Resolution to Establish the SouthEast Coastal Ocean Observations Regional Association (SECOORA)

Whereas the Congress and the National Ocean Research Leadership Council have made the implementation of an integrated ocean and coastal observing system a high priority; and

Whereas the Congress has directed that a plan include the development of “integrated regional systems” as vital components of a national system; and

Whereas for the coming decade, an international plan for the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and a national strategy for the US Integrated Earth Observation System (IEOS) are in development to meet societal and economic needs; and

Whereas in the coming decade, a national, integrated ocean observing system will become operational, and information from this system will serve national needs for the following:

• Detecting and forecasting oceanic components of climate variability;
• Facilitating safe and efficient marine operations;
• Ensuring national security;
• Managing resources for sustainable use;
• Preserving and restoring healthy marine ecosystems;
• Mitigating natural hazards;
• Ensuring public health; and

Whereas the NORLC has asked the Ocean.US Office, as the National Office for an Integrated and Sustained Ocean Observing System, to draft an implementation plan for an integrated ocean observing system that calls for a federation of regional coastal ocean observing systems with sustained funding; and

Whereas a significant number of observing efforts already exist in the coastal waters of the region’s ports, harbors, estuaries, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone, and these systems can add greatly to the goal of an integrated national ocean observing system; and

Whereas these systems, which are in various stages of development, are not fully “integrated” or “operational” in that frequently, they do not serve the multiple users or purposes called for by the NORLC, share common standards and protocols, address different spatial and temporal scales, or provide for 24/7 operations; and

Whereas it is in the vital interest of this region to organize in order to have a voice in the development of the rules and procedures that will govern a National Federation of Regional Associations of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems; and

Whereas it is in the vital interest of this region to be prepared to effectively utilize funds that may be appropriated in the future as part of a national ocean observing system; and

Whereas these systems need continual evaluation and improvement to incorporate new methodology, technology and requirements; and

Whereas it is appropriate to begin discussion of the responsibilities and benefits of establishing a regional observing system and participation in the National Federation of Regional Associations,

Therefore, the undersigned Signatories hereby resolve to work together toward the establishment of a Southeast Coastal Ocean Observations Regional Association to develop a regional governance structure and foster regional and national coordination; to work toward common data management standards; and to openly share data, metadata and related information.

1. PURPOSE:

   1. To explore the cooperative steps necessary to establish a Regional Association.
   2. To collaborate with Ocean.US to establish the Regional Association as a component of the National Federation of Regional Associations.

2. DEFINITIONS:

   1. The Coastal Ocean encompasses the region from head of tide to the seaward boundary of the EEZ.
   2. A Coastal Ocean Observing System is a system designed to produce and disseminate ocean observations and related products deemed necessary to the users, in a common manner and according to sound scientific practice. The system links the needs of users to measurements of the coastal oceans on a regional or sub-regional basis. Such a system requires a managed, interactive flow of data and information among three subsystems: 1) the observing subsystem (measurement and transmission of data); 2) the communications network and data management subsystem (organizing, cataloging and disseminating data and information); and 3) analysis and applications subsystem (translating data into products in response to user needs and requirements). The regional observing system consists of the infrastructure and expertise required for each of these subsystems. It also includes oversight, evaluation, and evolution mechanisms that insure the continued and routine flow of data and information, and the evolution of a system that adapts to the needs of the user groups and to the development of new technologies and understanding.
   3. A Regional Association is a partnership of information producers and users allied to manage coastal ocean observing systems within its region to the benefit of stakeholders and the public.
   4. A National Federation of Regional Associations is the organization representing a nationally coordinated network of Regional Associations.

3. SIGNATORY QUALIFICATIONS:

   The Signatories to this Resolution are strongly committed to the establishment of a sustained operational coastal ocean observing system in the Southeast region.

4. IMPLEMENTATION:

   The Signatories resolve to:
   • Collaborate to
     • establish the Association,
     • foster regional and national coordination,
     • build capacity regionally
   • Develop a governance structure for the Regional Association
   • Participate in the formulation of standards and protocols for data management and communications
   • Advocate free and open sharing of data, metadata and related information consistent with Ocean.US recommendations
   • Foster improved public awareness, involvement and education.

5. RESERVATION OF AUTHORITY:

   Nothing herein shall be construed in any way as limiting the authority of individual Signatories in carrying out their respective responsibilities.

Reference

Ocean.US, 2002: An Integrated and Sustained Ocean Observing System (IOOS) for the United States: Design and Implementation. Ocean.US, Arlington, VA, 21 pp.