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

Lead PI: Dr. Scott Glenn, Rutgers University
Start Year: 2011 | Duration: 5 Years
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

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.

Annual PI Reports:
FY 2015 PI Report
FY 2016 PI Report