Temperature Observations From Seals

The seas around the UK are extremely data-sparse in terms of in-situ ocean profile measurements. This is a problem for the Met Office's North West Shelf ocean forecasting model, as there are almost no profiles available in real time to help constrain the model's 3D structure.
 

Biologists at Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU, University of St Andrews) have been studying the behaviour of grey and harbour seals (Halichoerus grypus, Phoca vitulina) around the UK shores for many years using tags and tracking devices. SMRU biologists have previously shared the delayed-mode data with the Met Office, allowing its use for validation of historic model outputs, but the data has never been available in real-time where it can be assimilated into the model and used to validate operational predictions.

The Met Office’s Marine Observations has worked with SMRU and the British Oceanographic Data Centre for some time to obtain access to real-time ocean temperature and salinity data from sensors borne by elephant seals. Until now, the main region sampled has been the Southern Ocean and assimilation of the temperature data has been shown to give a significant improvement in the model predictions (Carse et al., 2015).

Expert animal handlers from SMRU attached tags to grey seals in four different regions around the UK during June. We expect to receive up to 6 temperature profiles per day in near real time from each seal as they forage in the North Sea, Irish Sea and around the edge of the North West shelf. The tags are expected to keep working until early 2018.

This UK seals dataset is filling in some of the observation gaps in the North West Shelf model's domain and is expected to be extremely valuable for the Met Office’s short-range ocean forecasts. The data are now being assimilated into the Met Office’s Global Ocean and the North West Shelf 7-day forecasting systems operationally, and so are having an impact on products sent to various users, including through the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service (CMEMS). The temperature profile data are also shared with National Meteorological Services worldwide, via the WMO’s Global Telecommunications System.

If the temperature profiles are shown to be of benefit to the ocean forecasts, it is hoped that we will continue to work in partnership with SMRU to obtain oceanographic data from UK seals. Other future work could include working with SMRU to further upgrade seal tags to carry conductivity sensors (to measure salinity profiles in addition to temperature).
 

References:

Carse, F., Martin, M. J., Sellar, A. and Blockley, E. W. (2015), Impact of assimilating temperature and salinity measurements by animal-borne sensors on FOAM ocean model fields. Q.J.R. Meteorol. Soc., 141: 2934–2943. doi:10.1002/qj.2613

AFBI launch 'COMPASS'

The project will integrate some of the longest continuously maintained oceanographic monitoring stations in Europe (e.g. Tiree mooring & Western Irish Sea) with new monitoring infrastructure in a network equipped with oceanographic sensors, passive acoustic recorders and advanced fish tracking technology. This exciting and innovative project will enhance the cross-border capacity for effective monitoring and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The project partnership connects the regions core marine research institutions and government agencies, who will collaboratively develop three themes;

 1)  Scientifically designed monitoring programmes delivering baseline oceanographic and species data for the management of MPAs and key protected species.

 2) Co-developed data management infrastructures to ensure data quality, accessibility and flow between the regional institutions and international initiatives.

 3)  Interfaced operational models will support assessments of the connectivity of MPAs in the region.

 In order to enhance the cross-border capacity for monitoring and managing Marine Protected Areas, an interoperable data system will be specified for implementation at the key project partner organisations. Web services will be used to create a federated access portal to data created by the project, which will also be made available to MEDIN and other relevant data bodies. These data will include metocean observations from moored buoys; passive acoustic monitoring; model outputs; and glider missions. Improved access to the raw data collected and created by the project will allow for improved assessments for the protection of key species and habitats, grow our understanding of the regional marine systems, and support the blue economy and EU Atlantic Strategy.

A new phase for the EMODnet Seabed Habitats Project

The United Nations Committee of Experts on Global Geospatial Information Management (UN-GGIM) held its 7th Session in New York on 2-4 August with over 400 delegates and observers attending. UN-GGIM overwhelmingly endorsed the creation of a Global Working Group on Marine Geospatial Information in order to better meet three of its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals; SDG6 - Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG9 -Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure and SDG16 - Life Below Water.

The proposal was tabled by the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Coastal Surveys (OCS) supported by the International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO). In its report to the UN Secretariat, NOAA addressed substantive issues on the marine environment needing attention to strengthen global geospatial information management in the marine space. The outcome will assist Member States to develop national policy, strategic priorities, decision making as well as measure and monitor global development outcomes in the world's oceans and seas.

MEDIN Helpdesk

Metadata (information about data) is vital to allow users to find and re-use data. In order to allow access to metadata online, the metadata must be in a computer readable format. MEDIN understands that there are many people in the marine community who would prefer to avoid metadata and circumvent the technical issues associated with creating machine-readable metadata and would rather spend their time using and re-using data to solve problems. To help those with an aversion to metadata, MEDIN established a helpdesk to provide advice and support for anyone creating their own metadata.

The remit of the MEDIN helpdesk has subsequently expanded and it now provides additional services such as acting as a central point of contact for users wanting to archive data in MEDIN Data Archive Centres. Members of the UK marine community with data to archive can complete the Data Deposit Form and return it to the MEDIN helpdesk.

The MEDIN helpdesk

• • Help the marine community create metadata
  • Advise users on using MEDIN’s metadata creation tools
  • Solve users’ technical metadata problems
  • Advise on MEDIN data guidelines
  • Central contact for those wanting to archive data at a MEDIN Data Archive Centre

The MEDIN helpdesk can be contacted

By phone: 01752 426237

Or by email: medin.metadata@mba.ac.uk

Depositing Data with MEDIN

MEDIN provides secure, long-term storage of and access to marine data via its network of accredited Data Archive Centres (DACs). Marine data encompasses a wide range of data types and usages and MEDIN is committed to providing as comprehensive a coverage as possible. Currently, MEDIN DACs cover the following types of data: bathymetry, oceanography, geology and geophysics, species and habitats, fisheries, historic environment and meteorology.

The network of MEDIN DACs has taken steps to establish a more coordinated approach to archiving complex, multidisciplinary datasets, with data starting to flow from one DAC to another where required. Based on this experience, MEDIN has implemented a generic approach, comprising a central enquiry point, and generic online and downloadable guidance for data submission to the DAC network.

To submit data to one Data Archive Centre (DAC), complete the Data Deposit Form  and return it to the relevant DAC. 

For multidisciplinary data to be archived at multiple DAC's, complete the Data Deposit Form and return it to the MEDIN helpdesk.
 
Please send all bathymetric data directly to the UK Hydrographic Office.