The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) has awarded NERACOOS $2.8 million to continue the production, integration, and delivery of ocean observations and forecasts in the Northeast. These funds represent the third year of NERACOOS’ five-year cooperative agreement. This grant saw a $425k increase in funding for a greater capacity in regional observations and modeling.

“This increase in federal funding will allow for NERACOOS to improve its efforts as it serves this critical mission to our local economy and the sustainability of our Seacoast. I appreciate NOAA’s recognition of these efforts in New Hampshire.” 
- Senator Shaheen (NH)

“Maritime products and trade is integral to New Hampshire’s economy and we must do everything that we can to ensure that our fishermen and commercial shippers have the most up-to-date, accurate information regarding weather and ocean currents.” - Senator Hassan (NH)

Senate Hearing Highlights Value of NERACOOS
 

Zack Klyver of Bar Harbor Whale Watch spoke in Washington D.C. on July 11th at a Senate Oceans Caucus Hearing on the importance of ocean data, U.S. IOOS and the NERACOOS buoys to the tourism industry.

"Everyday our staff rely on the regional system of ocean observing buoys, or locally NERACOOS, to determine if it's safe to take passengers out on the open ocean. Our captains can evaluate real time data about wave height, wind speed, and visibility. This is critically important to allow us to make good decisions that protect our guests." - Zack Klyver, Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co.
 

The panel was moderated by Rear Admiral Gallaudet, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for NOAA. Other panelists include, Joy Baker, Director of the Port of Nome, Alaska; Dr. Ruth Mullins-Perry, Shell Exploration and Production Company; and Leigh Habegger, Seafood Harvesters of America. Thank you to the IOOS Association for hosting the event, Zack Klyver and Bar Harbor Whale Watch Company for continuing to support NERACOOS.

Have you checked out the OA Information Exchange?
 

The Ocean Acidification Information Exchange (OAIE) is an interactive website that is catalyzing response to ocean acidification through collaboration and information sharing. Members of the OAIE are using the site’s collaborative tools to share resources, engage in online discussions, and interact with people in other disciplines and regions to build a well-informed community working to respond and adapt to ocean acidification. Anyone working on or with an interest in ocean acidification can join the OAIE. Learn more about the OAIE at www.OAInfoExchange.org and request an account today!

Have you heard that NERACOOS is now Certified? Certification demonstrates that the data served by NERACOOS are of the same high quality as those served by the federal government. Thank you to our dedicated data managers and data providers for continuing to deliver this high quality data used by so many individuals in the region.

Heading out to sea? Check out NERACOOS First
 

With summer in full swing more people are taking their boats out on New England's coastal waters. Before you go, check out the NERACOOS tools listed below to access real-time observations and forecasts of ocean conditions.

Real-time ocean and weather conditions: Our real-time data portal is updated hourly and provides access to the latest ocean and weather observations from stations throughout the Northeast.

Wind and wave forecast: This tool delivers an easy-to-use forecast of winds and waves conditions from around the region.
Wave forecast: The wave forecast delivers color-coded maps of forecasted wave heights, period and direction for the region. You can also view an animation of the 24 hour forecast of wave conditions.

Update on the Nutrient Observatory
 

The NERACOOS integrated nutrient observatory has made great progress over the past year. All of the sensor deployment partners, UCONN, URI, UNH, and UMaine, have successfully deployed automated nutrient sensors on various estuarine, coastal, and ocean buoys. These high-tech sensors have resulted in unique data sets with hourly nutrient observations. The data from these new sensors are being analyzed and are helping scientists gain a better understanding of the sources and cycling of nutrients in the Northeast region. Later this fall we will be presenting a series of webinars to highlight the successes and lessons learned from this project.

SeaTrac Project Update
 

Following last years RFP process NERACOOS and SeaTrac selected two proposals, each with a difference mission and scope, as the inaugural event for SeaTrac’s autonomous boat platform. Michael Brosnahan of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution proposed the deployment of an Imaging Flow Cytobot  (IFCB) on the SeaTrac vessel to monitor harmful algae blooms (HAB’s) in Harpswell Sound, Maine. Prassede Vella of Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program and Ben Wetherill of ACASAK Aquatic Marine Technologies proposed using the vessel to assess water quality conditions to investigate possible causes of eelgrass deterioration and loss in Massachusetts Bays. Both missions have been recently completed and we look forward to sharing the results and more information about the projects with you in the coming months. Congratulations to all involved and thank you SeaTrac for generously contributing your boat, time, and ingenuity.

Job Opportunities
 

The University of Connecticut currently has several open positions which include:

For more information and the full list position openings and summaries, visit the UCONN Job Posting page.