On May 28, GCOOS welcomed nearly 100 participants to our virtual Members’ Meeting. Dr. Kimberly Yates, Chair of the GCOOS Board of Directors, began the meeting by extending congratulations to GCOOS on its 20th Anniversary.
Invited speakers Kristen Yarincik, Executive Director, IOOS Association, and Krisa Arzayus, Deputy Director, IOOS, explained some of the changes across federal agencies and the implications for the Regional Associations with an approximately 20% reduction in NOAA IOOS staff. GCOOS was pleased to welcome Dr. Jeff Payne, Director of the Office of Coastal Management and Acting Director of IOOS.
Following their updates, GCOOS Executive Director Dr. Jorge Brenner provided status reports on the Sea Turtle Atlas and Marine Heat Waves projects, pan-regional efforts with SECOORA and CARICOOS, and Inflation Reduction Act-funded Service Delivery and Communication activities.
In the recorded portion of the meeting (click the video player below to watch), participants then learned about Dr. Stephen Howden’s work at the University of Southern Mississippi testing Hefring Ocean Scout gliders, and Dr. Brian Dzwonkowski’s work at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab deploying wave buoys to enhance rip current forecasts along the coasts of Alabama and the Florida Panhandle.
GCOOS also hosted four discussion panels to promote dialogue among attendees:
- Gliders and High Frequency Radars;
- Buoys and Moorings;
- Satellite Remote Sensing;
- and Numerical Modeling; and Ecosystems.
Each was based on status reports proved by GCOOS-funded investigators.
Dr. Yates wrapped up the meeting by reminding participants that their contributions to the next iteration of the GCOOS Strategic Plan is essential, providing updates on the GCOOS Board of Director Activities, 20th Anniversary updates and closing remarks.
Meeting Agenda
- 3-3:05 p.m.: Welcome, motion to approve agenda, opening remarks. Dr. Kimberly Yates, Board Chair
- 3:05-3:25: IOOS Program Office Updates, Krisa Arzayus, Deputy Director of IOOS
- 3:25-3:45: IOOS Association Updates/Congressional Outreach. Kristen Yarincik, Executive Director
- 3:45-4: GCOOS Updates, Status, Changes. Dr. Jorge Brenner, Executive Director
- 4-4:20: GCOOS Project Updates. Dr. Stephan Howden, University of Southern Mississippi, Hefring glider missions; Dr. Brian Dzwonkowski, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, wave buoys for the National Weather Service
- 4:20-4:30: Break
- 4:30-5:45: GCOOS Investigator Panels. Gliders & HFR; Buoys & Moorings; Satellite Remote Sensing & Numerical Modeling; Ecosystems
- 5:45-6: Board of Director Activities; 20th Anniversary updates, Closing Remarks. Kim Yates
