and the General Public

Lead PI: Dr. David Anderson, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute

Covering over six hundred miles of coastline from the California-Oregon border south to Point Conception, the Central and Northern California Ocean Observing System (CeNCOOS) encompasses a dynamic ocean environment and a large, diverse group of stakeholders.

Looking forward to for 2011-2016, CeNCOOS has established a multi-purpose observational scheme that collectively addresses user needs in the general categories of climate and ecosystem health, water quality, marine operations, and coastal hazards. The core observation suite used to address these issues includes automated pier stations, coastal buoys, the HF radar surface current mapping network, and a coast-wide network of autonomous vehicles. High resolution bottom maps from towed and autonomous vehicles also make a valuable contribution. The data are moved in real time to the CeNCOOS Data Management and Communications (DMAC) system and assimilated into numerical models for now-casts and forecasts of ocean conditions. For this project, CeNCOOS plans to maintain and expand this network as well as incorporate more innovative approaches such as environmental sampling from marine mammals and fish. The modeling and prediction capability will be advanced from the physical to the ecosystem level. The complete observing system will be used to understand and preserve the health of the ocean for generations to come.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• Hopkins Marine Lab
• University of California Santa Cruz
• University of California Los Angeles
• Naval Research Laboratory
• Stanford University
• San Francisco State University
• CSUMB
• University of California Davis
• Science Applications International Corporation
• Moss Landing Marine Laboratory
• California Polytechnic Institute
• Marine Wildlife Veterinary Care & Research Center
• Sonoma State University
• Naval Postgraduate School
• Humboldt State University
• Farallones Institute

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

Implementation of the Great Lakes Observing System, 2011-2015

Lead PI: Ms. Kelli Paige, Great Lakes Observing System

The Great Lakes provide unique technical and political challenges for managing observing systems, but these challenges highlight the need and benefits for coordinating observing resources in order to meet the region’s priorities within the IOOS framework. The proposed project will achieve five objectives, which will be addressed year-by-year through a distinct set of specific tasks that build to system maturity over the five year project period. The overarching goal is to create a fully integrated Great Lakes Observing System (GLOS) that provides products and services to decision-makers, resource managers and other data users with input from members and partners, to foster understanding and inform decision-making related to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River System.

GLOS is positioned to address unique regional issues resulting from its freshwater composition and geography. These issues include source water protection; providing baseline data to managers of Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs) and Lakewide Management Plans (LaMPs); identifying, collecting, and integrating key fishery and associated environmental observations to support state and provincial fishery managers; understanding the impacts of climate change upon net basin water supplies; assisting municipal/regional planners in adapting to climate change; and prioritizing maintenance funds for key port and harbor infrastructure.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystems Research (CILER)-University of Michigan
• Large Lakes Observatory-University of Minnesota-Duluth
• WATER Institute -University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
• Marine Hydrodynamic Laboratory – University of Michigan
• Michigan Tech Research Institute
• Michigan Technological University
• Great Lakes Research Consortium
• Great Lakes Commission
• Ohio state University
• Michigan Sea Grant
• NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

The Alliance For Coastal Technologies: National-Scale Efforts Toward Verification and Validation of Observing Technologies

Lead PI: Dr. Mario Tamburri, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science

ACT seeks to achieve progress towards its goals to: (a) rapidly and effectively transition emerging technologies to operational use; (b) maintain a dialogue among technology users, developers, and providers; (c) identify technology needs and novel tools and approaches to meet those needs; (d) document technology performance and potential; and (e) provide U.S. IOOS with information required for the deployment of reliable and cost-effective networks.

Workshops will be conducted on: (1) System architecture for sustained observing systems; (2) Application of environmental sensors for port security, (3) Capabilities of in situ pH sensors, and (4) Lessons learned from the Performance Verification of in situ hydrocarbons sensors. ACT outreach will continue to explore and implement new modes of information delivery and sharing. Looking forward from 2012 to 2016, ACT will initiate one new Technology Evaluation and up to four Technology Workshops each year. ACT is user driven, and continuous customer engagement will define the focus of future evaluations and capacity building activities. Annual plans will build upon previous year’s outcomes and describe in detail the implementation priorities and resource requirements to help shape next generation ocean observing and support decision-making through ocean observations.

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• University of South Florida
• University of Michigan
• Moss Landing Marine Laboratory
• University of Alaska Fairbanks
• University of Hawaii

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report

Multi-sensor Improved Sea-Surface Temperature (MISST)

Lead PI: Dr. Chelle Gentemann, Earth and Space Research

This project builds on the successful partnership developed for the Multi-sensor Improved Sea-Surface Temperature (MISST) for GODAE project (2004-2009). The objectives of this project are to (1) improve and continue generation of satellite SST data and SST analyses in the IOOS DMAC and CF compliant Group for High Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (GHRSST) Data Specification GDS format; (2) distribute and archive these data; and (3) use this improved SST data in applications, many specifically targeted for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS).

Number of Years: 5

Start Year: 2011

End Year: 2016

Partners:

• NOAA
• University of Rhode Island
• Naval Research Laboratory
• University of Colorado
• University of California Lost Angeles
• Jet Propulsion Laboratory
• University of Utah
• University of Miami
• University of Maryland
• Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO)

FY 2011 PI Report
FY 2012 PI Report
FY 2013 PI Report
FY 2015 PI Report
Additional Reports