Greetings!
We’ve got a lot of great news from around the Gulf for you this month — including the details for our Spring Webinar Series “Southern Gulf of Mexico Marine Observations, Research and Technology: Opportunities for Gulf-Wide Synergies and Cooperation.”
For this series, we’ve partnered with Texas A&M University (TAMU), the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and the Network-to-Network for the Gulf of Mexico (N2N-GoM) to feature representatives from the Mexican ocean observing community. Scientists from the Gulf of Mexico Marine Science Research Consortium (CIGOM) and the Mexican Center for Marine Energy Innovation (CEMIE-Océano) will discuss past and ongoing research and ocean monitoring efforts together with technological developments in the southern Gulf of Mexico in support of preparedness, advancement of marine observations relevant to the advancement of science and technology and management effectiveness.
We’re hoping this series helps jumpstart collaborations that will continue advances made in gathering data and observations from the wider Gulf.
Today also marks the day that we open nominations for the GCOOS Board of Directors. Self-nominations are welcome, so if you’d like to join us in the continued development of our network and in supporting the development of ocean information products, please consider joining the team!
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Announcing the GCOOS Spring Webinar Series |
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We're heading into the southern Gulf of Mexico for our Spring Webinar Series as we welcome researchers from two of Mexico’s research consortia to share news and information about their ocean observing community. Researchers from the Gulf of Mexico Marine Science Research Consortium (CIGOM) and the Mexican Center for Marine Energy Innovation (CEMIE-Océano) discuss ongoing research, the scientific and technological capabilities they have in place, recent synthesis publications, and ideas for future collaboration in this large marine ecosystem.
The first webinar will focus on “Gliders, HFR and Database Management System.”
Upcoming webinars in the series are:
- March 24: “Numerical Modeling and Oil Spill Scenarios”
- April 7: “Environmental Baseline and Marine Biogeochemistry”
- April 21: “Renewable Energies and Technological Developments”
You can read further about the full series here.
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GCOOS Now Accepting Board Nominations |
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Nominations are now open for the GCOOS Board of Directors. The Board invites members and colleagues interested in and committed to working within an organization dedicated to developing an ocean observing network and providing data, information and products to the Gulf of Mexico stakeholder community. Stakeholders include the private sector, governmental agencies at all levels, academia and researchers, non-governmental organizations and the public.
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GCOOS DMAC team members Felimon Gayanilo, Sandeep Jilla, and Frank Fonseca (Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi) are participating in the NOAA GPU Hackathon 2022 taking place Feb. 22-March 2. The Hackathon is an opportunity for scientists to accelerate their artificial intelligence (AI) research.
The GCOOS team is taking the lead on developing the algorithm and defining deep learning architectures for the taxonomic classification of short reads from marine metagenomes. The existing DeepMicrobes’ Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), implemented using the TensorFlow framework, will be reviewed and re-evaluated for accuracy. The team will be trying to improve the accuracy of the AI-enabled genome classifier. Data from Genome Taxonomy Database (GTDB; https://gtdb.ecogenomics.org) with more than 250,000 registered genomes will be used for unsupervised model training. The team will work with GPU units and computing resources from Nvidia and Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility (OLCF) to expedite the development, training, and analysis of the training data with more than 2.3 million records.
The Deep Metagenomics team is led by Dr. Hassan Moustahfid, of U.S. IOOS, and the event could advance NOAA AI and ‘omics’ strategic plans by expanding partnerships, supporting ‘omics’ research, and advancing Blue Economy initiatives.
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A new paper recently published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science offers new and updated best-practice data standards for discrete chemical oceanographic observations — particularly dealing with column header droppable-1645200602219abbreviations, quality control flags, missing value indicators, and standardized calculation of certain properties. The data standards update is designed to help facilitate consistency in data on regional to global scales.
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Ocean Chemistry: A Life's Pursuit |
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“A Conversation with Dr. Richard Feely and Dr. Andrew Dickson: Choosing Ocean Carbon Chemistry as a life pursuit and how it has led to Ocean Acidification” is a Q&A opportunity for younger and older scientists to hear from two researchers on their motivations, memories, challenges, and interests — and even gain new inspiration during a webinar focused on conversation and discussion.
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The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP), which funds research, monitoring, modeling, technology development, social science, data science, and education and outreach related to ocean and coastal acidification, is seeking to grow and diversify its pool of reviewers.
By reviewing proposals for funding opportunities, reviewers support OAP’s efforts to prepare society to respond to changing ocean conditions via a better understanding of acidification. Non-federal employees are eligible for honorariums to serve as panel reviewers.
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Fill out the confidential form here
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A Big Mission Accomplished |
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When the Slocum glider known as NG645 was deployed about 80 miles south of New Orleans on Oct. 10, 2021, it became one of the most closely watched ocean-observing instruments in the Gulf of Mexico.
That’s because it was a small robot with a big mission: Investigate features of the Loop Current and Loop Current eddies in the Gulf as part of the Hurricane Glider Project, then travel south into the Gulf Stream, go around the tip of Florida, through the Florida Straits and north to South Carolina — a trip of some 2,387 miles (3,842 km).
The trip was a test to see whether the glider could navigate around Florida and up the East Coast successfully while gaining information about multiple marine systems — all during a single mission that lasted 102 days. And it would have to do so using minimal battery power and only buoyancy — no propeller or motor — to travel.
- Read more about this mission
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The Underwater Glider User Group (UG2) recently hosted a webinar wrapping up the 2021 hurricane season. Did you miss the session? If so, you’ll be able to find the recorded archive here
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The glider NG645 sets off on its mission after being deployed about 80 miles south of New Orleans. Photo by Bill Lingsch. |
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NG645 is retrieved off the coast of South Carolina on Jan. 19, 2021. Photo by Karen Dreger. |
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Revolutionizing Hurricane Forecasting |
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A new paper published in the peer review magazine Oceanography shows robotic ocean observing platforms can improve intensity forecasts for hurricanes and tropical storms and should be supported as a crucial component of the ocean infrastructure designed to protect the lives of coastal residents and mitigate the economic impact from storms.
While some existing ocean observing tools provide data useful for numerical storm modeling, they are not responsive enough to fill all the data gaps, especially at the air-sea interface — where the ocean and atmosphere exchange heat and energy — and upper ocean dynamics, which are critical for forecasting storm strength. Between 2018 and 2021, underwater gliders were deployed more than 280 times and spent 13,000 days at sea in the open Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and off the U.S. East Coast during hurricane seasons to test whether they could help fill the data gaps.
The paper’s lead author was Travis N. Miles, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Co-authors included GCOOS’s Senior Advisor, Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick, and Oceanographer Dr. Kerri Whilden.
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Cronch! Glider Ops Encounter Sharks |
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The University of South Florida — which uses the GCOOS Glider Dashboard, GANDALF, to track its glider missions — reported a successful 2021 glider season with 240 mission days. Most of the glider expeditions took place on the West Florida Shelf, with a few taking place in deeper Gulf waters. In the last deployment of the year, a glider encountered “one or two biological interferences” — in other words, shark bites.
“We believe the first one bent one of the aluminum wings and the second hit ripped off the other wing,” glider lead Chad Lemke said. “By the end the glider was flying with a 20-degree roll with one bent wing.”
One bite mark, currently under investigation by a shark expert, measured 7.5 inches across.
- Read more
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You can track and view real-time data from USF gliders and any other gliders currently deployed in the Gulf of Mexico through the GCOOS Glider Dashboard
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Talking Gliders at Ocean Sciences Meeting |
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Ocean Sciences 2022 kicks off on Monday Feb. 28 and runs through March 4. Co-sponsored by the American Geophysical Union (AGU), the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), and The Oceanography Society (TOS), Ocean Sciences Meeting (OSM) is the global leader in ocean sciences conferences.
U.S. IOOS Glider Lead Kathleen Bailey will lead part of session CP05 on the Atlantic hurricane glider season with a presentation co-authored by Dr. Jorge Brenner and Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick. "Coastal monitoring using underwater profiling gliders during the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season," is scheduled for Friday, March 4.
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Red tides occur near annually on Florida’s west coast and can lead to significant health and economic impacts in the affected communities. But comparing the severity of blooms from year-to-year has been difficult because there has been no standardized way to gauge individual blooms or their impacts. Until now.
Authors of a new paper recently published in the journal PLOS One looked at red tides along Florida’s west coast between 1953 and 2019 and used cell counts of the organism that causes red tide in the Gulf of Mexico — Karenia brevis — to develop a Bloom Severity Index. The authors — including GCOOS-ians Senior Advisor Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick and Research Specialist Bob Currier — also looked at respiratory irritation reports between 2006 and 2019 and used that information to develop a Respiratory Irritation Index.
In developing the indexes, the study’s authors also found:
- There was a red tide bloom somewhere on the Southwest Florida coast each year between 1994 and 2019, except for 2010.
- 2018 had the most extensive red tide along the Southwest Florida coast. That year, the Respiratory Irritation Index in Manatee and Sarasota counties was also the highest on record.
- More frequent-than-usual offshore winds can suppress the respiratory impact of blooms.
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Southwest Florida (25.4°-28.4°N, 82.5°-83°N) is shown in relation to the rest of Florida (Inset lower left, red box). Dark gray shaded polygon containing red marks for cell count sample locations, shows the 5 km (3 mile) extent containing Karenia brevis cell counts from 1953 to 2019 used in this study. The white star in Sarasota County indicates the location for the CMAN (meteorological) station VENF1 at Venice Pier. Blue-filled squares mark the eight beach sites in Manatee and Sarasota Counties where respiratory irritation impact was monitored by the BCRS (Beach Conditions Reporting System, Mote Marine Lab). |
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- Wind direction matters for the amount of respiratory irritation. Years with severe blooms — 2006, 2012 and 2018 — caused noticeable respiratory irritation, while other years with blooms (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014). had almost no respiratory impacts because of more frequent than usual offshore winds.
- Sampling efforts before 1995 aren’t sufficient to allow for the comparison of bloom intensity.
- Blooms most frequently occur between Sanibel Island and Tampa Bay between September and January.
- Red tides typically form in August and continue through the winter, with October and November being the months most frequently impacted.
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HAB Observing Group Webinar |
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The next HAB OG Webinar is “Making Community Science Work,” featuring Dr. Steve Morton (NOAA NCCOS), Teri King (Washington Sea Grant), Chris Whitehead (Sitka Tribe) and Dr. George Bullerjahn (Bowling Green State University). They’ll discuss the importance of community science for HABs, share examples of some successes and challenges of HAB community/citizen science, and address how a NHABON can assist with this process through data management and other efforts.
- When: 3-4:15 p.m. EST, March 16
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Register here
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Healthy Ecosystems & Living Resources |
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MBON Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function Working Group Meeting |
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The January 2022 meeting of the Marine Biodiversity Observation Network’s (MBON) Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function working group capitalized on a chance to meet with colleagues interested in NOAA’s blue carbon initiative.
Working group lead, Dr. Jeffrey Runge, University of Maine Darling Marine Center and primary investigator for the Gulf of Maine MBON, organized the group to help find the intersection between NOAA blue carbon initiatives in the context of biodiversity and MBON activities to identify opportunities for collaboration. GCOOS partners on the South Florida MBON, including Outreach and Education manager Dr. Chris Simoniello on the project led by Dr. Frank Muller-Karger, University of South Florida College of Marine Science, are part of the conversation to better understand how carbon captured in the world’s ocean and coastal ecosystems relate to the capacity of environmental processes to provide goods and services that benefit society.
The group recognized the need to pull together data from different sources for an integrated understanding of blue carbon storage and the role of biodiversity, including in the coastal and deep ocean. Smaller focused discussions to consider international activities and blue carbon projects associated with specific MBON sites are seen as a next step.
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Aquaculture Benefits Ecosystems |
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In a new study published in Ecosystem Services, NOAA and its partners used data from around the world to measure the ecosystem services provided by shellfish and seaweed farms. This first of its kind study estimates the economic value of these services from aquaculture on a global scale.
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Fishery Management Council Seeks Advisors |
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The Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council is accepting applications for membership on its Coral, Data Collection, and Spiny Lobster advisory panels.
Advisory Panels are comprised of individuals who are knowledgeable and interested in the conservation and management of specific fishery resources, or who are engaged in the harvest of Gulf of Mexico managed species. Membership provides individuals with an opportunity to become more directly involved in the management decision-making process.
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The NOAA Sea Level Rise (SLR) technical report is now live! It provides the most up-to-date SLR projections available for all U.S. states and territories out to the year 2150. The report represents the first update since 2017 and is intended to help communities adapt to SLR.
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GOMA Accepting Tools Café Submissions |
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The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is now accepting submissions for the popular Tools Café during the annual Gulf of Mexico Conference taking place April 25-28. Submissions for the Tools Café — which is sponsored by Esri — are requested from any Gulf of Mexico stakeholder interested in sharing more about their online or paper-based tool(s).
Spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are due before COB Monday, Feb. 28. Acceptance notifications will be made by Tuesday, March 15.
Tools presenters are required to register and pay the conference registration fee ($250 in advance, $300 in-person). GCOOS is a GoMCon sponsor.
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In 2010, the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon resulted in the largest man-made disaster in U.S. history. Today, each Gulf state administers restoration funds and programs. Additionally, other agencies and organizations are also tasked with administering programs designed to restore Gulf habitats and better understand Gulf ecosystems.
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Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies |
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The most recent edition of the HRI magazine “The Harte Current” has been released. Check out all the latest news from Harte — including news that HRI has released the short film “HRI: A Bridge to Solutions” produced in partnership with Ocotillo Films. The film, developed by the HRI Communications Team, showcases how HRI is using its unique model to bridge science, socio-economics, and policy in the search for answers.
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The GRP has launched the Gulf Scholars Program (GSP), which supports Gulf-region colleges and universities in preparing undergraduate students as the next generation to address critical challenges in the region. Florida A&M and Florida State University are launching the project by collaborating to provide unique learning and research opportunities for undergraduates interested in building more equitable, sustainable and resilient Gulf Coast communities at both universities. The partnership will take advantage of expertise at both institutions to develop new university curricula, workshops and trainings for students. (More news from GRP) |
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GCOOS maintains a jobs listing for positions and fellowships in the ocean observing community. Want to advertise a position? Email Laura Caldwell
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Harte Research Institute: Endowed Chair in Socio-Economics
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Florida State University, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science: Assistant Professor
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National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Underwater Glider User Group: Program Specialist – Uncrewed Marine Systems
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University of Southern Mississippi: Uncrewed Maritime Systems Certificate Coordinator
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National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Fish Biologist (Miami and Panama City, FL, Beaufort, NC, Pascagoula, MS, and Galveston, TX)
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Florida State University, Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Science: Assistant Professor (5 positions)
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Dalhousie University: Scientific Director of the Ocean Tracking Network and Professor of Biology
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Mississippi State University, Gulf Research Institute: Research Engineer
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Broward Count Board of County Commissioners:Environmental Program Manager, Beach & Marine
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The State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): Environmental Specialist, Rookery Bay
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Mote Marine Laboratory: Life Support Systems Operator
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GOOS Biology: Data Manager
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World Wildlife Fund: Vice President, Oceans Area Based Conservation
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World Wildlife Fund: Program Officer, Resilient Coastal Habitats
Postdoctoral Positions:
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NOAA: National Centers for Coastal Ocean Sciences, NRC Research Programs
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NRC: Research Associateship Programs Postdoctoral and Senior Research Awards
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University of Miami: Postdoctoral Associate in Acoustic Tracing
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Loyola Marymount University: Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioinformatics and Machine Learning
Fellowships:
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The Integrated Ocean Observing System Association: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Fellowship
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Mississippi State University Extension, Sea Grant: Resilience Coordinator, Habitat Resilience Specialist, Coastal Climate Resilience Fellowship
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NASEM: Early Career Fellowships
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GCOOS maintains a listing of funding opportunities. Have an opportunity you'd like to advertise? Email Laura Caldwell
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- NASEM: Gulf Research Program’s Early-Career Research Fellowship
- Florida Red Tide Mitigation and Technology Development Initiative – 4th Request For Proposals
- Gulf of Mexico Alliance
- Restore Science Program
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25-28: Gulf of Mexico Conference. Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Details
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26-28: 2022 DMAC Sprint, Chicago, Illinois |
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18: GCOOS Spring Meeting, Register here
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This year, the high-level 2022 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development shall be convened in Lisbon, from 27 June to 1 July 2022, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 73/292 and decision 75/578. The overarching theme of the Conference is “Scaling up ocean action based on science and innovation for the implementation of Goal 14: Stocktaking, partnerships and solutions”.
The Conference will be broadcast live on UN WebTV
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GCOOS is the Gulf of Mexico regional component of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and the only certified system dedicated solely to the Gulf of Mexico. Our mission is to provide timely, reliable, accurate and on-demand information on the open ocean and coastal ocean waters of the Gulf of Mexico to ensure a healthy, clean, productive ocean and resilient coastal zone. |
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Dr. Jorge Brenner, Executive Director • Dr. Barbara Kirkpatrick, Senior Advisor • Bill Lingsch, U.S. Glider User Group Coordinator • Dr. Kerri Whilden, Oceanographer • Dr. Chris Simoniello, Outreach & Education Coordinator • Felimon Gayanilo, Systems Architect, Co-Data Manager • Bob Currier, Research Specialist, Product Developer, Co-Data Manager • Marion Stoessel, Senior Research Associate • Jennifer Vreeland-Dawson, Research Associate • Grant Craig, Program Coordinator • Laura Caldwell, Program Assistant • Nadine Slimak, Public Relations & Content Marketing, Vetted Communications, LLC
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In Memoriam: Matt Howard, 1952-2018
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