MILESTONE ACHIEVED IN OCEANS OVSERVATION

18/09/2005 – Meteorologists and oceanographers from around the world have another observation tool at their disposal today with the completion of the first component of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS).
The GOOS is a network of observing platforms that measure and collect data on the state of oceans world wide. The network is made up of drifting and moored buoys, profiling floats, tide gauge stations, ship based systems and satellites that monitor and document our oceans.
With the deployment of the 1250th drifting buoy today in the Atlantic Ocean off Halifax, the network of drifting buoys is now complete. The drifting buoys collect data on ocean temperature, currents, wind, and atmospheric pressure. The 1250th buoy was deployed by Canadian and international officials who are gathered in Halifax for a major international meeting of meteorologists and oceanographers this week.
"Countries participating in this vital initiative have been working for 10 years to build up the resources necessary to maintain 1250 buoys in sustained service. They are an essential contribution to the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) and will lead to greater understanding and projection of the state of the atmosphere." said Mr. Michel Jarraud, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization.
”We have reached a significant milestone today” said Dr. Patricio Bernal, Executive Secretary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. “With the deployment of Global Drifter 1250, the drifting buoy array becomes the first element of GOOS to be fully implemented.”
GOOS is the ocean component of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), and is the first element of GEOSS to be completed.
“By combining data from the ocean with information from our atmosphere, we will be able to improve our predictions of storm surges and weather patterns,” said Environment Minister Stéphane Dion. “This will enable us to improve safety in our coastal regions worldwide.”
Dr. Bernal and Mr. Jarraud are in Halifax for the second meeting of the Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM - II). Over 200 of the world’s top experts on oceanography and marine meteorology from 130 member states are expected to attend.
JCOMM recognizes the increasing demand for integrated marine meteorological and oceanographic data and services, and the efficiencies that can result from combining the expertise and technological capabilities of many disciplines.