NERRS-IOOS Partnership Meeting: Phase I Workshop: “Building a Robust and Versatile OCM/NERRS-IOOS Coastal Observing Network: A workshop to strengthen and solidify the OCM/NERRS – IOOS Partnership.” GTM NERR, St. Augustine, FL, January 21 -22, 2016
Objectives and introductory discussions:
The objective of the workshop was to identify commonalities between the NERRS and IOOS coastal observing networks and to build capacity in the two programs. Participants agreed on the need for and value of an enhanced offshore -nearshore- inshore observing network to better understand the impacts of weather and climate on coastal ecosystems, including coastal communities. They also recognized that the strength of the two programs together is greater than the sum of the individual programs, and saw the value of a “ground-up approach” that was represented and led by the RAs and the NERRS.
Participants recognized that even with the strengths of the two programs, there are significant gaps in observing capacity. They agreed that there should be active collaboration to understand the impacts of current environmental issues, as well as eminent events (e.g., sea level rise), and noted that the information gaps must be filled to accomplish this goal. Workshop participants were challenged to identify key issues where they could build synergy and determine how they could coordinate to address these issues.
Regional discussions:
Regional breakout groups then were asked to identify: (1) resources (i.e., ongoing activities that can be used for both programs, including funding streams and organizational capacity); (2) opportunities (i.e., issues that may be amenable to a collaborative approach to observing that covered offshore to inshore and along the coast); (3) needs and gaps; and (4) key stakeholders. Please see the consolidated notes for lists of topics and detailed outcomes of these discussions.
Group discussions:
Next was a discussion of ideas for activities, plans, and approaches to enhance collaboration. The group was challenged to examine their observing capabilities related to issues that could be impacted by weather and climate. The goal of the discussion was to identify a common area that would use NERRS and IOOS observations, to formulate a plan for working together, and then to propose a pilot project that (1) demonstrates the value of integration, (2) is relevant to NOS priorities and program mandates, (3) can be done with limited resources, and (4) utilizes existing program capabilities. A long list of potential areas for collaboration arose from this discussion (see details below)
Prioritization:
Participants were asked to identify their highest priority collaborative project that could be accomplished most efficiently and quickly to demonstrate progress toward collaboration, and would be most beneficial in the long run for both programs. The group arrived at three potential collaborative activities that could move both programs forward more effectively and collaboratively while meeting NOS priorities (see below for details on each). These were:
1. Develop a network of observations to understand the impacts of a storm event as it moved up the coast, including pre-, during, and post storm observations of signals and effects;
2. Conduct an integrated assessment of ecologically relevant indicators (TBD) as a “State of the Coastal Ocean” assessment; and
3. Conduct a long term data analysis of IOOS and NERRS data to increase and share capacity to analyze different biological and physical data sets.
Follow-up and Proposed Next Steps:
Discussions that followed the workshop continued to develop a proposal for a longer-term project to support the workshop objective of strengthening and solidifying the OCM/NERRS– IOOS partnership. This project could take the form of a series of “Status of the Coast” assessments and would demonstrate: (1) program integration, (2) a collaborative effort that each program could not do without the support of the other, yet supports the needs of both programs, (3) support for NOS priorities and the longer-term objective of establishing an enhanced NERRS-IOOS offshore-nearshore-inshore observing network.
However, the workshop participants had also identified a need for a NERRS-IOOS collaboration project that could be undertaken in a relatively short period of time with limited resources. This would demonstrate of how the longer term project could be implemented and could help focus discussions at the next workshop (Phase II workshop). There were also several other short term “easy win” projects that could get underway simultaneously.
Demonstration Project:
A demonstration project was proposed and described as an “Integrated analysis of data and observations to show the impact of Hurricane Joaquin on inshore to offshore water quality along the East Coast: Understanding pre-, during, and post-storm signals and effects". Integration across the two programs would be across programs (use of NERRS, IOOS and USGS data), and longitudinal (inshore to nearshore to offshore observations), and latitudinal (focusing on observations from Winyah Bay, S.C., Chesapeake Bay, and the Gulf of Maine) gradients.
The water quality parameter of interest was salinity and its associated correlations to water levels, but others could be added. Data syntheses would use NERRS and IOOS observations to characterize pre-storm state, the signal of the approaching storm event, and the impact of the storm during the event as it moved across the study areas, and then would characterize location and duration of post-storm signals.
This project would use the IOOS RA footprints as the starting geography for the assessment. The larger geographies of the east coast, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean will be included by investigating where connectivity occurs across different spatial scales. This project would exemplify strong NERRS-IOOS integration because it not only integrates NERRS-IOOS monitoring and data management expertise and assets, but also takes advantage of the education and outreach strengths of each program.
Phase II Workshop
Proposal: The theme of the next workshop could be building partnerships and collaborations for an “Status of the Coast Assessment” (Dwayne is developing a working definition of this term). The objective of this workshop would be to engage state, local, and federal partners to discuss the components of the assessment, what is needed, who can contribute what, and what is required that cannot be supported by existing resources.
If the focus of the demonstration project that supports this Status of the Coast Assessment could be agreed upon and initiated prior to the second workshop, those efforts would serve as an example of how NERRS and IOOS are collectively working to support the proposal.
Implementation:
The Steering Committee for Phase 1 workshop would be engaged to continue the development of the proposal for the demonstration project and plans for the Phase II workshop, and other interested parties from the workshop would be invited.
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NERRs – IOOS Workshop List of Major Collaborative Projects
1. Impact of storm event pre-, during, and post storm signals and impacts
· Pre-storm coordination of sampling and obs.
o Plans: cruises, instruments, etc.
o Funding needed for some locations of activities
· Coordination of data presentation
· Additional partners
o USGS water level
· Who is the audience?
o Varies by product
o Define protocol for sharing information
· Reserves as ‘living laboratories’ for ecosystem impacts
· Partners for second workshop
o Alliance networks
o USGS
o NOAA regional teams
o Organization of biological field stations, NAML
o State Emergency response and their communication leads
o Sentinel site cooperatives
o Water quality folks from the states
2. Integrated Assessment of ecologically relevant indicators (TBD) as a “State of the Coastal Ocean” assessment
· Nested spatial scales
o Local – state – regions – national
o Inshore – offshore
· State of the Coast:
o Suite of nested indicators
· Individual variable analyses
· Coordination w/ongoing work by others to get NERRS and IOOS
· Turn data into information
· Cross-train on use of different data types/formats, e.g. threads service into R
· What can we do that is unique?
· Partners for second workshop
o UMD folks Integrated Assessment Network like folks
o NCEI
o NOAA OCM product people
o Refine the question, then focus on partners
o NERRA, IOOS A, CSO, Sea Grant Assoc.
o NOAA communication & congressional folks
o State and local
3. Long Term Data Analysis IOOS-NERRS
1. Increase/share capacity to analyze different biology + physical data sets
2. Basic statistical analyses – monthly measures
3. What is meant by time series analysis?
o Spectral analysis
o Maybe a special meeting … of technicians to conduct some data analysis
o Sentinel site – link with hindcast and forecast
o Initial analyses as example
o Training for larger group
o Need to plan how to keep capacity as staff changes
o Inform needs assessment and adaptive SWMP sampling
NERRs – IOOS Workshop List of Shorter Term “Easy Start” Collaborative Projects
· IOOS-NERRS joint Listserve to promote routine joint communication
· Get some Jobos Bay monitoring data available through the CariCOOS App (search for CariCOOS on App store or Google Play to check it out.) Potentially share the technique/app with other RA/NERRS groups.
· Use listserve, or just direct emails, to help coordinate workforce training when appropriate.
· Use NOAA Regional Collaboration Team as vehicle -- membership representation?
o Conversation with Geno, Nicole Bartlett (North Atlantic), Kirsten Larsen (GOM)?
o The Teams should have meetings with representatives from all of the NOAA internal units and funded programs to discuss leveraging and join projects.
· Provide list of ~144 IOOS RA assets (sampling platforms, data types, etc.) to NERRS
· Ensure NERRS-MARACOOS communication during Mid-Atlantic Estuarine Coastal Acidification Network spinup (Chris)
· IOOS representation/invite at 2016 NERRA meeting (RC sector, others)? Will be held in Williamsburg, VA.
Examples of where there could be better coordination across a number of potential areas:
· Sampling during weather events
· Outreach/extension activities (include others such as SeaGrant)
· Identification of coastal needs in response to data calls, e.g., water level sampling gaps.
· Joint Hill visits to provide broader support for coastal initiatives, including, perhaps, a joint report on an issue.
· Numerical circulation models, climate trends, and expression in the ecosystem
· Sediment transport models from offshore to inshore
· Collaborate on education aspects of observing system
· Improve student involvement
· HABS and Hypoxia
o Build on what already exists for both
· Include NERR data into all RA platforms (web, portal, Apps)
· Expand the CariCOOS App to other RAs
· Ocean and Coastal Acidification (OCA)
o Identify shellfish industry needs
o Get support from industry to help us grow – strategic targeting as we build out monitoring.
o Make sure the needs of the industry/hatcheries are met before we meet the needs of researchers.
· Storm Events
o Track across regions (Caribbean to Northeast) for pre, during, and post storm events.
o Pre storm briefings followed by post storm summaries
o Make sure talking with NWS WFO. They use NERRS data as advisory to give information/directions to the public. They are very interested in our data and in communicating and responding effectively.
o Coordination of event sampling and pulling together pre and post storm monitoring results.
· Telemetry Network
· Partner on student opportunities, fellowships, and environmental science collaboratives by NOAA.
o Find student opportunities to share/join intern/projects with NERRS, IOOS, and even Sea Grant.
· Fisheries Habitat and Spawning Areas, etc.
o Mapping and identification.
o Use NERR historical water quality data and link it to fisheries research.
o Look at other long term datasets beyond NERRS and IOOS to include in efforts.
· Water level gaps
o Identify gaps and determine how to fill the gaps and apply the information to events as they move up the coast.
o This also addresses SLR and biological impacts.
· AUVs, Drones
o Many new, cheaper, better technologies coming online that can go to places more difficult to reach.
· State of the Coastal Ocean
o Both IOOS and NERRS could continue assessments from inshore to offshore to produce a report for specific areas, and for NOAA.
· National Climate Assessment
o Provide joint input
· Share Education and Outreach specialists
o Cross pollinate specialists to join the other’s calls, listservs, etc.
· Professional and Technical training
· Socioeconomics of SLR
o What if we adapt or don’t adapt to SLR?
o Let’s find a way to show the cost so we can get more people to plan and act.
· Data standards
o Train in data standards. Use IOOS DMAC to share what standards are adopted.
o Use the Coastal Training Program to outreach to others gathering useful data that could benefit from data standard sharing – so they can participate and be included in IOOS.
o Improve access to and ability to share data (i.e., common WMS).
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Phase I Workshop Organizing Committee:
Dwayne Porter SECOORA and NERRS CDMO
Marie Bundy NOAA OCM
Gabrielle Canonico NOAA IOOS
Jen Bosch NOAA IOOS
Heather Kerkering former IOOS and independent consultant, Sea Connections Consulting
Facilitation and meeting support:
Dave Eslinger, NOAA OCM
Chris Kinkade, NOAA OCM
Matt Neet, University of South Carolina
Gale Peek, NOAA OCM
Phase I Workshop Steering Committee:
Lisa Auermuller (Jacques Cousteau Coastal NERR Training Coordinator)
Debra Hernandez (SECOORA Director)
Ed Buskey (Mission Aransas NERR Research Coordinator)
Jenna Harper (Apalachicola NERR Manager)
Ru Morrison (NERACOOS Director)
Denise Sanger (ACE Basin NERR, Research Coordinator)
Willy Reay (Chesapeake Bay VA NERR Manager)
Barb Kirkpatrick (GCOOS Director)
Gerhard Kuska (MARACOOS Director)
Jan Newton (NANOOS Director)
Josie Quintrell (IOOS Executive Director)
Paul Stacey (Great Bay NERR Research Coordinator)
Rebecca Roth (NERRA Executive Director)
Phase I Workshop Participants:
Jennifer Dorton UNCW
Josie Quintrell IOOS Association
Mark Luther USF
Jorge E. Capella Department of Marine Science, University of Puerto Rico
Julio Morell University of Puerto Rico
Chris Simoniello USF
Fredrika Moser MD Sea Grant
Gerhard Kuska MARACOOS
Jim O'Donnell UConn
Ru Morrison NERACOOS
Debra Hernandez
Angel Dieppa Puerto Rico DRNA
Christian Rojas University of Florida
Denise Sanger ACE Basin NERR
Ed Buskey Mission-Aransas NERR
Keith Laakkonen Rookery Bay NERR
Kim Cressman Grand Bay NERR
Maitane Olabarrieta University of Florida
Mike DeLuca JC NERR
Mike Shirley GTM NERR
Nikki Dix GTM NERR
Paul Stacey Great Bay NERR
Willy Reay CBV NERR