SECOORA is delighted to announce the release of the Harmful Algal Bloom Plan 2.0. This updated plan builds upon the successes and lessons learned from its predecessor – taking into account advancements in technology, research, investments, and stakeholder engagement.
The new version overviews the mounting problem of Sargassum mats washing ashore in the Southeast U.S., Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean islands. The Sargassum Watch System (SaWS), developed by Dr. Chuanmin Hu and his team at the University of South Florida, is a tool to forecast and monitor Sargassum trajectory and location. SECOORA provides funding to Dr. Hu to improve his high-resolution imagery products to allow for local beach monitoring.
A new graphic highlights our HAB investments by state, incorporating our new projects in Florida and Georgia. SECOORA partners employ a wide range of methods and technologies (buoys, gliders, and ship-based field surveys, as well as satellite remote sensing) to observe and monitor HABs.
The Harmful Algal Bloom Plan 2.0 serves as a strategic guide, outlining a collaborative vision that will guide future investments, foster innovation, and strengthen partnerships to address the challenges posed by HABs in the SECOORA region.
Click here to view a PDF of the plan. The HAB plan is an addendums to the Regional Coastal Ocean Observing System Strategic Operational (RCOOS).
Related news
New High Frequency Radar at the Dry Tortugas National Park Improves Ocean Surface Current Measurements Across the Straits of Florida
A new CODAR Low-Power SeaSonde HFR has been deployed at Fort Jefferson on Garden Key to measure surface currents to improve understanding and prediction of the Gulf of Mexico Loop Current.
President Biden Proposes Significant Budget Cuts to IOOS for 2025
President Biden’s recent 2025 budget proposal slashed the funding allocated for the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) by 76%, which would effectively shut down coastal and ocean observing efforts.
Webinar: NOAA Resources to Help Coastal Communities Understand Flood Risk
Join us Wednesday, March 27th at 12 PM Eastern Time for SECOORA's Coastal Observing in Your Community Webinar Series to hear from Doug Marcy with the NOAA Office for Coastal Management.