GCOOS is pleased to share a new ArcGIS StoryMap “Ocean Highways: Charting the Course of Global Trade” developed by high school intern Iven Keomanyvong, who spent the summer working at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab under the mentorship of Dr. Tina Miller-Way, Chair of Discovery Hall Programs for Education and Outreach and long-time member of the GCOOS Outreach and Education Council.
The internship was made possible with Inflation Reduction Act funding to GCOOS to help develop the next generation of technologists to support ocean observing. Dr. Chris Simoniello, GCOOS Outreach and Education Manager, and Megan Howson, GCOOS Marine Mammal Data Scientist, also provided guidance as Keomanyvong developed the StoryMap.
The Ocean Highways journey starts by considering how goods are moved across the globe, demonstrating how the Automatic Information System (AIS) keeps thousands of cargo vessels moving safely into and out of ports. It includes an interview with Mobile Bay Bar Pilot Patrick Wilson and descriptions of careers related to the maritime transportation industry.
“It was a pleasure to work with Iven,” Dr. Miller-Way said. “Early in the project, we chatted about skills he thought might be beneficial for his future as well as our need for more information for high school students about ‘marine science adjacent’ careers. From these conversations, he examined the wealth of data available through GCOOS and selected the ship traffic tracking system for a project. He worked hard learning about shipping, port operations, GIS software, handling humongous datasets, and more; asking questions when needed, and teaching me more about the AIS system than I knew. He has crafted an engaging and informative story map about a relatively unknown topic and we are excited to share with our audiences.”
Tim Osborn, NOAA’s Regional Navigation Manager for the Central Gulf Coast agreed. “Iven developed a thoroughly impressive StoryMap that provides a fantastic overview of the crucial roles large port complexes play in south Alabama and the Gulf Coast, acting as vital connections to world markets. His work clearly highlights the importance of container shipping and showcases the technology involved in tracking shipping and cargo. This project serves as an excellent example of how students can gain insight and involvement in such a significant and expanding sector of our U.S. economy.”
- Check out out “Ocean Highways: Charting the Course of Global Trade” here
