SECOORA: A Regional Association of the US Integrated Ocean Observing System Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports People Who Live, Work, and Play on the Southeast's Coasts and Oceans What is a Coastal Ocean Observing System? A coastal ocean observing system is a combination of instruments on buoys, satellites, ships, drifters and underwater vehicles that are used to make observations of the coast and ocean. Computer models are developed as part of the system to understand the ecosystem and make forecasts of changing conditions. If you are a commercial shipping vessel, a recreational fisherman, a kayaker, or a beachcomber, you need information on tides, winds, and other ocean conditions. This map is an example of how users can access coastal and ocean observations along the Southeast coast. Each station provides information such as the latest observed values including air temperature, wind speed, sea temperature, and water level. Users can explore and query buoy and other data through the SECOORA Interactive Map (www.secoora.org). The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) is a federal, regional, and private-sector partnership working to enhance our ability to collect, deliver, and use information. IOOS delivers the data and information necessary to increase our understanding of our oceans and coasts so that decision makers, including emergency managers, can take action to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment, by providing science based information products and solutions. Eleven Regional Associations comprise IOOS. SECOORA, the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, is working to coordinate projects and leverage resources to serve a broad range of societal needs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. SECOORA is headquartered in Charleston, SC. Benefits of Observing Mapping the Direction of the Currents SECOORA is a critical player in the development of a national system of high frequency radars (HF Radar). This technology has been nationally recognized as a solution to provide the level of detail required by scientists, emergency responders and marine forecasters to measure surface current speed and direction. Scientists from the University of South Carolina, in collaboration with the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and the University of North Carolina, are in the process of establishing two new HF Radar stations for monitoring the ocean surface currents and waves in Long Bay. Each station remotely measures the surface ocean currents up to 120 miles offshore and when combined they create maps of temporal and spatial distribution of waves and currents over the entire area. The data collected from the HF Radar are critical in helping scientists to understand the development of phytoplankton blooms. During the summer, phytoplankton blooms can cause low oxygen conditions. The mechanisms for bloom development during the winter are not well known yet, but may prove to be beneficial, as it could provide a favorable feeding environment for larval fishes. Image Credit: Jennifer Dorton, University of North Carolina - Wilmington. Supporting South Carolina Tourism State public health agencies, in conjunction with local governments, routinely monitor the bacterial water quality of the Southeast’s ocean swimming beaches. These monitoring data are used to post swimming advisories, with the goal of allowing the public to make informed decisions concerning recreating in waters presenting a potential for adverse health effects. Per current EPA guidelines, agencies test for the bacterial indicator, Enterococcus, to determine bacterial water
Transcript
SECOORA: A Regional Association of the US Integrated Ocean Observing System
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports People Who Live, Work, and Play on the Southeast's Coasts and Oceans
What is a Coastal Ocean Observing System? A coastal ocean observing system is a combination of instruments on buoys, satellites, ships, drifters and underwater vehicles that are used to make observations of the coast and ocean. Computer models are developed as part of the system to understand the ecosystem and make forecasts of changing conditions. If you are a commercial shipping vessel, a recreational
fisherman, a kayaker, or a beachcomber, you need information on tides, winds, and other ocean conditions. This map is an example of how users can access coastal and ocean observations along the Southeast coast. Each station provides information such as the latest observed values including air temperature, wind speed, sea temperature, and water level. Users can explore and query buoy and other data through the SECOORA Interactive Map (www.secoora.org). The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) is a federal, regional, and private-sector partnership working to enhance our ability to collect, deliver, and use information. IOOS delivers the data and information necessary to increase our understanding of our oceans and coasts so that decision makers, including emergency managers, can take action to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment, by providing science based information products and solutions. Eleven Regional Associations comprise IOOS. SECOORA, the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, is working to coordinate projects and leverage resources to serve a broad range of societal needs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. SECOORA is headquartered in Charleston, SC.
Benefits of Observing Mapping the Direction of the Currents SECOORA is a critical player in the development of a national system of high frequency radars (HF Radar). This technology has been nationally recognized as a solution to provide the level of detail required by scientists, emergency responders and marine forecasters to measure surface current speed and direction. Scientists from the University of South Carolina, in collaboration with the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and the University of North Carolina, are in the process of establishing two new HF Radar stations for monitoring the ocean surface currents and waves in Long Bay. Each station remotely measures the surface ocean currents up to 120 miles offshore and when combined they create maps of temporal and spatial distribution of waves and currents over the entire area.
The data collected from the HF Radar are critical in helping scientists to understand the development of phytoplankton blooms. During the summer, phytoplankton blooms can cause low oxygen conditions. The mechanisms for bloom development during the winter are not well known yet, but may prove to be beneficial, as it could provide a favorable feeding environment for larval fishes. Image Credit: Jennifer Dorton, University of North Carolina - Wilmington.
Supporting South Carolina Tourism State public health agencies, in conjunction with local governments, routinely monitor the bacterial water quality of the Southeast’s ocean swimming beaches. These monitoring data are used to post swimming advisories, with the goal of allowing the public to make informed decisions concerning recreating in waters presenting a potential for adverse health effects. Per current EPA guidelines, agencies test for the bacterial indicator, Enterococcus, to determine bacterial water
quality and issue water quality swimming advisories. The method used to determine Enterococcus concentrations requires a 24-hour incubation period before results can be assessed. Decision makers are therefore issuing and lifting advisories based on the previous day’s water quality. In partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), a collaborative team including the University of South Carolina and University of Maryland, is enhancing a user application with new models and an automated, database-driven tool for bacteria estimates and visualization of model results for enhanced prediction and analysis of this public health concern.
"This model has reduced the sampling burden for our Regional staff; but the major benefit has been the Department's quicker response time for posting beach advisories and subsequent enhancement of our agency's primary mission of protecting the public health." David E. Tilson, PE Chief, Bureau of Water, SCDHEC Conservation and Sustainability in Florida Growing energy demands are pushing oil and gas exploration efforts further offshore, increasing the need for regional-scale baseline environmental data. These data are also needed for effective coastal and marine spatial planning and the development of ecosystem models to manage fisheries and aquaculture. To enhance and wisely manage the state’s economically important fishing and tourism industries in a sustainable manner, increased oceanographic and other regional-scale environmental data are needed. SECOORA and the Gulf Coast IOOS Region have demonstrated the value of ocean observing systems to Floridians: o Storm surge and intensity data are used by the
National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center.
o Red tide forecasts aid the state’s $60 billion tourism industry.
o Real-time oceanographic and model data were critical to the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
o Ecosystem models are being developed to guide management of Florida’s $11 billion fishing industry, which supports more than 150,000 jobs.
Understanding Impacts to Marine Ecosystems Understanding the connectivity between the ocean environment and upland ecosystems is critical for monitoring water quality and understanding impacts to marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. Remotely sensed ocean color products provide a mechanism to understand this connection and are proving to be a critical management tool for NOAA’s Coral Health and Monitoring Program. University of South Florida's Optical Oceanography Laboratory at the College of Marine Science is working with these regional ocean managers to generate a glint-free color index (CI) product for the SECOORA region and provide it via a Web interface. The Integrated Coral Observing Network (ICON) Coral Health and Monitoring program uses the small-scale eddies observed from these new products to help monitor the hydrodynamics in the delicate coral ecosystem, such as those found in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
The Gray's Reef National Marine Santuary is engaged in SECOORA as a key stakeholder and user of the data and information that comes from the observing systems and the models based on these observations. This photo shows an orange ridged sea star (Echinaster spinulosus) and large white sponge dominate scene composed of numerous invertebrates. Image Credit: Greg McFall, Gray's Reef NMS, NOS, NOAA, NOAA Photo Library.
For more information, please contact Debra Hernandez, Executive Director, at [email protected] and visit our Web site at www.secoora.org.
SECOORA: A Regional Association of the US Integrated Ocean Observing System
Information for Floridians Who Live, Work, and Play on the Coasts and Oceans
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports Floridians
What is a Coastal Ocean Observing System? A coastal ocean observing system is a combination of instruments on buoys, satellites, ships, drifters and underwater vehicles that are used to make observations of the coast and ocean. Computer models are developed as part of the system to understand the ecosystem and make forecasts of changing conditions. The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) is a federal, regional, and private-sector partnership working to enhance our ability to collect, deliver, and use information. IOOS delivers the data and information necessary to increase our understanding of our oceans and coasts so that decision makers, including emergency managers, can take action to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment, by providing science based information products and solutions. Eleven Regional Associations (RAs) comprise IOOS. Florida, with its coast spanning from the southeast U.S. to the Gulf of Mexico, bridges two of these RAs, and over 50 Florida institutions, non-profits and private sector partners are engaged. The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System Regional Association (GCOOS-RA) and the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) are working together with Floridians to coordinate projects and leverage resources to serve a broad range of societal needs.
Florida’s oceans and coasts annually provide over $562 billion in cash flow and hundreds of thousands of jobs. Their protection is of critical importance to the state. Photo credit: Chip Cotton.
Benefits to Floridians Conservation and Sustainability Growing energy demands are pushing oil & gas exploration efforts further offshore, increasing the need for regional-scale baseline environmental data. These data are also needed for effective coastal and marine spatial planning and the development of ecosystem models to manage fisheries and aquaculture. To enhance and wisely manage the state’s economically important fishing and tourism industries in a sustainable manner, increased oceanographic and other regional-scale environmental data are needed. SECOORA and the GCOOS-RA have demonstrated the value of ocean observing systems to Floridians: o Storm surge and intensity data are used by the
National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center.
o Red tide forecasts aid the state’s $60 billion tourism industry.
o Real-time oceanographic and model data were critical to the NOAA Office of Response and Restoration during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
o Ecosystem models are being developed to guide management of Florida’s $11 billion fishing industry, which supports more than 150,000 jobs.
Supporting Florida’s Tourism Forecasts of weather and ocean conditions are important deciding factors for citizens and visitors planning their recreational activities. Information from observing systems enables Floridians and visitors to make informed decisions. For example, the University of South Florida’s Fred Howard Park meteorological and tidal station in Tarpon Springs provides water level, tide and wind conditions and is frequently used by kite surfers and kayakers. Mote Marine Lab’s Beach Conditions Report provides twice-daily updates on red tide, oil and other water quality parameters along 33 of Florida’s west coast beaches (see www.mote.org/beaches).
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports Floridians
As a peninsula nearly surrounded by water, Florida’s economy is in every way touched by the ocean. It is vital that we continually advance our understandings on the complex workings of our estuarine, coastal and adjacent deep-ocean regions to better serve the citizens of Florida and the nation. Robert H. Weisberg University of South Florida St. Petersburg Times, June 5, 2011
Emergency Preparedness & Response Improved ocean forecasts and predictions of extreme coastal storms and long-term water level changes require increased ocean observations to drive the forecast models. SECOORA and the GCOOS-RA contribute to minimizing the risk of damage and loss of lives and property by: o Providing better data and information for
emergency managers to use in making timely hazard and disaster notifications that minimize personal risks.
o Providing understanding of the natural processes that produce hazards.
Ports and Homeland Security Florida ports contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. With the expected increase in worldwide waterborne trade, there is a growing need to ensure Florida ports can be responsive to expansion opportunities while minimizing terrorist threats. o Information from coastal ocean observing systems
provides routine real-time observations and predictions necessary for safe and efficient ship movements in and out of ports.
o Radars, once used only as collision-avoidance technology, now support Maritime Domain Awareness via the Automated Identification System (AIS) that monitors vessel traffic.
o Biological and chemical sensors assist homeland security in identifying and tracking water borne pollution and counter-acting maritime based terrorism.
Port Everglades total financial impact amounts to approximately $18 billion in business activity, 185,000 jobs statewide, and $623.5 million in state and local tax revenue. (http://www.floridaports.org)
Alternative Energy The infrastructure and information from coastal ocean observing systems aid the development of alternative energy sources (e.g., offshore wind farms and energy derived from ocean currents, tides and waves) by helping to identify sites that maximize return on the investment and minimize environmental impacts, and by promoting efficiency and safety during operations.
Coordinated Coastal and Ocean Observing in Florida The GCOOS-RA and SECOORA have overlapping geographies on the west coast of Florida and share planning and coordination responsibilities. They work with the Florida Coastal Ocean Observing System Consortium (FLCOOS), a group of Florida-based universities, non-profit organizations and private companies, that collaborate on numerous monitoring, mapping and modeling efforts (e.g., harmful algal blooms and current monitoring), including coordination of data management systems to make information seamless, easily accessible and more useful. To reach the full potential of the system and maximize efficiencies, the RAs and FLCOOS work together and coordinate activities for the benefit of our common stakeholders—the citizens and visitors of Florida—as part of our nation’s IOOS.
For More Information FLCOOS: Mitchell A. Roffer, Ph.D., Chair [email protected]. www.marine.usf.edu/flcoos/ SECOORA: Debra Hernandez, Executive Director [email protected]. www.secoora.org GCOOS-RA: Dr. Ann Jochens, Regional Coordinator [email protected]. www.gcoos.org
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports Georgians
SECOORA: A Regional Association of the US Integrated Ocean Observing System
Information for Georgians Who Live, Work, and Play on the Coasts and Oceans
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports Georgia
What is a Coastal Ocean Observing System? A coastal ocean observing system is a combination of instruments on buoys, satellites, ships, drifters and underwater vehicles that are used to make observations of the coast and ocean. Computer models are developed as part of the system to understand the ecosystem and make forecasts of changing conditions.
The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) is a federal, regional, and private-sector partnership working to enhance our ability to collect, deliver, and use information. IOOS delivers the data and information necessary to increase our understanding of our oceans and coasts so that decision makers, including emergency managers, can take action to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment, by providing science based information products and solutions. Eleven Regional Associations comprise IOOS. SECOORA, the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, is working to coordinate projects and leverage resources to serve a broad range of societal needs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. SECOORA is headquartered in Charleston, SC.
Georgia members include the Georgia Aquarium, Kennesaw State University, and Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO).
Benefits to Georgia Accessing Coastal and Ocean Data If you are a commercial shipping vessel, a recreational fisherman, a kayaker, or a beachcomber, you need information on tides, winds, and other ocean conditions. The map on the left is an example of how users can access coastal and ocean observations along the Georgia coast. Each station provides information such as the latest observed values including air temperature, wind speed, sea temperature, and water level. Mapping the Direction of the Currents SECOORA is a critical player in the development of a national system of high frequency radars (HF Radar). This technology has been nationally recognized as a solution to provide the level of detail required by scientists and forecasters to measure surface current speed and direction. Scientists from the University of South Carolina, in collaboration with the SkIO and the University of North Carolina, are in the process of establishing two new HF Radar stations for monitoring the ocean surface currents and waves in Long Bay. Each station remotely measures the surface ocean currents up to 120 miles offshore and when combined they create maps of temporal and spatial distribution of waves and currents over the entire area.
The data collected from the HF Radar are critical in helping scientists to understand the development of phytoplankton blooms. During the summer, phytoplankton blooms can cause low oxygen conditions. The mechanisms for bloom development during the winter are not well known yet, but may prove to be beneficial, as it could provide a favorable feeding environment for larval fishes. Image Credit: Jennifer Dorton, University of North Carolina - Wilmington.
Users can explore and query buoy and other data through the SECOORA Interactive Map (www.secoora.org).
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports Georgians
Understanding Impacts to Marine Ecosystems Understanding the connectivity between the ocean environment and upland ecosystems is critical for monitoring water quality and understanding impacts to marine ecosystems such as coral reefs. Remotely sensed ocean color products provide a mechanism to understand this connection and are proving to be a critical management tool for NOAA’s Coral Health and Monitoring Program. University of South Florida's Optical Oceanography Laboratory at the College of Marine Science is working with these regional ocean managers to generate a glint-free color index (CI) product for the SECOORA region and provide it via a Web interface. The Integrated Coral Observing Network (ICON) Coral Health and Monitoring program uses the small-scale eddies observed from these new products to help monitor the hydrodynamics in the delicate coral ecosystem, such as those found in Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
The Gray's Reef National Marine Santuary is engaged in SECOORA as a key stakeholder and user of the data and information that comes from the observing systems and the models based on these observations. This photo shows an orange ridged sea star (Echinaster spinulosus) and large white sponge dominate scene composed of numerous invertebrates. Image Credit: Greg McFall, Gray's Reef NMS, NOS, NOAA, NOAA Photo Library.
Educating Tomorrows Ocean Leaders Fostering ocean literacy is a primary goal of SECOORA's education and outreach efforts, with a focus specifically on observing technologies and tools. One example is the Basic Observation Buoy (BOB) project. BOB is a student-built floating platform with capacity to carry a suite of environmental sensors. Three interactive workshops have introduced this concept of a scaled-
down, functional platform for collecting information on water conditions and chemistry to university scientists and informal and formal educators. BOB can be moored to the bottom of a water body or to a dock in quiet waters. Sensors on the buoy typically include salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature.
Angela Bliss from University of Georgia and Jim Nelson from Skidaway Institute of Oceanography assemble a BOB, a Basic Observation Buoy designed to teach students from kindergarten through graduate school about observing technologies. This image is from the first BOB Workshop held
at SkIO. Image Credit: Lundie Spence, COSEE-SE. Supporting Georgia's Environmental Efforts SECOORA is a member of the southeast (SE) Atlantic‐Marine Debris Initiative (SEA-MDI) Consortium, housed at University of Georgia. This regional partnership with NOAA’s Marine Debris Division aims to create collaborative regional strategies addressing Marine Debris prevention, reduction and mitigation. This program will enhance existing programs and partnerships by increasing involvement of organizations, industry, and/or communities in preventing marine debris. It also combines resources with national and regional partners to increase the geographic scope and pace of marine debris prevention activities through the use of culturally relevant outreach methods, information on alternative disposal methods, and the development and dissemination of tools and innovative products to address marine debris.
For more information, please contact Debra Hernandez, Executive Director, at [email protected] and visit our Web site at www.secoora.org.
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports North Carolinians
SECOORA: A Regional Association of the US Integrated Ocean Observing System
Information for North Carolinians Who Live, Work, and Play on the Coasts and Oceans
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports North Carolina
What is a Coastal Ocean Observing System? A coastal ocean observing system is a combination of instruments on buoys, satellites, ships, drifters and underwater vehicles that are used to make observations of the coast and ocean. Computer models are developed as part of the system to understand the ecosystem and make forecasts of changing conditions.
The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) is a federal, regional, and private-sector partnership working to enhance our ability to collect, deliver, and use information. IOOS delivers the data and information necessary to increase our understanding of our oceans and coasts so that decision makers, including emergency managers, can take action to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment, by providing science based information products and solutions. Eleven Regional Associations comprise IOOS. SECOORA, the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, is working to coordinate projects and leverage resources to serve a broad range of societal needs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. SECOORA is headquartered in Charleston, SC. North Carolina members include Duke University, East Carolina University, North Carolina State University, University North Carolina - Chapel Hill, and University North Carolina - Wilmington.
Benefits to North Carolina Accessing Coastal and Ocean Data If you are a commercial shipping vessel, a recreational fisherman, a kayaker, or a beachcomber, you need information on tides, winds, and other ocean conditions. The map below is an example of how users can access coastal and ocean observations along the North Carolina coast. Oceanographic data are displayed from seven real-time moorings managed and operated through partnerships between University North Carolina - Wilmington and University South Carolina.
Each station provides information such as air temperature, wind speed, sea surface temperature, waves, and water level.
“The USACE Field Research Facility in Duck, NC is working with University and NWS partners to use coastal observations collected by North Carolina monitoring programs to develop and implement improved wind, wave and storm surge prediction models for the Carolinas…The results provide NWS forecasters with the confidence they need to select which modeling products to use for a given operational forecast”
Dr. Jeff Hanson, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Users can explore and query buoy and other data through the SECOORA Interactive Map (www.secoora.org).
Data from this buoy, deployed 20 miles off the coast of North Carolina, is used to verify model output, and is analyzed for Coastal Waters Forecasts, rip current predictions, and other marine weather applications).Image Credit: UNCW/Jamie Moncrief
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports North Carolinians
Mapping the Direction of the Currents SECOORA is a critical player in the development of a national system of high frequency radars (HF Radar). This technology has been nationally recognized as a solution to provide the level of detail required by scientists and marine forecasters to measure surface current speed and direction. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill supports two HF Radar units on the NC Outer Banks. Applications of HF Radar that require access to densely distributed, near-real-time current measurements in the SECOORA region are search and rescue operations; tracking and predicting oil spills and harmful algal blooms; assessing shoreline erosion; predicting rip currents; and providing maritime forecasts of currents and waves to recreational and commercial marine communities.
HF Radar Installation in Long Bay, Image Credit: Jennifer Dorton, University of North Carolina - Wilmington Modeling North Carolina's Environment for Better Forecasting Data is incorporated into computer models developed to simulate the coastal ocean environment. Models can be used to help forecast ocean transport pathways, such as those responsible for the circulation of coastal pollutants, small marine organisms, and nutrients. Models also aid in assessing climate change and variability and their potential effects on coastal communities. SECOORA supports North Carolina researchers and their various modeling efforts. Regional Circulation Modeling North Carolina State University operates a regional modeling effort built upon an existing circulation nowcast/forecast modeling system covering the entire South Atlantic Bight and Gulf of Mexico. The model is driven by meteorological information, tides, rivers, and deep ocean boundary conditions.
Forecasting of Storm Surge, Inundation, and Coastal Circulation This modeling component provides real-time forecasting to support operational management of water control structures and utility infrastructure, and supports emergency management efforts during hurricane season. Educating Tomorrows Ocean Leaders Fostering ocean literacy is a primary goal of SECOORA's education and outreach efforts, with a focus specifically on observing technologies and tools. One example is the Basic Observation Buoy (BOB) project. BOB is a student-built floating platform with the capacity to carry a suite of environmental sensors. Three interactive workshops have introduced this concept of a scaled-down, functional platform for collecting information on water conditions and chemistry to university scientists and informal and formal educators. BOB can be moored to the water body bottom or to a dock in quiet waters. Sensors on the buoy typically record salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature. The BOB concept has been incorporated into undergraduate and graduate courses at UNC-Wilmington (UNCW). Data managers at UNCW are also being funded by SECOORA to provide a mapping portal for students around the country to upload the data collected by BOB.
Two high school students deploy a BOB, a Basic Observation Buoy, designed to teach students from kindergarten through graduate school about observing technologies. This image is from the second BOB Workshop held at UNCW. Image Credit:
SECOORA.
For more information, please contact Debra Hernandez, Executive Director, at [email protected] and visit our Web site at www.secoora.org.
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports South Carolinians
SECOORA: A Regional Association of the US Integrated Ocean Observing System
Information for South Carolinians Who Live, Work, and Play on the Coasts and Oceans
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports South Carolina
What is a Coastal Ocean Observing System? A coastal ocean observing system is a combination of instruments on buoys, satellites, ships, drifters and underwater vehicles that are used to make observations of the coast and ocean. Computer models are developed as part of the system to understand the ecosystem and make forecasts of changing conditions.
The Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®) is a federal, regional, and private-sector partnership working to enhance our ability to collect, deliver, and use information. IOOS delivers the data and information necessary to increase our understanding of our oceans and coasts so that decision makers, including emergency managers, can take action to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment, by providing science based information products and solutions. Eleven Regional Associations comprise IOOS. SECOORA, the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association, is working to coordinate projects and leverage resources to serve a broad range of societal needs in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. SECOORA is headquartered in Charleston, SC. South Carolina members include Coastal Carolina University, Research Planning, Inc. (RPI), South Atlantic Fishery Management Council, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina Sea Grant Consortium, and University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health and College of Arts and Sciences.
Benefits to South Carolina Accessing Coastal and Ocean Data If you are a commercial shipping vessel, a recreational fisher, a kayaker, or a beachcomber, you need information on tides, winds, and other ocean conditions. The map to the left is an example of how users can access coastal and ocean observations along the South Carolina coast. Each station provides information such as the latest observed values for air temperature, wind speed, sea temperature, and water level. Mapping the Direction of the Currents SECOORA is a critical player in the development of a national system of high frequency radars (HF Radar). This technology has been nationally recognized as a solution to provide the level of detail required by scientists, emergency responders and marine forecasters to measure surface current speed and direction. Scientists from the University of South Carolina, in collaboration with the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography and the University of North Carolina, are in the process of establishing two new HF Radar stations for monitoring the ocean surface currents and waves in Long Bay. Each station remotely measures the surface ocean currents up to 120 miles offshore and when combined they create maps of temporal and spatial distribution of waves and currents over the entire area.
The data collected from the HF Radar are critical in helping scientists to understand the development of phytoplankton blooms. During the summer, phytoplankton blooms can cause low oxygen conditions. The mechanisms for bloom development during the winter are not well known yet, but may prove to be beneficial, as it could provide a favorable feeding environment for larval fishes. Image Credit: Jennifer Dorton, University of North Carolina - Wilmington.
Users can explore and query buoy and other data through the SECOORA Interactive Map (www.secoora.org).
Coastal and Ocean Observing Supports South Carolinians
Supporting South Carolina Tourism State public health agencies, in conjunction with local governments, routinely monitor the bacterial water quality of the Southeast’s ocean swimming beaches. These monitoring data are used to post swimming advisories, with the goal of allowing the public to make informed decisions concerning recreating in waters presenting a potential for adverse health effects. Per current EPA guidelines, agencies test for the bacterial indicator, Enterococcus, to determine bacterial water quality and issue water quality swimming advisories. The method used to determine Enterococcus concentrations requires a 24-hour incubation period before results can be assessed. Decision makers are therefore issuing and lifting advisories based on the previous day’s water quality. In partnership with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC), a collaborative team including the University of South Carolina and University of Maryland, is enhancing a user application with new models and an automated, database-driven tool for bacteria estimates and visualization of model results for enhanced prediction and analysis of this public health concern.
Example of Beach Monitoring GIS System
"This model has reduced the sampling burden for our Regional staff; but the major benefit has been the Department's quicker response time for posting beach advisories and subsequent enhancement of our agency's primary mission of protecting the public health." David E. Tilson, PE Chief, Bureau of Water, SCDHEC
Educating Tomorrows Ocean Leaders Fostering ocean literacy is a primary goal of SECOORA's education and outreach efforts, with a focus specifically on observing technologies and tools. One example is the Basic Observation Buoy (BOB) project. BOB is a student-built floating platform with capacity to carry a suite of environmental sensors. Three interactive workshops have introduced this concept of a scaled-down, functional platform for collecting information on water conditions and chemistry to university scientists and informal and formal educators. BOB can be moored to the bottom or to a dock in quiet waters. Sensors on the buoy typically include salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and temperature.
SECOORA member Lisa G. Adams, Angela Taylor (Teacher at Hilton Head Prep) and Crystal Fialkowski (Hilton Head Prep student) are
pictured above on the floating dock at Jarvis Creek deploying a BOB.
Alternative Energy The infrastructure and information from coastal ocean observing systems aid the development of alternative energy sources (e.g., offshore wind farms and energy derived from ocean currents, tides and waves) by helping to identify sites that maximize return on the investment and minimize environmental impacts, and by promoting efficiency and safety during operations. SECOORA has been engaged in wind energy development in South Carolina through engagement with the Regulatory Task Force for Coastal Clean Energy and via workshops on Offshore Wind Energy Development and participation in the working groups.
For more information, please contact Debra Hernandez, Executive Director, at [email protected] and visit our Web site at www.secoora.org.
