PROGRESS ACTIVITY REPORT OF THE FIFTH SESSION OF THE JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY
(unedited)
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO) JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY JCOMM-5/INF. 1(1) Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 5.X.2017
MATERIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SESSION
Venue
As a result of the high risk of eruption of Mount Agung volcano in Bali, WMO has been compelled to relocate the fifth session of the Joint WMO/IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM-5) to WMO Headquarters in Geneva (Switzerland). Dates remain the same, from 25 to 29 October 2017.
The Technical Conference (TECO) “Toward an Integrated Met-ocean Monitoring, Forecasting and Services System” will be held from Monday 23 to Tuesday 24 October 2017. The TECO and session will be preceded by a “Women’s Marine Leadership” workshop taking place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October 2017 at the same venue.
Working languages
During the session, simultaneous interpretation in the six WMO official languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish) will be provided in the main conference room. Additional meeting rooms without interpretation facilities will also be available. The TECO will be in English only.
Documents
Delegations wishing to submit documents before the session are invited to send them to the WMO and/or UNESCO/IOC Secretariats, as soon as possible but not later than 60 days before the opening of the session, i.e. 24 August 2017, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 190(b) of the WMO General Regulations to allow time for translation. According to Regulation 189 of the WMO General Regulations, session documents should be distributed as soon as possible and preferably not later than 45 days before the opening of the session. Any document presented by a delegation should be submitted in the name of the Member of WMO or Member State of UNESCO/IOC and not by an individual person.
Processes and documents workflow
The presentation of session documents and organization of the work of the session will differ this year from the practice of previous sessions, as explained in the information document JCOMM-5/INF. 1(2) available via the JCOMM-5 website http://meetings.wmo.int/JCOMM-5.
Distribution of documents
Documents will be posted before and during the session on the session website, in line with WMO and UNESCO/IOC greening efforts to promote paper-smart meetings. Therefore, participants are kindly invited to bring internet-enabled portable computers capable of handling Microsoft Word 2010 and Adobe PDF formats so that they can work in paper-smart mode during the session.
JCOMM-5/INF. 1(1), p. 2
Provisional abridged report
Approved documents showing amendments in all languages will be posted on the JCOMM-5 website as soon as possible after the session, in the folder ‘PROVISIONAL REPORT (Approved documents)’.
Registration of participants
Online pre-registration is now closed. Please do not hesitate to contact [email protected] in case more information is needed.
A conference information and registration desk will be set up close to the meeting rooms to facilitate the registration of participants and provision of general information. Registration for the TECO and JCOMM-5 will take place at the conference information and registration desk in WMO Headquarters and start on 22 October 2017 from 4 to 6 p.m. for the TECO and 24 October as of 4 p.m. for the JCOMM session. Registration will continue throughout the TECO and the session. At the time of registration, participants will receive identification badges, which should be worn throughout the session.
Credentials
By agreement between WMO and UNESCO/IOC, the JCOMM-5 is being conducted in accordance with WMO General Regulations regarding sessions of technical commissions.
Pursuant to Regulation 21 of the WMO General Regulations, prior to a session of a constituent body, other than the Executive Council, each WMO Member and/or Member State of UNESCO/IOC should, if possible, communicate to the Secretary-General of WMO and/or to the Executive Secretary of UNESCO/IOC, the names of the persons composing its delegation to that body, indicating which of these shall be regarded as its principal delegate. Besides this communication, a letter giving these particulars and otherwise conforming with the relevant provisions of the WMO Convention and of the WMO General Regulations and signed by, or on behalf of, an appropriate governmental authority of the Member/Member State shall be sent to the Secretary-General of WMO and/or the Executive Secretary of UNESCO/IOC, or handed to his/her representative at the session and shall be regarded as appropriate credentials for the participation of the individuals named therein in all activities of the constituent body.
We would also like to emphasize the utility of coordinating between the meteorological and oceanographic organizations within your country in composing your delegation and presenting a single letter of credentials.
Representatives of international organizations invited as observers to the session should provide in advance, or bring to the session, a letter of representation signed by the appropriate authority from their organization.
List of participants
A provisional list of participants will be uploaded on the session website shortly after the beginning of the meeting. This list will be updated on a daily basis.
Internet facilities
Wireless Internet connection (Wi-Fi) will be available in the main conference room and at the WMO Conference Center. The access is free and does not require a password.
JCOMM-5/INF. 1(1), p. 3
Entry requirements
All participants who require a valid visa for admission to Switzerland should make their application for visas directly to the nearest diplomatic representation of Switzerland and include a copy of the present notification with the visa application. It is advisable that such applications be made as soon as possible. Please inform us through [email protected] if you require an individual invitation letter for your visa application.
Switzerland applies Schengen regulations for the issuance of visas. This means that all participants requiring a visa to enter Switzerland should apply for their visa directly to the Embassy or Consulate-General of Switzerland in their country. In cases where no Swiss Embassy or Consulate is available, participants should apply to the country designated by Switzerland to handle visa applications.
Under Schengen regulations, it is necessary for each visa applicant to make an appointment and to present him/herself in person, in order to submit and register biometric data. On 11 October 2011, the Schengen member states introduced the Visa Information System (VIS), which is used to store biometric data of Schengen visa applicants. Data remains valid in the VIS system for a period of 5 years.
Additional information in several languages regarding the implementation of the VIS system, registration of biometric data and the rollout timetable for Swiss embassies/consulates implementing the VIS system is available through the following link:
www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home/themen/einreise/einfuehrung_vis.html
Time needed to obtain a visa may vary from case to case. It is strongly recommended that delegates inform themselves on the relevant appointment system and procedures as early as possible, to ensure that the visa may be issued in a timely manner. Delegates can find this information on relevant national government websites, or they can consult directly with the Swiss Embassy/Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence.
In cases where no diplomatic relations exist between a Member and Switzerland, or where a Member considers that some difficulties may be experienced in obtaining visas, delegates can submit a visa request directly to Switzerland. However, under Annex I of the General Regulations of the Organization, this request must be sent by the delegate to the Secretary- General of the World Meteorological Organization who will in turn submit it to Switzerland.
Such requests must contain all the necessary details: name, surname, date and place of birth, father's name, nationality, passport number, date and place of issue, expiry date, profession, place where the visa is to be issued, and duration of stay in Switzerland. Requests should be received by the Secretary-General as far in advance of the meeting as possible.
Additional information regarding entry visas for Switzerland and Swiss representation abroad may be found through the following links:
www.bfm.admin.ch/bfm/en/home/themen/einreise/merkblatt_einreise.html www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps.html
Transportation
Hotels in Geneva provide all guests, upon demand, with a free ticket for public transport. In addition, upon arrival at Geneva airport, free tickets are available from the machine in the baggage conveyor Hall before passing customs.
General information on how to get to WMO from the airport and how to get to the City centre can be found on the WMO website: Here.
JCOMM-5/INF. 1(1), p. 4
Currency
The local currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). The average exchange rate is as follows:
1 Euro = 1.14 CHF 1 USD = 0.97 CHF
Health requirements/medical services
Up-to-date information on international travel and health requirements are provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) at the following websites:
http://www.who.int/ith/en/ http://www.who.int/countries/che/en/.
It is strongly recommended that you take out personal medical insurance for the duration of the trip.
Electricity
Power systems are generally 230 volts and 50 Hz. An adaptor may be necessary.
Participants are advised to bring their own plug adapters to plug into Swiss power sockets. Information on the appropriate plugs may be found on the Internet (for example, at: http://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/typeJ.htm). A limited number of adapters are available on loan from the Conference Information Desk.
Use of mobile telephones
Participants are kindly reminded that, as a courtesy to their colleagues, their mobile telephones should be muted on entry to the conference room. Participants are requested to hold phone conversations outside of the conference rooms.
Local climate in October
Climate data during October in Geneva are listed below:
Mean temperature 11 °C Mean maximum temperature 15 °C Mean minimum temperature 7 °C Mean relative humidity 81 % Mean precipitation 54.6 mm Mean number of days with precipitation ≥1 mm 17 days Mean duration of sunshine 4 h/day
Hotel reservations in Geneva
Participants are advised that hotel accommodation in Geneva and the surrounding area may be scarce. Participants should inquire with the hotels to see if it is possible to have special UN rates for the dates of their stay. Please find below the list of some of the hotels located in the vicinity of WMO.
(1) Hotel Ibis Genève Centre Lac Rue De Berne 26, Pâquis, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
(2) Hotel Drake-Longchamp Rue Butini 7, Pâquis, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
JCOMM-5/INF. 1(1), p. 5
(3) Hotel Ibis Genève Centre Nations Rue du Grand Pré 33-35, 1201 Geneva, Switzerland
(4) Hotel Les Nations Rue du Grand Pré 62, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
(5) Hotel Eden Rue de Lausanne 135, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
(6) Hotel Mon Repos Rue de Lausanne 131, 1202 Geneva, Switzerland
For more information, you can consult the Geneva Tourism official website.
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO) JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY JCOMM-5/INF. 1(2) Fifth Session Submitted by: Denpasar, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 Secretary-General 23.VI.2017
DOCUMENT PROCESSING FOR JCOMM-5
Document types for JCOMM-5
1) JCOMM-5 will use two types of documents:
- Doc. (documents) have the contents listed below; these will appear in the final report.
- INF. (information) papers provide additional information relevant to decisions/ recommendations/resolutions at the meeting and will only appear in Part II of the report.
2) The documents of type Doc. will consist of up to five parts, and every document will contain a title page and at least one decision, resolution or recommendation. The parts are:
(a) Title page which identifies the document and lists the decisions/recommendations/ resolutions and actions to be taken;
(b) Decisions (optional) place on record instructions/directives to the Management Group that follow from JCOMM, Congress or EC resolutions or decisions, or provide records of JCOMM opinions/observations on a specific topic, procedural decisions and other decisions pertaining to the internal matters of JCOMM, corresponding to General Regulation 182(c);
(c) Resolutions (optional) are decisions of JCOMM which concern only the internal activities of the Commission, such as actions to carry out its part of the strategic programme of the Organization, the establishment and terms of reference of a working group or the designation of a rapporteur, corresponding to General Regulation 182(b);
(d) Recommendations to Congress (optional) are decisions of JCOMM requiring financial support or implementation action by Members, proposals for Secretariat action and proposals requiring coordination with other WMO bodies or with bodies outside the Organization, corresponding to General Regulation 182(a);
(e) Background information (optional) is additional information that is essential to support the decision/recommendation/resolution being made. This should be short and refer, so far as is possible, to pre-existing documents. This part of the document will not appear in the final report. JCOMM-5/INF. 1(2), p. 2
Document processing
3) The first version (DRAFT 1) of documents will be published on the JCOMM-5 session website, and members of the Commission will be invited to send suggestions for improving the document to the Secretariat ([email protected]). These proposals will be assessed and the second draft (DRAFT 2) posted on the JCOMM-5 session website. These documents will be available in all six WMO official languages.
4) Information documents will be posted on the JCOMM-5 website, but are not intended for amendment or discussion. These will normally only be available in English.
5) During the session, the chairperson for an agenda item will lead the discussion on the documents for that item. Within a document, each decision will be discussed separately. In many cases each component of that decision, such as related annexes, will be discussed individually. Following current practice, component parts of a document may be approved by the session while other components may still need additional debate. Documents amended during the session will be posted successively as DRAFT 2, DRAFT 3, and so forth, and the final approved version will be marked ‘APPROVED’.
6) Discussion of the document may stop in two ways. The complete document may be approved, in which case any agreed changes to the document will be included and the approved version of the document published on the JCOMM-5 website in the ‘PROVISIONAL REPORT’ folder. Alternatively, the chairperson of the session may decide that no further progress can be made with the document at that time, in which case changes to the document will be included in the next draft of the document, and the modified document will be published on the JCOMM-5 website in the folder ‘DRAFTS FOR DISCUSSION’. This will be published as the next draft in the sequence (DRAFT 2, DRAFT 3, and so forth), whereas the previous draft will be moved to the folder ‘SESSION ARCHIVE’.
7) Versions of documents created during the session will only be available in English, with the understanding that the revised texts will be read out clearly, with interpretation in all WMO official languages.
Post-session publication
8) Approved documents from the session will be translated into all six WMO official languages and placed on the JCOMM-5 website in the folder ‘PROVISIONAL REPORT (Approved documents)’.
9) The approved documents, the agenda and the list of participants will be combined to form the abridged report of the session that will be edited and published in the six WMO official languages. A second part of the report consisting of the compilation of information documents will also be published, in English only.
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 2.1(1) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 9.X.2017
CO-PRESIDENTS’ REPORT (WMO)
Report of Mr Johan Stander JCOMM Co-President (WMO), since JCOMM-4 (2012 to 2017)
How quickly time flies and the past 5 years went by as if it was yesterday. At my very first WMO Executive Council (EC) meeting I quickly realised, going through the documents and listening to interventions, that there is a lot of work that needs to be done for all to understand the importance of Marine Meteorology and the impact the ocean has on our day to day lives. Within this small space of time we experienced one of the worse ever El-Niño phenomena, devastating hurricanes, tropical cyclones and a significant change of the poles. Never has the work of JCOMM become so important as these days by merely looking at our changing climate and oceans.
It is therefore with great pleasure that I report that it was quite satisfying to see Members speaking about marine and the ocean and furthermore where most Presidents of Regional Associations (PRAs) during the recent WMO Congress highlighted Marine as a priority.
It was great working with fellow Presidents of Technical Commissions (PTCs), PRAs and Members at various sessions and with a solid foundation we can start the serious work. With the decision of the WMO Congress to revisit the structure and efficiency of the constituent bodies, including Technical Commissions, it is clear that JCOMM is in such a unique situation that it may have a serious negative impact on work started if JCOMM finds itself on the shelf. We know so much about the atmosphere yet so little about the ocean and as an operational organization, it is essential that we study the changes of the ocean and the impact this is having on land.
My report may highlight our successes but it is not mine merely, the Management team that worked well together with Members and the Secretariat and each programme area will outline their successes, for me I would much rather for us to focus on the future and what lies ahead makes me excited.
It is important to stress to cooperation between PTCs and PRAs ensuring metocean success and I was privileged, and probably the first, JCOMM Co-President to be invited as one of the Key Note speakers at the WMO Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observation (CIMO) Technical Conference in Spain. That impressive session highlighted the importance of building bridges and cooperation between Atmospheric centric manufacturers and the opportunities within the metocean community. I am positive that the future joint work should strengthen Member/Member States through the initial work set at the CIMO conference; the work between JCOMM and the WMO Commission for Atmospheric Science (CAS) with respect to the Integrated Global Green House Gas Information System IG3IS project; JCOMM and the WMO Commission for Hydrology (CHy) with respect to the joint Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project (CIFDP); JCOMM and the WMO Commission for Basic Systems (CBS) with respect to seamless metocean products and services; and JCOMM and the WMO Commission for Climatology (CCl) with respect to Ocean tables. The establishment of the JCOMM-5/INF. 2.1(1), p. 2
Centres for Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Climate Data (CMOCs), the Regional Marine Instrument Centres (RMICs) and the designation of marine focal points in all coastal countries, contribute to the work of the Commission.
In coordinating the delivery of operational marine meteorological and oceanographic services, JCOMM remains to act as the bridge between meteorology and oceanography, and continue to ensure that these services contribute to a range of socio-economic benefit areas, as specified through the strategic thrusts of both WMO and IOC, including marine hazard risk reduction, climate variability and change, marine environmental protection and community welfare, and the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).
In order for JCOMM to succeed, national and international cooperation is essential, not only through WMO and IOC, but more especially between national meteorological and oceanographic agencies and with increased challenges for members to deliver on these strategies, the role of JCOMM will become more important for a sustained metocean infrastructure, data management and services.
Members and Member states agreed that JCOMM reporting /implementation is made through specific Programme Areas. These Programme Areas all have strong links to other WMO Technical Commissions and programmes, including CBS, CIMO, CCl, CHy, CAS, the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS)/WMO Information System, (WIS), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) and GFCS, to name a few.
In view of the ultimate objective of our work as being service delivery, and in alignment with the strategic objectives of WMO and IOC, the primary focus of JCOMM remained on the Services and Forecast Systems Programme Area, strongly supported by Observations and Data Management.
At JCOMM-4 the Commission considered that the existing structure and composition of the teams had been generally appropriate to make progress in the implementation of the JCOMM intersessional workplan, and therefore agreed that this structure should carry forward during the new intersessional period. In this context, the three Programme Areas and their appropriate component groups and expert teams were re-established and performed well during difficult times where the Observation and Services programme area chairs left either through retirement and/or through relocation within their host country. It however became clear during the intersessional period that the expansion of especially the Observations and Services programme areas are essential to adhere and deliver on requirements, needs and challenges of our users and Members/Member states. At this session you will be provided with such new proposed structures.
The JCOMM Service and Forecast Systems Program Area (SFSPA) remained the front for the Commission. Significant advancements have been made in global ocean forecasting, sea surface temperatures (SST) analyses, waves, currents and so on - which includes the verification and evaluation thereof. Technical support has been strengthened with regards to coastal services and disaster risk reduction, which includes guidelines for storm surge forecasting and coastal inundation forecasting. Marine safety, however, remains the core of the mandatory metocean services with full meteorological and sea ice services delivered through e-Navigation technology.
The contribution to GFCS implementation for marine and coastal communities was a high priority during the intersessional period, along with fulfilling the Commission’s core service mandates in providing maritime safety services as well as supporting marine and coastal emergency responses and risk reduction, however I think there is still a lot that can still be done to fully service all the pillars for all Members.
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.1(1), p. 3
Most Expert Teams within SFSPA updated their relevant documents / workplans and implemented them in a seamless manner, therefore some hard work still lies ahead of those outstanding.
A modern Services Strategy describes four stages, which define the framework for service delivery, and six strategy elements which detail the activities required for high quality service delivery.
The four stages are: - User Engagement - Service design and development - Delivery - Evaluation and improvement
The six strategy elements are: - Evaluate user needs and decisions - Link service development and delivery to user needs - Evaluate and monitor service performance and outcomes - Sustain improved service delivery - Develop skills needed to sustain service delivery - Share best practices and knowledge
A detailed report will be provided during the session with a strategy aligned to this, however I would like to highlight the following successes;
− Under Operational Ocean Forecasting Systems and Services o Continue implementing operational ocean forecasting services for daily to seasonal time scales, including developing performance metrics and coordinating data management and dissemination standards through close collaboration with the Data Management Programme Area (DMPA) and CBS;
− For DRR in Coastal Zones o Continue supporting Members / Member States to develop and implement the regional sub-projects of the CIFDP. This work further aims to provide advice for regional and national forecast/warning systems for coastal meteorological / oceanographic hazards;
− For Safety-related Marine Meteorological Services o Continue supporting Maritime Safety Information Services (with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and International Hydrographic Organisation (IHO)) including ice navigation services and information on complex sea states, and enhance Electronic Chart Display Information System and other display methods for metocean safety information, under the agreed scheme for IMO e-Navigation;
− Updated of Manuals o Various manuals have been updated in line with new guidelines from WMO, IOC and IHO JCOMM-5/INF. 2.1(1), p. 4
− Marine Competencies o Significant progress has been made in the implementation of how marine competencies will be done keeping cost recovery in mind.
There are many components for a fully integrated in situ ocean observing system coordinated through JCOMM and with the ocean satellite network. First and most important, I must note that, to date, most system components are funded largely out of research and not operational budgets and it is imperative that we work closer with these communities ensuring a sustained metocean infrastructure.
The initial system design, as adopted by JCOMM, is for the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) implementation; nevertheless, in meeting climate goals, the system also satisfies other societal needs, as well as providing the ocean contribution to WIGOS. The system has now been updated with the new GCOS implementation plan and the results of OceanObs'09 and further expanded to include a multi-disciplinary approach.
The challenge will remain to grow all elements of an end to end metocean infrastructure. Let me start by mentioning that the Commission noted its potential role in the emergence of Africa in the domains of marine meteorology and oceanography, through the development of synoptic observations. It recognized that Africa is ready to face a number of challenges to human security through marine scientific research, and recognized the ambition of young African researchers wishing to work in oceanography and marine meteorology.
Africa is contributing through the involvement of the navies and other national agencies of Members / Member States which could support climate research and operational oceanography by the installation of real-time observing networks in coastal and the high seas, assuring their security and maintenance and we recognized that it could provide a way to attract more coastal African states to its programmes and activities and we would like to thank developed Members / Member States already cooperating with African Members / Member States in the framework of equitably shared operational programmes.
Our Observations Programme Area (OPA) has various priorities and the successes of these will be shared with you during the session, however please allow me to highlight a few high level successes;
• Full integration of JCOMMOPS within WIGOS Implementation;
• Recruit additional Members / Member States, institutions and agencies, in a way that allows their activities to progress on their own priorities and to contribute to the global observing effort;
• Through JCOMMOPS develop synergies between observing systems to exploit joint deployment opportunities, and to foster a common approach to sensor development and best practices;
• Through pilot projects roll out new platforms, sensors and technologies that will become routine components of the observing network;
• Continue capacity development activities and training workshops, that will assist developing countries to better use ocean products and to participate fully in the global observing effort;
• Encourage identification and implementation of observing standards and best practices, with particular focus on developing countries, including through encouraging JCOMM members to offer new Regional Marine Instrumentation Centre facilities;
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.1(1), p. 5
• Promote the use of ISO compliant instrumentation to meet the needs dictated by an quality organisation and fulfilling the quality management principles expected from NWS in future;
Succession planning for the commission remained a priority ensuring we limit the risk where we rely on single individuals in achieving JCOMM work and to prepare a new generation of leaders to emerge, strengthening the work of the Commission by promoting experts from wider marine community not actively involved in task teams/working groups with special focus on the global representation, youth, gender equity, preferably host country/regional support and most important expertise. The Management team was very successful in this; however, we need members to come forward and make themselves available as we need much more regional and gender based representation.
The effectiveness in communicating the availability of data and services to, and in receiving feedback from potential clients is as fundamental to the success of JCOMM and its members as the actual delivery of the products themselves. In consequence, JCOMM devoted efforts to the dissemination of information on its various programs, activities and initiatives to the broader client community around the world to sensitize the marine community to the vital role that JCOMM now plays in operational oceanography and marine meteorology, and to provide easy access to updated information on its programmes, meetings and reports. With this in mind the review of JCOMM fitness for purpose was completed as requested at JCOMM-4. The work was subdivided into 2 parts: one self-evaluation by the JCOMM MAN Committee and an external JCOMM Stakeholder review.
The results of this JCOMM self-evaluation were largely positive with more positive results for the most mature and oldest areas of JCOMM. The self-evaluation was approached using ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9004: 2009 methodology and carried out via a survey to JCOMM Management (MAN) Committee Members. Performance maturity levels were used to rank the performance of JCOMM activities and themes. The overall JCOMM performance against the Terms of Reference (TOR) is Maturity Level 3 (stable). Long Term Objective 1 was rated as Maturity Level 4. Some Maturity Level 2s were given and need attention. Given the voluntary nature of JCOMM MAN, the outcome of the assessment is very encouraging.
Our Data Management Programme Area (DMPA) continued to undertake that essential tasks by ensuring quality control, archival and delivery of all marine and ocean data to the WIS and to users, the development and implementation of standards and best practices in ocean data management, and the maintenance and modernization of the marine climatological data management and services process. At this session you will also be provided with a State of the Art Data Management Strategy to address current and future needs. JCOMM further contributed to WIS and WIGOS by developing the IODE Ocean Data Portal (ODP) and by making ODP interoperable with the WIS, work that has been implemented under the JCOMM WIGOS Pilot Project.
JCOMM and IODE have established the Ocean Data Standards process to manage the development of standards and to address issues such as instrument best practices, quality control procedures and data collection and exchange formats. Important work areas for JCOMM, which cut across all the Programme Areas, are capacity development and the Quality Management Framework (QMF). Here, major issues and priorities for the future include
− Capacity development linked to the development of effective training material and a capacity development document will be presented for consideration to address this need;
− Leverage on the successful implementation of a Quality Management System (QMS) at several advanced Services to expand the QMF/QMS approach in National Meteorological JCOMM-5/INF. 2.1(1), p. 6
and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in developing Members / Member States through training and pilot demonstrations;
− Support training for operational ocean forecasting;
− Continue supporting the Storm Surge Watch Scheme, including training workshops on storm surge and wave forecasting;
− Continue supporting and harmonizing sea-ice related training; and
− Last but not least, the finalization of competency requirements in marine meteorology and oceanography, linked to QMS.
It is today almost 2 decades since establishment of JCOMM and therefore a wealth of experience has been gained. We now need to think how we can engage more countries / partners, especially developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs) and small island development states (SIDS). We need to ensure that JCOMM engages not only a handful of countries which have existing capabilities, but we also urge all Members to recognize how they might benefit with ocean coordination with respect to marine meteorological services. Participation becomes the key to all of us.
Some countries, especially those in developing countries, LDC and SIDS have potential to be key players/partners for the future but this requires its own mindset, this we have to accept and embrace by becoming involved, there is a lot of potential in embracing this. With limited resources and additional requirements, we need to ensure that we work out a plan to address WMO and IOC requirements, therefore resources need to be used careful to also encompass all user driven requirements. We have to make feasible outcomes and set goals / plans based on reality and not setting goals which will not be accomplished.
All activities, not only JCOMM all of WMO and IOC depends on volunteering participation of experts and contribution of these members and we need to know how to make best use of this good will of members and for us to coordinate and or facilitate this process.
Partnership and communication is what makes the world go round. Communication is most important and due to ever changing work and user requirements it becomes very important to develop a seamless link to users as this will then become more and more efficient, but we have to admit, do we have a stable user interacting strategy and or communication strategy to address this? One may recall that in the past I mentioned that the reason aeronautical meteorology has such a big profile and a priority of WMO is because WMO directly supports ICAO and its Members in the establishment of the aeronautical requirements for meteorology and the technical methods and practices to full fulfil the requirements. I further mentioned at my very first WMO EC meeting that we need to develop this with key organizations for marine meteorology/oceanography, such as IMO, IHO and ports. These improvement can only happen through frequent communication with them and for the next decade we should develop such a mechanism and with this in mind, let me today congratulate the WMO in building that bridge between the WMO/IMO and IHO, with IOC we now have a solid foundation to serve the metocean community but to fully serve them, as we should, it is important that JCOMM, for at least the next decade, keep to its founding principles and build on these foundations as there is still a lot to be done, we have only now seen the tip of the ice-berg and we still need to learn more about the impact of change on the ocean and subsequent weather on land.
The key to success, I believe, will be for us to form partnerships as we do not have time to start afresh, there is already brilliant infrastructure, products and services available for us to change slightly to meet our needs.
Let me end by thanking my Co-President (IOC) Nadia Pinardi with whom I have enjoyed working with, our different ways of Management style has brought out the best of our JCOMM-5/INF. 2.1(1), p. 7 members as it was clear that at the end our passion is Met-Ocean. I would like to thank the Secretariat for excellent support under very difficult circumstances, I can only hope that additional resources will be provided for our work as it is clear you are over-stretched and with the additional demands upon us we will not be able to success if we do not address this gap. I further wish to thank my employer who made it possible for me to travel the world, meet new friends, learn a lot and hopefully foster everlasting relationships to the benefit of all Members.
Report of Ms Nadia Pinardi, Co-President for Oceanography, during the intersessional JCOMM-5 period
After her election at JCOMM-4 Yeosu (Korea) in May 2012, Ms Pinardi worked in the management group of JCOMM and participated to several activities of the different Programme Areas. In the following the major highlights of her work are reviewed.
1. A revised JCOMM Strategy
A revised JCOMM 2012-2017 Strategy was proposed and discussed with Secretariat during the year 2013. An official version of the revised strategy was completed in 2014 and posted officially here: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002336/233630e.pdf.
2. The internal/external JCOMM Review
A review of JCOMM fitness for purpose was requested at JCOMM-4. The work was subdivided into 2 parts: one self-evaluation by the JCOMM MAN Committee and an external JCOMM Stakeholder review. Mr Bryan Boase prepared the self-evaluation in collaboration with the co-president. The self- evaluation was approached using ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 9004: 2009 methodology and carried out via a survey to JCOMM MAN Committee Members. Performance maturity levels were used to rank the performance of JCOMM activities and themes. The report was discussed at MAN-12 in November 2015 (report to be found here: http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID=16385 ). The results of this JCOMM self-evaluation were largely positive with more positive results for the most mature and oldest areas of JCOMM. The overall JCOMM performance against the Terms of Reference (TOR) is Maturity Level 3 (stable). Long Term Objective 1 was rated as Maturity Level 4. Some Maturity Level 2s were given and need attention. Given the voluntary nature of JCOMM MAN, the outcome of the assessment is very encouraging. IOC carried out the external stakeholder review in 2016 and it is discussed in Session Information JCOMM- 5/INF. 2.3
3. Succession planning principles
At MAN-10, in November 2013, the rationale for undertaking succession planning (at the Coordination Group and Expert Team level) was identified as an important issue to decrease risk of reliance on single individuals in achieving JCOMM work and to prepare a new generation of leaders to emerge, strengthening the work of the Commission. It was noted that identifying leaders for such teams needed to consider: 1) expertise, leadership, willingness to volunteer; 2) explicit support from their national agencies; 3) geographic and gender balance; 4) age balance. It was suggested the appointment of Vice-chairs for each Programme Area, both for purposes of succession or to look after thematic areas of work. The principles were implemented by the OPA, partially by DMPA and they will be applied to SFSPA in the next intersessional period.
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.1(1), p. 8
4. Connection between JCOMM, GOOS and GOOS Regional Alliances-GRA
Ms Pinardi worked together with IOC secretariat to move ahead the coordination between OPA and GOOS that ended with a formal agreement to cooperate between the two groups. Furthermore, Ms Pinardi solicited the collaboration with the GOOS Regional Alliances and co- presidents invited formally the GRA Chair to participate to MAN Committee meetings. In January 2017 a GRA representative participated to the JCOMM MAN committee meeting for the first time.
5. Regional DCPC for the Mediterranean Sea
Ms Pinardi contributed to develop the concept of a JCOMM marine and oceanographic DCPC for the Mediterranean Sea that offers metadata information for products generated by both meteorological weather and oceanographic services in the area.
6. Definition of ToR for the Pilot Project on OPEN GTS
Ms Pinardi and the OCG Chair started the definition of a new Pilot Project for the non-met service users of the GTS, both for data insertion and for data discovery and extraction, as already discussed at the Management Committee meeting in 2014. The concept for an open- access GTS node Pilot Project was developed in response, and will build on the work on OPA data system interoperability (ERDDAP) and presented at JCOMM-5.
7. Definition of data management practices between IOC and WMO
The work of co-presidents was aimed at the definition of the Terms of Reference for the Cross cutting Task Team for Integrated Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services within WIS (TT-MOWIS). Ms Pinardi participated to the kick-off of the Task Team in March 2015 and followed closely the work of the team, contributing to interface the Task Team with the Data Management Coordination Group (June 2016).
8. Capacity Development Strategy
The IOC secretariat, the co-president and the CD coordinator, Mr John Mungai, contributed to the development of the new CD JCOMM strategy which will be based upon the results of the external stakeholder survey and that essentially will consider a stronger interface between WMO ETR and IOC/IODE Ocean Teacher Academy. Ms Pinardi contributed to develop new concepts and themes for the CD activities in JCOMM, addressing the needs of Member/Members States for the “Use of Operational Ocean Data Products and Services”. She contributed to organize a Course at the IODE Ocean Teacher Academy site in Oostende where she gave lectures on Operational Oceanographic products strategic implementation issues.
9. Management Committee meetings
Six meetings of the JCOMM Management Committee were held from 2013 and Ms Pinardi participated to all of them, reporting on the progress and helping to advance the coordination among the Programme Areas and the JCOMM cross-cutting activities.
10. Participation to IOC and WMO meetings
Ms Pinardi participated each year to the IOC executive council meetings and Assemblies reporting on the advancements of JCOMM. Furthemore, Ms Pinardi contributed to convene a JCOMM side event meeting at the IOC Assembly of 2015 and participated to an equivalent meeting in 2014 at the WMO Congress. Ms Pinardi also participated in the 24th Session of the IODE Committee (March 2017).
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 General 4.IX.2017
JCOMM PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT: STAKEHOLDER SURVEY
Summary
Recalling JCOMM-4 agenda item 12.2 on JCOMM Programme and Planning; the Commission noted that a full external review of JCOMM had not been undertaken within the previous intersessional period, nevertheless saw value in providing the opportunity for Member States to provide feedback on the past performance and its future. The Commission noted that analysis of information from its past performance would assist in the preparation for meetings of JCOMM’s governing bodies. The Commission requested the Management Committee and the Secretariats to establish a mechanism for undertaking this task. At JCOMM MAN 12, action 3.2.1 was tabled in order to carry out a JCOMM Self Evaluation and Review. The aim is to use the survey results for inclusion in the revision of the JCOMM strategy. A JCOMM Performance Assessment: Stakeholder Survey was carried out for a period of five weeks from April-May 2016, and a report was prepared and reviewed by several JCOMM experts.
The JCOMM Performance Assessment survey received 84 responses from a sample size of 1518 JCOMM listed stakeholders on the Mail Chimp platform (based on actual successful delivery). However, a total of 270 clicks have been recorded for both campaigns. We assume the representativeness of the survey should be based on 270 clicks (active JCOMM stakeholders). The JCOMM subscribed stakeholders list is seemingly outdated. Based on the 270 click rate, we find that the survey is representative of the active JCOMM stakeholders.
The top country locations of the campaign were mainly from the traditional western countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, etc.,); however other participating countries are from South America, Asia and Africa. One small island developing State also participated in the survey. Annex I provides a full list of participants surveyed. There were 49 responses from the Northern countries1 and 20 from the Southern countries2.
The JCOMM stakeholder survey shows that most people (85.8%) have been involved for more than five years with JCOMM; However, only 41.7% reported that they are very familiar with JCOMMs activities and its five major objectives. Consequently, only 35.7% of stakeholders perceived that JCOMM has positive impact – as a key driver for the ongoing development of their marine weather and oceans services. Similarly, only 36.9% of the stakeholders perceived that JCOMM has positive influence on the meteorological offices and oceanographic institutions. Stakeholders mentioned a range of impacts from JCOMM activities on their own organization and activities, including data observations, modeling, operational forecasting and services, as well as capacity development (see Table 1.).
1 Northern Countries: United States, Canada, Western Europe, and developed parts of Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand 2 Southern Countries: Africa, Latin America, and developing Asia including the Middle East & SIDS.
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 2
Possible ways to improve the situation concerning JCOMM includes strengthening JCOMM roles and approaches; effective consultation and improved governance characterized with less top down approach. Other suggestions include improving public relations particularly within IOC, and to establish an improved communication strategy and coordination mechanism with institutions and stakeholders. Additionally, there should be further opportunities for capacity development (75% of responses from Northern countries, 95% of responses from Southern countries) and networking.
Stakeholders suggested that JCOMM needed to continue with its emphasis on access to data services; the facilitation of observation and data management; services and forecasting. However, up to 16.1% ranked the development and reviewing of regulatory material as a low priority.
More than half of the stakeholders perceived that JCOMM is not very effective in documentation updates and ongoing amendment program. Various documents need to be reviewed and amended, for examples, the IMO Resolution and all other MSI documentation to address new service providers and the GMDSS Modernization, Guide to Wave Analysis and Forecasting, Marine Climatology and related Risk Assessment, Marine Services Requirements. Other suggestions include developing rules and policies for sharing data and products, and the need to maintain and update a list of contacts and web addresses.
An important observation is that only 45.7% of stakeholders perceived that JCOMM is effective in uniquely coordinating the development of an ocean/marine observation system. Stakeholders suggested that over the next five years JCOMM should continue to emphasize existing areas, for example observations, data management, instrumentation, services and forecasting systems, sea-ice observations and climate change. However, there is a need to have a broader participation of countries and organizations worldwide in JCOMM activities; develop new partnerships with the private sector, particularly in the case of instrumentation; enhance coordination and communication mechanisms; as well as strengthen training and capacity building mainly in undeveloped and developing countries. It should be noted that 50.9% of JCOMM stakeholders perceived that the provision of relevant training is of moderate and high benefit to them. (22% of responses from Northern countries, 80% of responses from Southern countries)
Up to 20.2% of stakeholders perceived a low or non-applicable benefit to them from JCOMM sharing of met-ocean products and services. 28.1% and 21% of stakeholders said it was low to not applicable benefit to them to access i) metadata, data and ii) documents and publications respectively from JCOMM (44% of responses from Northern countries, 95% of responses from Southern countries). It is also interesting to note that as much as 48.2% of JCOMM stakeholders said that historical data was of low benefit or applicable to them. Most stakeholders (83.1%) affirmed they benefit from participating in the JCOMM workshops. An interesting observation to highlight is that up to 80.7% of stakeholders perceived the need for promoting the development of local use of ocean analysis and forecast to support local economies (77% of responses from Northern countries, 100% of responses from Southern countries).
Stakeholders perceived that JCOMM should organize meetings to map out strategies; deliver more information in order to increase the awareness and visibility of JCOMM at different levels, including the lower hierarchy of the institutions involved with JCOMM. Other suggestions include increasing observations, research and forecasting (promotion of the voluntary ship recruitment by highlighting their special reports (storm surfing, whale observing, ice crossing, buoy deployments); linkage, dialogue and cooperation of relationships between developing nations affected by natural disasters, funding organizations and service providers as well as encouraging standards and quality control (for example the Implementation of forecasters competence and QMS for marine services).
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 3
Only 25.9% perceived that JCOMM was effective in facilitating and sharing new technology. The majority of stakeholders (84%) are willing to invest in JCOMM activities, however such investment needs to target specific events and projects. 15% said they were willing to provide support to the JCOMM Secretariat.
Stakeholders suggested a range of changes to consider for the JCOMM-5 meeting in late 2017 and these include engaging with many countries and Members as possible; developing a longer-term programme of activities to help in better decision taking; focusing on value-added products and services from a user’s perspective; involve downstream users and wider dissemination of activities; timely and regular communication updates of information and documentation ahead of the meeting; development of national JCOMM groups and foster closer links to the GOOS GRA; identifying contact points (up to 30% claim they are not receiving emails from JCOMM) to specific marine or ocean areas in Member States.
Finally, at least 20 people gave their email contacts and expressed interest in being contacted by JCOMM Management Committee for follow-up actions.
Background and Methods
The JCOMM Performance Assessment survey form (see Annex II) was sent out to 1650 subscribed JCOMM stakeholders to assess the level of satisfaction pertaining to JCOMM activities using the google survey forms operated from the JCOMM mail chimp platform. A copy of the survey could also be downloaded from a link provided. Stakeholders were informed that their responses were important to the JCOMM Management Committee. It will be used to identify areas for improvement and where it needs to focus its resources to maximize the benefits to Members/ Member States in the future.
The survey campaign was sent out on 14 April 2016. However, only 61 responses were received by 6 May 2016. A second campaign was launched on 9 May 2016 for a period of two more weeks. A total of 84 responses were received from a total of 1518 successful deliveries. There were 172 (11.3%) clicks and 558 (36.8%) open in the first campaign and 98 (6.4%) clicks and 484 (31.8%) open in the second campaign.
The open rate is a percentage that tells you how many successfully delivered campaigns were opened by subscribers. To find this out, Mail Chimp loads a tiny, transparent image into each campaign, and counts how often the image is loaded among the delivered campaigns. The image is invisible to your subscribers. The click rate is a percentage that tells you how many successfully delivered campaigns registered at least one click. Your click rate reveals general trends, but isn't particularly detailed.
Considering the best-case scenario (assuming there were no cases of double clicking etc.), a total of 270 clicks have been recorded for both campaigns. We assume the representativeness of the survey should be based on an average of 270 active stakeholders. This implies the JCOMM stakeholders group is not 1518, but actually 270 (active members). The JCOMM 1650 subscribed stakeholders list is very likely to be outdated or they are simply inactive. Based on the 270 click rate, we find that the survey is representative with 84 responses.
The table below provides statistical details of the two survey campaigns.
First Campaign Second Campaign (14 April-5 May 2016) (9-23 May 2016 ) Opened 558 (36.8%) 484 (31.8%) Clicks 172 (11.3%) 98 (6.4%) Bounced 180 (10.1%) 108 (6.5%) Successful delivery 1518 (89.4%) 1522 (93.4%) Total opens 1368 (82.9%) 880 (53.3%)
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 4
The top locations for the first campaign by open are USA (17.7%), Canada (9.7%), Japan (6.5%) and Australia (6.5%). On the other hand, the top locations for the second campaign by open are USA (15.4%), Japan (15.4%), France (9.6%), Germany (7.7%) and China (5.8%). The second campaign attracted responses from France, Germany and China. Other participating countries include Cyprus, Turkey, Greece, Croatia, Norway, Bulgaria, Poland, Argentina, Brazil, Chili, New Zealand, Madagascar, Gambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Mauritius, Nigeria, Pakistan, and India. Survey participants varied from scientist, researchers, coordinators, managers, directors and advisors related to JCOMM activities etc. Annex I provides a full list of survey participants.
Analysis
The JCOMM stakeholder survey shows that 85.8% of the organizations who participated in the survey have been involved for more than 5 years with JCOMM, 13.1% said they have been involved for a period of 1-5 years and only 1.2% said they have been involved for less than a year. However, only 41.7% of the organizations reported that they are very familiar with JCOMM activities and its five major objectives, while 56% said they were somewhat familiar, 2.3% reported not familiar (Fig 1). When asked how regularly they access the JCOMM website, 18.1% reported accessing the site daily to weekly, most people (up to 79.6%) said they access the site on a monthly to less than a monthly basis, while 2.4% reported that they never visit the JCOMM website.
Fig 1: Familiarity with JCOMM activities
When asked what impact JCOMM activities have on their organization and activities, only 35.7% believed there was positive impact – as a key driver for the ongoing development of their marine weather and oceans services - while 46.4% said it varies from activity to activity. On the other hand, 17.9% perceived that JCOMM activities have limited to no impact on their organization and its activities (Fig 2.).
Fig 2: Impact of JCOMM activities on organization and activities JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 5
Nonetheless, stakeholders mentioned the following impacts of JCOMM activities on their organization and activities:
Table 1: Stakeholders feedback on the impacts of JCOMM activities on their own organization and activities
Involved with VOS, Argo floats, DBCP, RMIC Data Data exchange Observations Part of the organizing fabric for global ocean observing Involved in SOT meetings, VOS activities and deployments of drifting buoys Through the JCOMM workshops, the participants are encouraged to be involved in different programmes ,for example participate in the VOS programme JCOMM directly supports and assists NOAA's Voluntary Observing Ship program through its coordination with WMO and providing the international coordination necessary to collect ship observations globally. As a manufacturer, our technology development is driven by the needs of the government agencies who are active in JCOMM. Our focus is to assist the mandates of these organizations to improve marine meteorological and oceanographic measurements. Long-term involvement in CMM and JCOMM observations area (SOT / VOS), as well as in services area (ETMSS) Serve as GDAC for oceanSITES, serve as JCOMM rep on WIGOS Metadata Task Team Storm surge forecasting and warning, ocean wave forecasting, marine Modeling, weather forecasting etc. Operational The numerical model requires many different types of data maritime Forecasting forecast and monitoring. & Services We are making efforts to take responsibility for the METAREA XVI: Weather forecast I am a member of PSG of CIFDP of WMO. I do coastal inundation modeling using JCOMM facilitated database. In addition to providing guidelines and disseminate new technologies related to our activities, JCOMM gives us the interaction with other Marine Meteorological Services (MMS). Our organization provides operational forecasts to various stakeholders of maritime environment. Interaction with JCOMM activities helped us to update our knowledge about international standards followed in various operational centres. We enhanced our knowledge about forecast verification; observational platforms used for Data assimilation and forecast validation. Allows for cooperation and collaboration between NWS and other ocean/marine operational centres across the world. Concerning the meteorological branch, JCOMM provides links with other meteorological services. In addition, our service uses GTS data on a daily basis for weather and wave forecast. Further DHN coordinates at national level activities concerned with JCOMM such as GOOS, GLOSS, DBCP/ISABP. The Bureau is involved across the whole JCOMM programme. However, the greatest impact is in areas such as maritime safety services, ocean services, climate, and coastal hazards. Improvement in routine work of "Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre" of PMD
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 6
Developing Ocean OBS standards; capacity building as a RMIC Capacity Participate in seminars Development Participate in all training activities offered by JCOMM Draw data from data buoys and obtained training on data management Membership in ETWCH, participation in Wave Model Comparison Project Playing key role in capacity development, ocean modelling and improving ocean observation and generation of customer tailored products Attended the 8th Workshop on Storm Surge and Wave Forecasting, which improved marine weather services in our region. As a member of an Ad hoc Task Team on Marine Competency Requirements, I participated in preparation of WMO Marine Weather Forecaster Competence Framework Development of our MarineMet Services by enabling us to install a MarineMet Station at the Port of Banjul. Training of Technicians to maintain the Station. Training of Forecasters to utilize Data and information obtained from the Station including other Marine data and NWP Products for the provision and issuance of Marine Forecasts and Warnings. However, inability to recruit Ocean going Vessels as an autonomous VOS to enhance our observational capability and data collection. The current second Indian Ocean Expedition, JCOMM partners in collaboration with KMD are carrying out joint deployment of drifting buoys in the Western Indian Ocean; Capacity development programmes between JCOMM and WMO-RMTC Nairobi. Metadata guidelines Guidelines Guides international engagement Quality Management pilot in Australia. Marine observation programme. High Seas survey results. As part of JCOMM SOT, our VOS programme adheres to WMO and the JCOMM Ship Observation Team on global standardization efforts in the collection of quality environmental data. As responsible for METAREA XIX and a long tradition of marine forecasting, the JCOMM activities give guidelines and ideas for further development. Development of S-100 base Product Specifications, engagement with Others WWNWS-SC and ETMSS and ETSI activities, joint work with NAV and MET AREA Coordinators, GMDSS issues
It depends on the topic - we are mostly interested in the closed small sea problems The largest influence is coming from federal and EU-Regulations. In the international context, some activities are more IHO or IMO related
When they were further asked, to what degree they believed JCOMM has influenced the relationship between meteorological offices and oceanographic institutions, there was a similar response with 36.9% perceiving positive influence, 50% responding varies from activity to activity, and 13.1% limited to no influence (Fig 3.).
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 7
Fig 3: JCOMM influence on Met and Oceanographic institutions
When asked how the situation can be improved, stakeholders mentioned the following:
Strengthened Roles, Approaches, Consultation and Governance
• A more active role by JCOMM members in WMO sponsored events/meetings and sharing of services and products; • Exchange and sharing of data between marine meteorologist and oceanographers for better understanding of the coupled system. For instance, in India there is an effort towards achieving accuracy in coupled modelling. It has reached a stage where scientists from both the streams exchange their simulated data for better understanding of the coupled system; • Develop a systematic approach to delivery of good services by joint efforts; • JCOMM may need to develop multi-links and channel to connect to oceanographic institutions; • Support of hydrological data exchange between organizations; • JCOMM needs to further empower NMHSs e.g. provide a key role that NMHSs can play in ocean modelling, forecasting and services; • More effective organization and governance “No top down management” ; • More consultation of WMO with ocean institutions and actors; • Strengthened interest in meteorology on biogeochemical environmental changes.
Meetings, Public Relations, Communication and Coordination
• More frequent and structured cycle of meetings to maintain meaningful engagement with progress and developments of externally driven issues and projects (GMDSS Modernization, e-Navigation, S-100 PS development); • Improved public relations particularly in the case of IOC. WMO is well known whereas IOC is less known; • Continuous communication with stakeholders in the countries and establish a national coordination mechanism; • Establish a national coordination and continuous communication link with institutions and stakeholders. For example, there is a need for a platform such as a workshop where stakeholders would be sensitized on the data and information which could be available to them for proper planning and decision making before engaging in their respective marine activities; • Ensuring information reaches the proper channel, level e.g. within the shipping/management/charter companies in the commercial shipping industry; • Ensure all types of data and metadata are visible in order to improve the importance and influence of Marine meteorological data for Climate research and weather predictions.
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 8
Capacity Development, Networking and Synergistic Activities
• Underdeveloped/developing countries to be given more priorities, facilities and opportunities of training and capacity building in different places rather than at the same place; • Need for training equipment; • Include more topics on marine meteorology; • JCOMM should organize/schedule more activities/initiatives at national/local level e.g. swell and flooding forecasts, Antarctic ice drift or melting, global warming monitoring stations; • Joint capacity development activities between staff from the two institutions could enhance stronger networks and synergistic activities.
When asked about what level of importance they placed on the access to data services 86.9% said it was medium to high priority while 13.1% said it was low to not applicable priority (Fig 4.). In regards to the development and reviewing of regulatory material 78.6% reported it was of moderate to high priority while 16.1% said it was of low to not applicable priority. Concerning standards and best practices 91.7% said it was of moderate to high priority while only 7% perceived it was low priority.
Fig 4: Level of importance on access to data, reviewing regulatory materials. Standards and best practices, capacity development and marine competency
In regard to capacity development, 75% of the stakeholders perceived it was moderate to high priority and 25% said it was low or not an applicable priority. Furthermore, 81% of the stakeholders believed that there is moderate to high priority and importance to marine competence, while 19.1% thought it was of low or not applicable priority. A majority (91.7% and 91.6%) said it was moderate to high priority for JCOMM to facilitate observations and data management. In terms of JCOMM facilitating services and forecasting systems, 75% perceived it was of moderate to high priority while the rest perceived it was not a priority nor applicable to them.
When asked how effective they believed JCOMM manages the documentation it provides to stakeholders in terms of updates and ongoing amendment programmes, 46.3% said it was effective, 45.1% thought it was partly effective while 8.5% believed it was not effective. When they were asked further what documents they believed require review and amendments the response indicated the following:
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 9
Manual, Guides, Regulatory Materials, Standards and Requirements
• IMO Resolution1051(27) and all other MSI documentation to address new service providers and the GMDSS Modernization; • JCOMM Technical Report; • Guide to Wave Analysis and Forecasting; • WMO-No. 471 and WMO-No. 702; • VOSClim; • Marine climatology and related risk assessment; • Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation Chapter (WMO-No. 84), Chapter 4 (Marine Observations), Part II, (code 41 is to be replaced by other codes (countries choosing their own code) and ship's email); • Marine Services Requirements. The only available documents relate to two best-equipped worldwide NHMSs.
One particular response suggests that among IOC / WMO / JCOMM manuals
and guides, there is not a publication that regulates quality control procedures
for validation of ADCP data, despite its increased use in the last decade. In the
JCOMM website, the web link "Standards and Best Practices" could be better
displayed and labeled "Publications" in order to make it faster for a user to
locate and refer to the JCOMM documents list. Regarding technical documents,
we realized that on the ‘Wave Forecast Verification’ page there exists a monthly publication called ‘Summary reports on inter-comparison of
operational wave forecasting system’; SPA_ETWS_verification201602.pdf needs a correction about the Brazilian buoys' property (Page 85) where you
read ‘PNBOIA-INPE’. In fact this must be changed to ‘PNBOIA- Brazilian Navy’. The PNBOIA is under the responsibility of the Brazilian Navy not of
INPE. We would like to ask JCOMM to take action in order to make this update. These and other information related to PNBOIA are displayed at:
http://www.mar.mil.br/dhn/chm/meteo/prev/dados/dadosing.htm
Data Management, sharing data, Products
• Rules and material for data management due to evolving technological changes; • Rules on sharing data and products.
Communication
• Up to date contacts points, web addresses and marine products contents.
When asked how effectively they believed JCOMM uniquely coordinates the development of an integrated ocean/marine observation system, 45.7% perceived JCOMM was effective, 46.9% thought JCOMM was partly effective and 7.4% not effective (Fig 5.). 30.9% also believed JCOMM was effective in uniquely coordinating the development of data management activities for provision of data and information addressing the needs of its stakeholder, while 60.5% thought it was only partly effective and 8.6% perceived it was not effective.
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 10
Fig 5: JCOMM coordination of the development of an integrated ocean/marine observation system
When they were asked, further, what capacity development should JCOMM focus on facilitating over the next 5 years, the stakeholders’ response was as follows:
Priority Areas to facilitate
• Observations, Data Management, Instrumentation, Services and Forecasting Systems; • Ocean modelling, Forecast verification; • Support for the development of marine competency; • Ocean, wave and storm surge forecasting; • Marine Eco-forecasting, Sea-Ice observations; • Climate change; • Development of portals and sharing information; • Storm warnings in mid-latitudes (including short to long-term forecast).
Training
• Assist underdeveloped and developing states in equipment, training and establishment of marine network observing system; • Individual countries programmes need to expand these capacity development activities with the individuals within the programmes for a more complete understanding; • Implement WMO Marine Weather Forecaster Competence Framework; • Training on wave surge forecasting; • Training on wave and storm surge forecasting application of satellite Information; • Enhanced METAREA-NAVAREA coordination; • MetArea Coordinator training, Quality Management, WMO roles, User applications of marine information, Sea ice; • Basic training and best practices (updated at least every 10 years) as E-learning for larger and broader access in several languages; • Training (Data Management, Forecasting) and the installation of more Marine-Met instruments and facilities such as moored buoys, AWS and remote tide gauges along the African coast; • Use of Operational Ocean Data Products and Services; and Training on wave and storm surge forecasting; • Facilitate cross network capacity building activities; • Roll out of CIFDP; marine and oceanographic competencies.
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 11
Participation
• Donor Programmes should be set up to enhance the participating of countries in ocean observations (JCOMMOPS could act efficiently with less than US$ 50 000 per year); • Improve involvement worldwide.
Communication and Coordination
• Send an alert whenever the site is updated; • Better coordination with the JCOMM panel areas to foster capacity building in the priority areas; • Strengthening liaison and contacts with wider WMO-IOC capacity development programme.
Collaboration
• Working more with instrument companies to make automated weather systems more affordable to the commercial shipping industry and working with WMO to introduce new requirements for AIS to include a barometer, or pressure sensor. This change would yield a drastic increase in the amount of pressure data over data sparse ocean areas. Providing more oversight on the accuracy and proper use of weather forecast products from private weather companies and routing companies to the commercial shipping industry.
Other views
• Facilitate and focus on the present rather than adding new ones.
When asked what benefits they get from JCOMM in terms of information on relevant meteorological and oceanographic products and services, 79.7% said it was of medium and high benefit while 20.2% reported it was of low benefit or not applicable benefit to them. With regard to information on the status of marine meteorological and oceanographic observations, networks 82.1% thought it was moderate to high benefit and 13.4% perceived it was of low benefit. With regard to information on the status of marine meteorological and oceanographic observations networks, 86.8% thought it was of moderate to high benefit while 13.2% said it was low or not applicable benefit to them.
In relation to access to metadata and data from JCOMM, 71.9% said it was of moderate and high benefit while 28.1% believed it was of low or not applicable benefit to them. 84.7% perceived moderate to high benefits from JCOMM sharing of information between international colleagues, in contrast to 15.5% who believed it was of low or not applicable benefit to them. In terms of access to documents and publication, 78.9% said it was of medium to high benefit while 21% said it was of low benefit or not applicable to them. With reference to access to historical data, there was a rather balanced view of the benefits, for example 51.9% thought it was of medium to high benefit to them while as much as 48.2% said it was of low benefit or applicable to them (13% of the total 48.2%). Similar observations can be made with regard to the benefits received by the provision of relevant training. 50.9% thought it was of medium to high benefit while as much as 49.1% said it was of low benefit or not applicable to them (12.7% of the total 49.1%). On the other hand, up to 83.1% said that there was moderate to high benefit received from their participation in JCOMM relevant workshops.
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 12
When they were asked what is the need for promoting the development and local use of ocean analysis and forecast support local economic activities, 59% reported that there was a high need, 21.7% said it was somehow needed, 12% said there was low need and 7.2% perceived there was no need (Fig 6.).
Fig 6: Development and local use of ocean analysis and forecast support local economic activities
When asked what new activities they believed JCOMM should be undertaking to assist in the delivery of met-ocean services and what benefits they perceive would be provided for these activities, the following responses were given:
Meetings
• Organize workshops to map out strategies; • Organize more training and seminars.
Information
• Focus on delivering hazard information for the surf zone because the surf zone is an important interface between the land (coast) and the ocean and there are millions of people across the world who routinely participate in activities in the surf zone; • Forecasting and services products on surge, wave and marine weather; • Increase the awareness of JCOMM at different levels including the lower hierarchy of the institutions involved with JCOMM.
Observations, Research and Forecasting
• Ship Observation Reporting; By changing current regulations and requiring vessels to report their weather at noon and/or midnight each day while underway to a WMO agency. In many cases, this valuable weather information is already being provided to the ship's operations department at least once a day, and is only available to their weather/routing company and not to WMO agency forecasters. Basically, under the current practices, an enormous amount of valuable weather data is being collected, but greatly under-utilized; • Need to focus sustainable observation of and impact from air-sea interactions; • Wave surge forecasting is the area in which we need more training; • Ocean modelling; • Promotion of the voluntary ship recruitment by highlighting their special reports (storm surfing, whale observing, ice crossing, buoy deployments); • Encourage "Research Activities" in the underdeveloped/developing countries.
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 13
Data Management
• A common repository of all operationally available products and data would benefit users across the world.
Linkage, Dialogue and Cooperation
• A facilitation of relationships and dialogue between developing nations affected by natural disasters, funding organizations and service providers who can help these developing nations implement a programme to enhance monitoring networks; • JCOMM to establish a close working relationship with IMO, FAO, IHO, etc., so as to develop a charging policy and legal framework for marine meteorological services. This will facilitate the provision of guidance material for cost recovery in marine meteorological services which will cater for sustainability; • Bridging the gap between meteorological and hydrological institutions.
New Places and Technology
• Focus on ports and GMDSS changes. Benefits would be new partner opportunities and cost recovery potential.
Standards and Quality Control
• Implementation of forecasters competence and QMS for marine services; • Quality control methods for the verification of the data obtained from buoy systems located in shallow coastal waters; further support for Data Rescue of marine observations; • Complete the development of S-412, along with S-411, S-124, S-104, S-111 and S-112. These are the most desired S-100 base PS by the maritime community and will drive the desire for S-101 ENCs to replace S-57 ENCs.
Other Views
• Encourage JCOMM not to undertake any new activities until the existing ones reach excellence in performance; • Manage without JCOMM.
When asked how effective they believed JCOMM facilitates the sharing of new technology and research outcomes, only 25.9% thought it was effective, 63% said it was partially effective while 11.1% thought it was not effective (Fig 7).
Fig 7: Facilitation in sharing of new technology and research
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 14
When further asked, where not effective, to provide examples of effective sharing, the response suggested to include an open forum or booth in AGU, push information directly to members and to include wave forecasting and hindcasting workshop and/or through regular scientific conferences. Other suggestions encompass regular updating of information on the JCOMM website, preparing news bulletins/subscriptions which will allow frequent update of new technology and research outcomes and sharing of information similar to the OPA-Networks and the GOOS-GRA. Another particular view pointed out that sharing technology and research outcomes takes place at the programme level and that JCOMM should not be involved with either of these because they generally lack sufficient expertise at the levels required. On the other hand, there were comments that it was difficult to find information from the meta data. For example, it is particularly hard to find sea-ice information as there is no hierarchy, and data is in different places.
When asked to what degree they believed their organization was willing to invest in JCOMM activities - such as participate in JCOMM meetings, support of JCOMM staff and support participation in JCOMM workshops - 0.7% answered they are very willing, 64% said they are willing depending on the activity and its fit with the organization, while 14.6% were unwilling. When further asked, if being willing to invest in JCOMM activities what form would they prefer this to take, 58.3% indicated support for specific events, 33.3% indicated funding for specific projects, 15% indicated support to the Secretariat, 13% any others, while 3.3% indicated unallocated funding of JCOMM activities.
When asked what changes should JCOMM consider for JCOMM-5 in late 2017, JCOMM stakeholders pointed out the following:
• Ensure that the core JCOMM activities are seen as the priority of the technical commission and are well supported; • Encourage participation in research institute activities; • Focus on value-added products and services from a user’s perspective. Involve downstream users and wider dissemination of activities; • Timely communication of information, agenda, working materials and more visible information. A full calendar of events should be published at an early date such that planning is more effective; • Simple communication on a regular basis with less “politics”, and standardization issues; • Encourage the development of national JCOMM groups and foster closer link to GOOS GRAs. Identify contact points to specific marine or ocean areas in Member States. Communicate regularly with this group to develop improved understanding and expertise in JCOMM activities and goals; • Engage with as many countries and Members as possible. JCOMM should encourage and engage more with African states to participate effectively in its activities. Streamline benefits to developing countries through existing organizations; • Develop a long-term programme of regular meetings to help in better decision making within organizations in light of their own meetings cycles and projects development progress.
When asked how beneficial it was to stakeholders for JCOMM to send out emails informing Members and Member States on specific issues, 69.9% replied that they thought it was valuable to very valuable, depending on the issue. It is important to note that up to 30% claim they do not receive any emails from JCOMM. At least 20 people gave their email contact wishing to be contacted by the JCOMM Management Committee.
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 15
Recommendations
• Update and maintain an interactive JCOMM contact list; • Raise awareness regarding JCOMM major objectives/activities to demonstrate the importance and benefits of JCOMM to Member States and stakeholders; • Strengthen capacity development in Member States, especially in Southern countries; • Promote the development of local use of ocean analysis and forecast to support local economies.
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Annexes: 2
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 16
ANNEX I
Organization role, job title, name and address (as provided in the survey without change)
Organizational role and job title Organization name and address Physical Scientist NDBC Stennis Space Center USA Mission Control Center Branch Chief National Data Buoy Center BLDG 3205 Stennis Space Center MS, USA 39529 Software Engineer MBARI Tropical Cyclone Program Assistant NOAA/National Weather Service, Manager SSMC2 Room 14372, 1325 East West Highway, Silver Spring, MD, USA 20910 Maintain ocean time series site, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Senior Scientist Woods Hole, MA, USA 02543 Data Management for Tropical Ocean NOAA/National Data Buoy Center, Bldg. 3205 Array and Tsunami Detection Stennis Space Center, MS, USA 39529 Platforms, Sr. Software Engineer Jefe del Servicio Meteorológico de la Servicio Meteorológico de la Armada, subida Aramada de Chile Cementerio N° 300, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso, Chile Meteorologist Pakistan Meteorological Department (IMG) DIRECTOR Regional Met Centre Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan Meteorological Department Lead, Ocean Modeling, Physical NOAA/NWS/NCEP/EMC 5830 University Scientist Research Court , College Park, MD, USA 20740 SST reconstruction. Oceanographer National Centers for Environmental Information Program Manager, Oceanographer NOAA/OAR/CPO/COD Project Manager, senior researcher Oceanography Center, University of Cyprus, in oceanography P.O. Box 20537, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus Especialista en Oceanografía Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales. Calle y Colonia Las Mercedes, San Salvador, El Salvador, America Central. Associate Professor Kyoko University Coastal risk assessment and Tonkin+Taylor International, New Zealand modeling Chief of a Division World Meteorological Organization Repeat hydrography, High-quality JAMSTEC, Yokosuka Japan measurement Research, senior scientist JAMSTEC, Japan Head of the department of the Republican State-owned Enterprise Caspian Sea Hydrometeorological “KazHydromet”, 32, Абаy Ave., Almaty city, Research 050022 Republic of Kazakhstan Head of Marine Meteorological Turkish State Meteorological Service (TSMS) Division Ankara/TURKEY Leading scientist Oceanography OceanWaves Centre National de Recherche sur CNRE BP 1739 Antananarivo Madagascar l'environnement Vlasta Tutis, Assistant Director Meteorological and Hydrological Service, Gric 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia Regional Director Norwegian Meteorological Institute, P.O. Box 9293 Langnes, NO-9293 Tromso, Norway
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 17
Director, National Data Buoy Center NDBC, Building 3205, Stennis Space Center, MS 39529-6000 Operations manager Sales Director AXYS Technologies Inc., 2045 Mills Road, Sidney, B.C., Canada National VOS Focal Point Chile Navy Weather Service, Subida Cementerio 300 Playa Ancha, Valparaiso Head of Project, DHI Germany DHI-WASY GmbH, Max-Planck Str 6, 28857 (Solutions) Syke Research Scientist CSIRO, Hobart General Manager Turo Technology Pty Ltd Head of Observation Service. I am in Spanish "Agencia Estatal de Meteorología" - c/ charge of the surface and upper-air Leonardo Prieto Castro, 8, 28040 Madrid networks including operations and (Spain) instrumentation selection. Assistant Director, Survey and IHB, 4 quai Antoine 1er, BP445, MC98011 Operations MONACO Cedex, Principauté de Monaco Head, Technical Coordinator JCOMMOPS (IOC-WMO) ie bias in feedback Chairperson EuroGOOS AISBL SMHI Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute National Marine Services Manager Bureau of Meteorology, Australia Head of Group, Oceanographic Finnish meteorological institute. Services Sachgebietsleiter M12, Head of Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und German ice service and Baltic sea Hydrographie, Neptunallee 5 18069 Rostock, level service germany Head of Weather and Climate KNMI, PO Box 201, De Bilt, The Netherlands Services NaMeteorological service - marine Hellenic National Meteorological Service - section officer El.Venizelou 14, 16777, Athens, Greece Meteorological Service / Head Marine Hellenic National Meteorological Service, El. section Venizelou 14, 16777, Athens, GREECE Forecaster and chief of Forecast Servicio Meteorológico Nacional, 25 de Mayo office 658 C.A.BA. Buenos Aires, Argentina I'M CHARGE TECHNICAL CENDO - Name organisation: DIRECCION DE PERU HIDROGRAFIA Y NAVEGACION, Address: CALLE ROCA 118 CHUCUITO-CALLAO-PERÚ James Lunny, WMO Manager Meteorological Service of New Zealand Ltd, Wellington Provision of weather seriveces. Job Tanzania Meteorological Agency, P.O.Box 3056, title: Principal Meteorologist Dar es Salaam, TANZANIA Academic Consultant, conduct of Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies courses Superintendent of Meteorology and Rua Barão de Jaceguai s/n. Ponta da Armação - Oceanography at the Navy Niterói - Rio de Janeiro- Brazil ZIP 24.048-900 Hydrographic Center, which is the Organization officially responsible for the operation of the Marine Meteorological Service in Brazil. National Meteorological Service National Meteorological Service of Belize Scientist DLR Henrich Focke Str 4 28199 Bremen Oceanographic data management; NOAA; 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, Oceanographer MD 20910
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 18
Ocean Research and Development National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency Head of Marine Forecast division, National Institute of Meteorology and Forecast Department Hydrology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 66 Tzarigradsko shosse, Sofia, Bulgaria Adviser to PR of Poland with WMO Institute of Meteorology and Water Management National Research Institute; Podlesna St. 61; 01-673 Warszawa; Poland Principal Meteorologist; Kenya Meteorological Department Responsibilities include issuing ocean Box 30259-00100, Nairobi, Kenya state forecast, warning and advisories, tidal, storm surge forecasts. Climatology of the Indian Ocean, ocean observation and data management. Deputy Program Manager U.S. VOS Paula Rychtar NOAA NWS National Data Buoy Center Program Manager National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) Port Meteorological Officer NOAA/NWS New Orleans/Baton Rouge, LA Head of Division Norwegian Meteorological Institute JEFE DEL SERVICIO SERVICIO METEOROLOGICO MARINO DE LA METEOROLÓGICO MARINO DE LA ARMADA DE CHILE, SUBIDA CEMENTERIO N° ARMADA DE CHILE 300, PLAYA ANCHA, VALPARAISO, CHILE Port Meteorological Officer NWS WFO, Houston Port Meteorological Officer KNMI, Utrechtseweg 297 De Bilt, The Netherlands Institutional Advisor on IOC Affairs Frederico Antonio Saraiva Nogueira - Diretoria de Hidrografia e Navegação (DHN) (Brazilian Navy Hydrographic Service). Address: Rua Barao de Jaceguai S/N, Ponta da Armacao Niteroi, RJ, Brazil, CEP 24048-900 Principal Research Scientist Bureau of Meteorology, Melbourne, Australia Weather and CLimate monitoring Kenya Meteorological Department and forecasting for Public Good Now retired. Formerly Head Ocean Formerly Australian Bureau of Meteorology Services Section Prof. Emeritus, Ehime University Ehime University Bunkyocho 3 Matsuyama 790-8577, Japan PMO KNMI De Bilt, The Netherlands Maritime Forecaster BMKG, Jakarta, Indonesia Divisional Meteorologist Mauritius Meteorological Services St Paul Road, Vacoas, Mauritius Head of Group Finnish Meteorological Institute Head of the department of the Republican State-owned Enterprise Caspian Sea Hydrometeorological “KazHydromet” Research RSE "Kazhydromet", The expert of technical commission WMO on oceanography and marine meteorology (JCOMM WMO) Marine weather forecast/ Principal Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Meteorologist Nnamdi Azikiwe Int'l Airport, Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, FCT. Head of Marine-meteorological Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), Bernhard- Services Nocht-Str.76, 20359 Hamburg, Germany Senior Scientist working on Ocean Indian National Centre for Ocean Information model HYCOM to meet operational Services (INCOIS) Post Box No.21, IDA needs of the country Jeedimetla P.O. Hyderabad, India Project Manager Ifremer Plouzané France ______JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 19
ANNEX II
Survey Questions
JCOMM-5/INF. 2.3, p. 20
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 3.1(1) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 4.X.2017
WMO MARINE SERVICES REPORT BACKGROUND
With over 90% of world trade carried by the international shipping industry, it is easy to see why disruptions to this global supply chain from the effects of marine weather are a key agenda item for Governments and International agencies. The value of trade passing through sea ports is $4 Trillion USD every year. Marine weather services provide safety and efficiency information to aid decision making on the bridge and within operations centres.
Marine services do not just contribute to shipping, they also provide essential information to coastal communities for transport, safety and environmental management. Population trends and changing climate conditions have increased the vulnerability of coastal populations and infrastructure to the effects of weather and ocean.
An assessment of the services aspect of WMO Marine Meteorological and Oceanography Programme (MMOP) was undertaken during 2016, finalized in May 2017 and will be submitted to WMO EC-70 (2018). The assessment team reviewed the resource allocations for the services aspect of the MMOP. The assessment report provides recommendations on how WMO could improve delivery and management of marine services programmes and projects; the relevance of marine services nationally and internationally; and how it benefits Members.
In the context of the WMO high level programme outcome:
For WMO to support the National Hydrological and Meteorological Services (NHMS) role as the authoritative agency for marine meteorological safety information and services in order to improve: safety and health, environmental benefits, security and socio-economic benefits in the marine environment to support: mariners, safety/security agencies, and economic sectors in making informed decisions related to marine meteorological information.
The assessment report proposed the following high level recommendations:
1. That WMO incorporates a marine priority into the next Strategic Plan.
2. That WMO increases the resources in MMOA Division commensurate with its responsibilities and activities.
These high level recommendations are in recognition of the assessment team’s findings that MMOA Division has taken on additional responsibilities since 2008 in addition to its core responsibilities for regulation of Maritime Safety Services. Evidence from maritime safety regulatory partners (IMO and IHO) has highlighted that WMO has not been seen to be engaging and improving the Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS), or other Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) matters. Member States have also expressed a requirement for more support from WMO for developing and strengthening national marine services (including coastal).
JCOMM-5/INF. 3.1(1), p. 2
The assessment report also proposed that:
• WMO approves the instigation of a second phase task to develop a marine services strategy and implementation plan.
In relation to a marine priority, the Marine Assessment Team presented the Request below:
“The Marine Assessment Team (established after Cg-17, and their workplan endorsed at EC-68) request a marine services priority, given:
• The request at Cg-17 by the President and Members for a renewed focus on marine services;
• An increasing global population (especially urban and coastal, with 40% of the global population currently living within 100km of the coast);
• An increasing use of the coastal and marine area through increased transportation (industry and leisure);
• Increased risk exposure in the marine environment (e.g. new shipping in the Arctic area with melting sea-ice, increasing trend in the proportion of shipping losses related to weather);
• The emerging blue economy (fourfold increase in last 40 years);
• Dependency on maritime transport to contribute to the global supply chain (more than 90% of world trade is delivered by sea);
• Increased storminess in a changing climate and subsequent impacts on people, infrastructure and maritime operations at sea and on the coast;
• Increased focus on SIDS and Polar regions, both of which rely on marine services for safety and sustainability;
• Global interest in environmental health and food security; and
• The existing international global frameworks that are driving global priorities, and which marine is inherent in (e.g. Sendai, SDGs, SAMOA Pathway for SIDS etc.).
The Marine Services Task Team proposes the Marine Services Priority to:
• Enhance the ability of NMHSs to provide meteorological service in support of protecting lives and property at sea and on the coast, and to ensure efficient and environmentally responsible maritime operations, through:
• Acknowledging WMOs obligation to meet the UN Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), and supporting the operations of the WWMIWS (as per IMO Assembly resolution 1051/A29);
• Turning scientific research and development into marine services (based on international obligation and client needs) , maximizing opportunities and overcoming challenges, for example associated with the GMDSS Review, and introduction of potential e-navigation services;
JCOMM-5/INF. 3.1(1), p. 3
• Ensuring continual quality of service through full and proper implementation of quality management systems, marine meteorological personnel competency and qualifications requirements;
• Enhancing capabilities of Members, through consultation with partners, to support and strengthen the sustainability of maritime and coastal safety services for SIDS and LDCs; services in support of DRR (e.g. early warning of coastal inundation), and reduction of SAR (Search and Rescue) and environmental emergencies (e.g. Oil spills), and investigation of cost recovery mechanisms (as referenced in Cg-17);
• Promoting the sharing, integration and interoperability of observations and marine meteorological data in order to improve seamless use of this data for marine forecasts, warning and other products;
• Reaffirm to the National Hydro and Met Services (NHMS) their role as the authoritative agency in Members for marine safety services;
• To achieve the first two points, enhancing the relationship with partners (e.g. governmental, intergovernmental and private), Regional Associations, JCOMM and other Technical Commissions.”
More specific recommendations from the marine assessment included:
• To move forward, WMO needs to position itself as the authoritative voice for marine safety information service and assist members in this regard. In relation to this, WMO also needs to encourage partners to be more inclusive of WMO’s role in the regulatory framework;
• WMO needs to consider a framework for GDPFS and MEER, in the context of the marine services;
• WMO to encourage Members to establish marine focal points for their marine activities for better coordination of marine safety services;
• WMO to encourage IMO to establish a marine meteorology panel (similar to the Panel coordinated by ICAO for aviation meteorological services) that acts as an advisory board of industry leaders and other international marine stakeholder for user requirements and marine services;
• WMO Marine Services to have a more focused engagement with internal WMO colleagues and other Technical Commissions (beyond JCOMM), to ensure that marine issues are elevated, recognized and included within the broad range WMO activities (e.g. MHEWS, DRR, GFCS, Hydrology);
• In line with an assumption of appropriate resources, WMO Marine Services should have a more focused engagement strategy with external partners, for annual review, including working closely with
o IMO/IHO o IOC o Regional Associations;
• WMO should develop more visible plans for capability development of Member States; implementation of Quality Management; and the Marine Forecaster Competency Framework;
JCOMM-5/INF. 3.1(1), p. 4
• WMO, IOC and other relevant agencies (e.g. IMO-FAO-DOALOS) to consider ways in which data buoy vandalism can be reduced, particularly through capacity development initiatives that raise awareness of the importance and value of marine observations, data management and services for societal and economic benefit;
• WMO Secretariat to work with JCOMM Management prior to each JCOMM Session to consider rationalizing the Expert Teams related to marine safety services, thereby keeping up with progress and emerging issues;
• With respect to JCOMM, the JCOMM Management Committee, WMO and IOC should ensure that their Secretariat support is optimally provided, and well-coordinated with a clear structure whilst avoiding duplication of efforts;
• A more permanent solution for management of and a long term plan to sustain JCOMMOPS be developed as soon as possible;
• A next step that the same process of assessment also happens for marine observations in MMOP, and an assessment of the overall marine activities (outside of MMOP) for WMO;
• From this recommended subsequent assessment, WMO needs to consider how to better coordinate all the disparate marine activities in WMO (example e.g., a ‘marine platform’ that might cover all marine activities in WMO);
• Encourage WMO to be consistent with their terms to cover ‘marine’ – including clarification of the terms ‘water’, ‘hydrology’ and ‘hydrometeorology’, within which the term ‘marine’ is usually included. Consider the word ‘marine’ being used in its own right.
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO) JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY JCOMM-5/INF. 3.1(3) Fifth Session Submitted by: Denpasar, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 WMO and IOC Secretariats 24.X.2017
REVIEW OF DECISIONS OF THE GOVERNING BODIES OF WMO RELATED TO THE COMMISSION AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER PROGRAMMES AND BODIES
WMO Strategic Plan 2020 – 2023
The WMO Secretary-General or his representative will inform the session on the follow-up to the following decisions adopted by the WMO Executive Council at its sixty-ninth session (Geneva, 10-17 May 2017):
(a) Decision 16.2(1)/1 – Preparation of WMO Strategic Plan 2020-2023
(b) Decision 16.3/1 - WMO Constituent Body Reform
In particular, the WMO Secretary-General or his representative will inform on progress made at the second 2017 meeting (Geneva, 16-17 October 2017) of the Executive Council Working Group on Strategic and Operational Planning, which was tasked by the Executive Council to: (a) refine the draft Strategic Plan for further consideration by EC-70 and (b) develop, for consideration by EC-70, a set of recommendations for Cg-18, which address the key issues identified in the current proposal for WMO constituent body reform.
The text of above decisions is available on the mini site of EC-69 (provisional report): http://meetings.wmo.int/EC-69/English/Forms/AllItems.aspx
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 3.2(3) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 24.X.2017
FUTURE OF THE IOC
For the Agenda Item 3.2(3) in the JCOMM-5, the Executive Secretary of the IOC will present about the future of the IOC. Background to this presentation is provided in the ‘IOC Medium Term Strategy 2014 to 2021’ published in 2014, and available at: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0022/002282/228221m.pdf
Delegates are encouraged to read this prior to the Executive Secretary’s presentation at the Session.
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(1) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 31.VIII.2017
This JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(1) refers to the draft Decision 4.1(1)/1 (JCOMM-5/Doc. 4.1(1))
ACTIONS IN THE GCOS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN1 OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO JCOMM
1. The GCOS Implementation Plan contains a total of 201 actions, 61 of which are of interest to JCOMM and are summarized in the three tables below.
2. The actions of interest to JCOMM have been split into three tables depending on the final objective they will help achieve:
(a) The first table includes actions that contribute to the practical observation systems. Most of these actions are related to network needs, and ensure that observations meet GCOS requirements and that resources for networks are made available. The demand of expanding existing networks is also covered;
(b) The second table includes actions meant to improve users’ access to the observations, and include actions that promote open data, metadata, discoverability and long term access, and actions that ensure delivery of operational products;
(c) Finally, a third table consists of actions aimed at promoting future improvements to the climate observation system. These actions focus on promoting research activities to develop new approaches, studying the application of new technologies, and designing and planning new networks.
1. General actions are numbered Gxx, actions related to the atmosphere domain Axx, to the ocean domain Oxx. A complete description of each of these actions and their context can be found in the Implementation Plan.
2. Other actions not listed here are not directly related to oceanographic and marine meteorology observations, data and information delivery.
1 The Global System for Climate: Implementation Needs (GCOS-200) (thereafter referred to as “the Implementation Plan”) as provided at https://public.wmo.int/en/programmes/global- climate-observing-system JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(1), p. 2
Actions to Maintain and Improve Networks
Category Description Actions Networks Ensure sustained G6 Assisting developing countries to maintain or resources for renovate climate observation systems and to networks improve climate observations networks G13 Review of ECV observation networks Ensure A5 Transition to BUFR observations meet A6 Air temperature measurements GCOS requirements A7 Atmospheric Pressure on Drifting Buoys A9 Submit Water Vapour data Expand existing A10 Surface Radiation data to the World Radiation Data networks Centre O5 Sustained support for ocean observations O9 Upper ocean temperature observing system O10 Full depth temperature observing system O11 Ocean salinity observing system O13 Sea-level observations O15 In situ sea-ice observations O16 Ocean-surface stress observations O17 Ocean-surface heat-flux observing system O18 Surface ocean partial pressure of CO2, moorings O19 Building multidisciplinary timeseries O20 Nutrient observation standards and best practices O21 Sustaining tracer observations O22 Develop sustained N2O observations O23 In situ ocean colour radiometry data O26 Expand Continuous plankton recorder and supporting observations O29 In situ data for satellite calibration and validation O37 Argo array O40 GO-SHIP repeat hydrography O41 Develop fixed-point timeseries O42 Maintain the Tropical Moored Buoy system O43 Develop timeseries based biogeochemical data O44 Meteorological moorings O45 Wave measurements on moorings O46 Observations of sea ice from buoys and visual survey O47 Sustain drifter array O48 Underway observations from research and servicing vessels O49 Improve measurements from voluntary observing ships O50 Improve measurements of underway thermosalinograph data O51 Sustained SOOP XBT/XCTD Observations O52 Coordination of underway pCO2 observations and agreed best practices O53 Underway biogeochemistry observations O54 Continuous plankton recorder surveys O55 Maintain tide gauges
JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(1), p. 3
Actions to facilitate dissemination of observations and products
Category Description Actions Ensure Open Facilitate access G15 Open Data Policies data access to all climate G16 Metadata and indefinite data for all users G17 Support to National Data Centres data storage by fostering G18 Long Term Accessibility of Data open data G19 Data Access and Discoverability policies, O2 Integration and Data Access provision of relevant metadata, including discoverability, and ensuring long term access Deliver Deliver required A14 Evaluation of benefits for GUAN operational information to A26 Development of methodology for consolidated products users precipitation estimates A40 Continuity of products of precursors of ozone and secondary aerosols O3 Data Quality O4 Development of climatologies and reanalysis products O12 Gridded ocean current products O14 Contributing to sea-state climatologies
Actions to Promote Future Improvements
Category Description Actions Improve Promote R&D O1 Enhanced shelf and coastal observations for observational activities to climate techniques develop or O6 Technology development demonstrate O7 Observing system development and evaluation. new or improved approaches
Take advantage of new technologies Design and Plan in O38 Development of a biogeochemical Argo array plan new cooperation of O39 Development of a deep Argo array observational new ECV O56 Developing a global glider observing system systems and products O57 Developing a global animal tagging observing networks system Consider redesign of existing networks
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JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(1), p. 4
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO SUPPORT DRAFT DECISION 4.1(1)/1 (JCOMM-5)
Introduction
There is an urgent need to improve climate observations globally. While the existing system has proved effective in supporting climate science and policy development, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, mitigation and adaptation are leading to new and pressing needs. Regional gaps in the observing system remain. Meeting the needs of adaptation requires local observations targeted at specific local risks such as flooding, droughts, higher temperatures, sea level rise and storms.
GCOS has been recognized by the UNFCCC since 1997 as the programme that leads the improvement of systematic observations to meet the needs of the Convention. The WMO has also recognized the fundamental importance of GCOS to the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).
GCOS has reviewed the current global observing system for climate and identified those actions that are needed to improve climate observations. These are described in the GCOS Implementation Plan.
Many of these actions will need to be implemented by NHMSs and Members will need guidance and support in doing this. Many climate observations are already made by NHMSs in areas such as atmospheric physics and composition, hydrology and cryology. This should continue and the role of NHMSs in climate observations strengthened. Many other actions will need to be implemented by oceanographic institutions and organizations and Member States will need guidance and support in doing this. Cooperation with other observing systems such as those focussed on the oceans or biosphere will also be needed.
Climate Observations are a key input into climate services and the GFCS has recognized the role of GCOS in coordinating, assessing and defining the observational needs.
Some Members will need support in implementing these actions, especially in vulnerable areas, and support from other Members and donors is needed.
Global Climate Observing System (GCOS)
1. The goal of GCOS is to provide comprehensive information on the total climate system, involving a multidisciplinary range of physical, chemical and biological properties, and atmospheric, oceanic, hydrological, cryospheric and terrestrial processes. It is built on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS), the IOC-WMO-UNEP-ICSU Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and a number of other domain-based and cross-domain research and operational observing systems. It includes both in situ and remote sensing components, with its space-based components coordinated by the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and the Coordination Group for Meteorological Satellites (CGMS). GCOS is intended to meet the full range of national and international requirements for climate and climate-related observations.
2. GCOS, based at WMO, is a joint undertaking of WMO, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the International Council for Science (ICSU). The Ocean Observation Panel for Climate (OOPC) is jointly co-sponsored by GCOS, GOOS, and the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP).
3. GCOS has been recognized by the UNFCCC since 1997 as the programme that leads the improvement of systematic observations to meet the needs of the convention (see, for JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(1), p. 5 example, UNFCCC Decisions 8/CP.3, 14/CP.4, 9/CP.15). WMO has also recognized the fundamental importance of GCOS to the Global Framework for Climate Services (Cg-17 Resolution 39 – Global Climate Observing System).
4. Since its establishment in 1992, GCOS has adopted a three-phase approach to assuring the availability of systematic climate observations underlying the needs of the Parties to the UNFCCC and the IPCC:
(a) First, GCOS establishes through its science panels the variables to be monitored (the Essential Climate Variables, ECVs) and the user requirements for measuring them; including in close cooperation with all panels of GOOS and the JCOMM Observations Coordination Group for ocean ECVs through the OOPC;
(b) Second, GCOS undertakes regular periodic reviews that monitor how these ECVs are observed in practice. These have included two reports on the Adequacy of Global Observing Systems for Climate in Support of the UNFCCC and the latest, the 2015 report the Status of the Global Observing System for Climate;
(c) Third, GCOS prepares concrete plans to ensure continuity of the observational record while improving it where needed. These are then submitted to key stakeholders for adoption and implementation – the implementation is the latest such plan.
2016 GCOS Implementation Plan
5. In 2015 GCOS produced the Status of the Global Observing System for Climate (GCOS-195) which presented an extensive account of how well climate is currently being observed, where progress had been made, and where progress was lacking or deterioration had occurred. While the current observing system has enabled great advances in understanding of the climate system and in the unequivocal identification of change and its human causes, more is still needed, especially at regional scales. With the increasing importance of climate mitigation and adaption new demands are being made on climate observations. Both mitigation and adaption are locally based and improved monitoring and prediction, on local as well as global scales are needed.
6. Building on the Status of the Global Observing System for Climate report, GCOS has produced The Global Observing System for Climate: Implementation Needs (GCOS-200, GOOS-214). This document identifies those actions needed to maintain and improve the global observing system for climate to meet the increasing requirements of science, the UNFCCC, including adaptation and mitigation, and the provision of climate services in general.
7. This new implementation plan assures continuity of the overall observing system for climate and builds on past achievements to ensure the system evolves as long-standing users’ needs change and new users are established. The new plan responds to the growing need for systematic observations and climate information expanding from science-based assessments to include adaptation and mitigation needs. The plan also acknowledges that these observations are not just relevant to the UNFCCC, but also to a broader community.
Essential Climate Variables (ECV)
8. An Essential Climate Variable (ECV) is a physical, chemical or biological variable, or a group of linked variables, that critically contributes to the characterization of the Earth’s climate. Variables can only be ECVs, if they are both currently feasible for global implementation and contribute significantly to meeting UNFCCC and other climate requirements. ECVs are listed below and details and requirements for these ECVs are contained in Annex A of The Global Observing System for Climate: Implementation Needs (GCOS-200, GOOS-214): JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(1), p. 6
(a) Atmospheric:
(i) Surface: air temperature, wind speed and direction, water vapour, pressure, precipitation, surface radiation budget;
(ii) Upper-air: temperature, wind speed and direction, water vapour, cloud properties, Earth radiation budget, lightning;
(iii) Composition: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), other long-lived greenhouse gases (GHGs), ozone, aerosol, precursors for aerosol and ozone;
(b) Oceanic (all of these ECVs are also identified as Essential Ocean Variables EOVs, although EOVs carry other non-climate requirements, particularly for the biology/ecosystems variables):
(i) Physics: temperature, sea surface temperature, salinity, sea surface salinity, currents, surface currents, sea level, sea state, sea ice, ocean surface stress , ocean surface heat flux;
(ii) Biogeochemistry: inorganic carbon, oxygen, nutrients, transient tracers, nitrous oxide (N2O), ocean colour;
(iii) Biology/ecosystems: plankton, marine habitat properties.
(c) Terrestrial:
(i) Hydrology: river discharge, groundwater, lakes, soil moisture;
(ii) Cryosphere: snow, glaciers, ice sheets and ice shelves, permafrost;
(iii) Biosphere: albedo, land cover, fraction of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation, leaf area index, above-ground biomass, soil carbon, fire, land surface temperature;
(iv) Human use of natural resources: water use, GHG fluxes.
Relevance for JCOMM
9. Many of the ECVs are measured by NHMSs but the precise requirements for climate may differ from those needed for Numerical Weather Prediction, often in terms of accuracy and the length of record required. Climate observations must meet the GCOS Climate Monitoring Principles, requirements and guidelines.
10. Implementing a global climate observing system involves the cooperation of many players: from the WMO, IOC and the UNFCCC, to NHMSs, space agencies and academia. The GCOS Implementation Plan contains many actions for these differing parties. The present document lists those actions that are of most interest to JCOMM. They are split into three tables depending on the final objective they will help achieve.
11. WMO Members and IOC Member States will be asked to implement many of the actions in their areas of expertise. These actions will either contribute to climate science and the understanding of climate change or will be part of the development of national adaptation plans. Adaptation needs to be based on sound observations in order to reduce loss and damage and the impacts of climate change on society. Many Members will need assistance to do this, especially in vulnerable developing countries.
JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(1), p. 7
12. JCOMM should assist by incorporating the GCOS Implementation Plan into their work and into the work of expert groups.
13. For the first time, the GCOS Implementation Plan defines overall targets for the monitoring of the three global cycles, water, carbon and energy, and for monitoring of the biosphere. GCOS recognizes that these targets will not be met in the near future but they are intended to guide future improvements and research.
14. The GCOS Implementation Plan covers a number of related issues, not all of which are of immediate relevance to JCOMM. The tables in the present document identify those of direct interest. The implementation plan itself:
(a) Reviews the need for climate observations, highlighting the needs of adaptation and mitigation and the UNFCCC Paris Agreement;
(b) Provides observational requirements for ECVs;
(c) Lists actions to maintain and improve observing networks and systems;
(d) Lists actions to ensure open data access and indefinite data storage, delivery of operational products and production of products specifically to support climate services;
(e) Lists actions that will lead to future improvements in observations, techniques and networks;
(f) Plans the development of an agreed list of climate indicators.
______
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(2) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: WCRP Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 17.X.2017
THE WORLD CLIMATE RESEARCH PROGRAMME
Summary
Recognizing the key role of research and development across a range of time and space scales the Commission is asked to note the relevant activities of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), including its links to the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), and other WMO activities such as the World Weather Research Programme, the Global Atmosphere Watch and the Global Cryosphere Watch. The Commission is also asked to note WMO EC-69 Decision 9.1/1 on An Integrated Research and Development Approach which recognizes that although research and development and operations are distinctly different activities, the gap between them needs to be closed to exploit the best science for improving all components of the service value chain.
Background
The Mission of the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP, www.wcrp-climate.org) is to facilitate analysis and prediction of Earth system variability and change for use in an increasing range of practical applications of direct relevance, benefit and value to society. The two overarching objectives of the WCRP are: (1) to determine the predictability of climate; and (2) to determine the effect of human activities on climate. Major activities of most relevance to the work of JCOMM are highlighted below.
WCRP is sponsored by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the International Council for Science (ICSU) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO.
WCRP and JCOMM
WCRP, GCOS and the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) co-sponsor the Ocean Observations Panel for Climate (OOPC), which is charged with making recommendations for a sustained global ocean observing system for climate. It aids in the development of strategies for evaluation and evolution of the system and of its recommendations, and supports global ocean observing activities by interested parties through liaison and advocacy for the agreed observing plans. Providing advice on scientific requirements to JCOMM is a key part of its mandate. WCRP in turn provides scientific advice to OOPC and thus to JCOMM, particularly through its ocean and sea-ice related activities (see below).
The main conduit for ocean-related activities in WCRP is its CLIVAR (Climate and Oceans) Core Project (www.clivar.org). CLIVAR carries out its work via regional panels focussed on different ocean basins (e.g. Atlantic, Southern Ocean), global themed panels (e.g. Global Synthesis and Observations, Climate Dynamics) and Research Foci (RF). The regional ocean basin panels have developed through the years strong partnerships with groups that also work on the implementation of the ocean observing system, such as the CLIVAR/IOC-GOOS Indian Ocean Region Panel links with IIOE-2 activities and the CLIVAR/CliC/SCAR Southern Ocean Region Panel’s links with the Southern Ocean Observing System (www.soos.aq/). More recently, the Atlantic Region Panel and the Pacific Region Panel are involved with AtlantOS and TPOS2020, respectively. JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(2), p. 2
The CLIVAR Research Foci are focused research topics identified by members of the CLIVAR community as being ripe for progress in the next 5-10 years and that would significantly benefit from enhanced international coordination. Currently there are five RF: ENSO in a Changing Climate; Decadal Climate Variability and Predictability – DCVP; Sea Level Rise and Regional Impacts (also a WCRP Grand Challenge); Planetary Heat Balance and Ocean Heat Storage - CONCEPT-HEAT; and Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems – EBUS.
CLIVAR also works closely with the GEWEX (Global Energy and Water cycle Exchanges) Core Project (www.gewex.org) in the joint CCl/WCRP/JCOMM Expert Team on Climate Change Detection and Indices (ETCCDI, www.wcrp-climate.org/etccdi). ETCCDI is mandated to address the need for objective measurement and characterization of climate variability and change, providing international coordination and collaboration on climate change detection and the indices relevant to climate change detection, and encourages the comparison of modelled data and observations. Recently ETCCDI developed 37 core marine climate extreme indices for coastal areas, dealing with extreme water level related to waves, winds and storm surges. These variables are all impact-relevant and will address several priorities of the WMO and IOC related to coastal hazards.
The Climate and Cryosphere Core Project, CliC (www.climate-cryosphere.org) focuses on the cryospheric components of the climate system, including sea-ice. It includes an Arctic Sea Ice Working Group and the Antarctic Sea Ice Processes and Climate Expert Group (joint with the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research). Closer cooperation with WMO’s Global Cryosphere Watch is being explored with regards to sea ice activities. CliC also jointly sponsors with CLIVAR the Southern Ocean panel and is working with CLIVAR on a Northern Ocean panel. Both CLIVAR and CliC endorse the Southern Ocean Observing System.
WCRP also has seven Grand Science Challenges (GCs), representing major foci of scientific research, modelling, analysis and observations over the next decade or so. Of these the Grand Challenge on Regional Sea-Level Change and Coastal Impacts is of most relevant to JCOMM, though many others (e.g. Near-term (decadal) Climate Prediction, and Carbon Feedbacks in the Climate System) have a significant ocean component. The Sea-Level Grand Challenge represents an integrated interdisciplinary program on sea level research reaching from the global to the regional and local scales, including the promotion of advances in observing systems required for integrated sea level monitoring. The GC also encourages close interaction with coastal communities to assure that results of the proposed scientific research are incorporated into practices of coastal zone management, and impacts and adaptation efforts. A major joint WCRP-IOC Joint Sea Level Conference was held on July 10-14 2017 at Columbia University in New York City.
WCRP and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) are jointly promoting a Polar Challenge (with many other co-sponsors), which will reward the first team to complete a 2000km continuous mission with an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) under the sea ice in the Arctic or Antarctic. The WCRP-FPA2 Polar Challenge, with prize money totalling 500,000 CHF, is a global competition challenging teams to push the boundaries of polar ocean monitoring capabilities and contribute towards the design of a cost-effective, autonomous and scalable ocean monitoring network for the Polar regions. See www.wcrp-climate.org/polarchallenge for further details.
WCRP has also worked closely with other various JCOMM Panels and Expert Teams to address key science questions in marine climate, such as the Coordinated Ocean Wave Climate Project (COWCLIP), and looks forward to exploring additional areas of mutual collaboration with JCOMM.
JCOMM-5/INF. 4.1(2), p. 3
An Integrated Research and Development Approach
Recognizing both the need for research communities to work together across a range of space and time scales (for example in the World Weather Research Programmes’ Year of Polar Prediction) and that the connections between research and operations should be made as efficient as possible, the WMO approved EC-69 Decision 9.1/1 on An Integrated Research and Development Approach which recognizes that although research and development and operations are distinctly different activities, the gap between them needs to be closed to exploit the best science for improving all components of the service value chain. It also recognizes that WCRP as well as the CAS programmes (WWRP and GAW) bring in the capabilities of a much larger community than those in NMHSs and those capabilities are fundamental for advancing the WMO services delivery strategy. Finally it requests technical commissions, scientific programmes, and regional associations to actively work to implement the endorsed principles.
______World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 5.1 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 General 27.IX.2017
Consolidated Summary Report on the Activities of JCOMM Services and Forecasting Systems Programme Area since JCOMM-4
Role of the Services and Forecasting Systems Programme Area
The JCOMM Services and Forecasting Systems Programme Area (SFSPA) acts as the main delivery area for JCOMM products and services, including those for the safety of ships and persons at sea and in the coastal zone. In meeting many of its objectives, SFSPA works very closely with other agencies including other UN Agencies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Hydrographic Office (IHO), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO) within the IMO framework, in the provision of Maritime Safety Information (MSI), for the support to and implementation of the World-Wide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS) and the World-Wide Navigational Warning Service (WWNWS). In addition, the SFSPA also works with the Atomic Energy Agency (AEA) in the provision of information to support operations related to nuclear incidents.
The role of the SFSPA is to focus primarily on its key outputs, which are managed through its Expert Team on Maritime Safety Services (ETMSS). These include responsibilities under the UN convention on the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) which obliges Members to provide forecasts at least twice daily. In addition, the Expert Team on Sea Ice (ETSI) provides a wide and comprehensive range of information for ships operating the Polar and sub-Polar regions, which are likely to become more relevant as the waters become less ice-bound through the year.
Other expert teams within SFSPA include:
• The Expert Team on Waves and Coastal Hazards (ETWCH) which focuses on the coastal zone, including storm surge and inundation issues and liaison with bodies in relation to tsunami forecasts and warnings, such as the IOC Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System (TOWS) Working Group and the WMO joint JCOMM/Commission for Hydrology (CHy) Coastal Inundation Demonstration Forecasting Project (CIFDP).
• The Expert Team on Operational Ocean Forecasting Systems (ETOOFS), which focuses on the development of capabilities in order to, ultimately, deliver ocean services to the marine community.
During the intersessional period, the SFSPA also had two Task Teams including:
• A Task Team whose role was to consider how to enhance the role of JCOMM in providing support in the event of Marine Environmental Emergencies (TT-MEER). It is becoming apparent that for this work to progress successfully, an increased level of collaboration will be required with other agencies, which may be beyond the level of resource within a task team and that a transformation to an expert team may be appropriate.
• A Task Team for Marine Competencies whose role was to develop a competency framework for marine weather forecasters, in-line with competency frameworks already in existence for aviation forecasters. The Task Team liaised with Members and completed their work in 2015. JCOMM-5/INF. 5.1, p. 2
Activities since JCOMM-4
(a) JCOMM Services and Forecasting Systems Programme Area (SFSPA)
Met in Tokyo in March 2013 and Geneva in March 2016. These sessions reviewed many of the items arising from JCOMM-4 including the introduction of Quality Management Standards, reviewing & updating reference manuals, specifically WMO-No. 471 and WMO-No.558, and progress with the enhancements to JCOMM support in the event of marine environmental emergencies. At the session in Tokyo, noting the limited progress with work on marine environmental emergencies, it was agreed to set up, as soon as possible, a task team to consider how best to move this forward and develop recommendations for the future framework and capabilities which WMO Members may provide in such emergencies. It should also be noted that, whilst it was not a specific JCOMM activity, members of the SFSPA engaged with the WMO “Marine Assessment” undertaken. SFSPA also started a dialogue between WMO and IHO with respect to cost recovery, driven by the request of WMO Members to investigate the benefits of cost recovery for marine services. Since JCOMM-4, SFSPA has been working with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems (CBS) Observation Programme Area Group (OPAG) for the Data Processing Forecasting System (DPFS) to introduce criteria in the Manual on Global Data-Processing Forecasting Systems (GDFPS) (WMO-No. 485) (see JCOMM-5/Doc. 9.5(2)), for designation of new marine related GDPFS Centres.
(b) Expert Team on Maritime Safety Services (ETMSS)
A meeting was held during March 2013 in Tokyo, Japan, to set the workplan for the intersessional period. The Expert Team last met in Helsinki, in March 2017. Key topics under consideration included the revision of reference documents WMO-No. 471 and WMO-No. 558. This topic was also the focus of two “ad-hoc” meetings, held in August 2014 and June 2015. Other considerations for ETMSS were the development of an on-line feedback survey, which could be conducted on a regular basis, the introduction of Quality Management Standards and Competencies for marine forecasters, specification of international weather information display for electronic charting (S-412), maintenance of documentation related to maritime safety information, and the continued collaboration with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) with regard to the provision of Maritime Safety Information (MSI). Regular video meetings have been set up since 2016, which is also open to METAREA Co-ordinators, thus strengthening the communication between ETMSS members and those implementing the maritime safety services.
The Task Team on Marine Competencies was created within ETMSS, with the Task Team drafting the marine competence requirements - adopted by Congress in its seventeenth session through Resolution 6 (Cg-17), 2015.
(c) Expert Team on Sea Ice (ETSI)
Key topics of the 5th session of ETSI (March 2014, Ottawa, Canada), included review and development of the WMO sea ice guidance material to answer emerging issues in the polar activities such as support for Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC) and the “Polar Code”. The session adopted the first version of the joint IHO/WMO “S-411 Ice Information Product Specification” (JCOMM-TR-081) as well as corresponding changes to the WMO Sea Ice Nomenclature (WMO-No. 259) and information exchange formats. The last (6th) ETSI session (March 2017, Helsinki, Finland), concentrated on specifications for sea ice and icebergs in the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS), Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW) CryoNet and implications of Polar Code to ice services. The Team continued to supervise sea ice climatology and the “Global Digital Sea Ice Data Bank” project which will be reinforced through the integration with JCOMM-IODE MCDS. The International Ice Charting Working Group (IICWG) remains the Team’s major technical advisory body. The “Ice Analyst Workshops” (IAW) supported jointly by the ETSI and IICWG remain a very effective mechanism for training and capacity building. The 5th IAW (Washington DC, USA, May 2016), JCOMM-5/INF. 5.1, p. 3 and mini-IAW (Hobart, Australia, September 2017), allowed extension of knowledge and resources (e.g. open source Bifrost ice analysis system) to the Southern Ocean. The Revision of the Sea-Ice Information Services in the World (WMO-No.574) is nearing completion, with expected publication in early 2018.
Both ETMSS and ETSI met jointly for one day in Helsinki, emphasizing the need to collaborate on areas of common interest in maritime safety services.
(d) Expert Team on Waves and Coastal Hazards (ETWCH)
This Team is tasked with providing advice to Members/Member States on the development of real time operational forecast capability for wind waves and, storm surge. The Team also develops technical advice and guidance material on wind wave and storm surge modelling, forecasting and service provision as part of marine multi-hazard warning systems.
The Team met in Paris, April 2013, and reviewed the agreed workplan for the 2012/2017 intersessional period. This includes a number of projects led by the Team itself, together with a number of projects to which the Team provides input. Key activities included the revision of the Guide to Wave Analysis and Forecasting (WMO-No.702) and reviewing the Guide to Storm Surge Forecasting (WMO-No.1076), a part of which was based on a user survey conducted in 2005. The Revision for the Guide to Wave Analysis and Forecasting (WMO-No. 702) is nearing completion, expected in 2018. At the request of ETMSS, the ETWCH was also tasked with developing a White Paper on Forecasting Dangerous Sea States.
The Team also participated with the Expert Team on Marine Climatology (ETMC) on issues specifically related to wave and surge climatology, including the Extreme Waves Data Set, development of wave climate indices and waves within the MCDS.
(e) The Expert Team on Operational Ocean Forecasting Systems (ETOOFS)
The main emphasis for the team intersessionally was to draft the Guide to Operational Ocean Forecasting, as instructed by JCOMM-3. This is a major piece of work which is now nearing completion, with expected publication in 2018.
(f) The Expert Team on Marine Environmental Emergencies (TT-MEER)
The work of the task team involved a review of existing capabilities within Members, together with the development of an appropriate global framework for providing support in the event of marine environmental emergencies. This also encompassed capabilities in respect of nuclear discharges – previous to this review, oil and hazardous and noxious substances had been the primary pollution consideration. The review was compliled in a Report, approved by JCOMM- MAN 13 (2017) along with a recommendation for the Task Team to become an Expert Team to carry on the progress.
The Commission is directed to various papers within JCOMM-5 which are related to the SFSPA. In particular, JCOMM-5/Doc. 5.1/1 identifies many of the issues which have arisen since JCOMM-4, and proposes a new structure to enable much of the work already undertaken, to progress effectively whilst taking into account the new international frameworks (eg, Sendai) and emerging issues in maritime safety services. For example, the work relating to marine environmental emergencies, has led to concerns that a task team may not be the best vehicle to develop a global framework of capabilities and services which may be put in place to provide support. A further suggested change is to remove ETWCH in place of an expert team that has greater focus on Disaster Risk Reduction in the marine and coastal zones, to align with the goals of the Sendai Framework. The new expert team would have scope for coastal and marine hazards, whilst any new requirements for wave services would be addressed in a task team when needed. The rationale for the new structure of the SFSPA is in JCOMM-5/Doc. 5.1/1. ______
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 11.X.2017
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF JCOMM DATA MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME AREA (DMPA)
REFERENCES:
Meeting reports: 1. WMO-IOC/JCOMM-4/3, WMO No. 1093, Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology, Fourth Session, Executive summary of the abridged final report with resolutions and recommendations (JCOMM-4, Yeosu, Republic of Korea, 28-31 May 2012) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =9774 2. JCOMM MR No. 96, Third Session of the IODE-JCOMM Expert Team on Data Management Practices (ETDMP-3, Oostende, Belgium, 16-19 October 2012) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =10037 3. JCOMM MR No. 94, Fourth Session of the Expert Team on Marine Climatology (ETMC-4, Oostende, Belgium, 26-28 November 2012) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =9935 4. JCOMM MR No. 112, Fifth Session of the JCOMM Data Management Coordination Group (DMCG-5, Geneva, Switzerland, 29-31 January 2014) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =14512 5. JCOMM TR No. 79, Proceedings of the Fourth JCOMM Workshop on Advances of Marine Climatology (CLIMAR-4) and of the First ICOADS Value-added Database (IVAD-1) Workshop (Asheville, North Carolina, USA, 9-12 June 2014, and 13 June 2014) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =15293 6. JCOMM MR No. 126, Fourth Session of the IODE-JCOMM Expert Team on Data Management Practices (ETDMP-4, Oostende, Belgium, 23-26 June 2014) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =16767 7. JCOMM MR No. 125, Fifth Session of the Expert Team on Marine Climatology (ETMC-5, Geneva, Switzerland, 22-25 June 2015) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =15891 JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 2
8. Fifth Session of the IODE-JCOMM Expert Team on Data Management Practices (ETDMP- 5, Oostende, Belgium, 22-24 June 2016) https://www.iode.org/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID=1 7613 9. Sixth Session of the JCOMM Data Management Coordination Group (DMCG-6, Oostende, Belgium, 27-28 June 2016) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =19981 10. JCOMM MR No. 133, Sixth Session of the Expert Team on Marine Climatology (ETMC-6, Southampton, UK, 19-21 July 2016) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =19768 11. JCOMM MR No. 131, Fourth International Workshop on the Advances in the Use of Historical Marine Climate Data (MARCDAT-4, Southampton, UK, 18-22 July 2016) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =19976 12. JCOMM MR No. 130, First Workshop on the WMO-IOC Centre for Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Climate Data (CMOC) in Tianjin, China (CMOC/China), Tianjin, China, 29 august – 1 September 2016. http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/amp/mmop/documents/1stCMOC- ChinaWorkshopsummaryreport.pdf 13. Twenty-fourth Session of the IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 28-31 March 2017), Summary Report. https://www.iode.org/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID=1 9058
Other documents and references 1. IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management(2017-2021) http://www.iode.org/mg77 2. WMO Information System (WIS) 2.0 Strategy http://wis.wmo.int/file=3003 3. Joint WMO and IOC Strategy for Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Data Management (2018-2021) [see draft Recommendation 6.1/1(JCOMM-5)]. 4. The Ocean Data Standards and Best Practices Project (ODSBP) http://www.oceandatastandards.org/ 5. OceanBestPractices (OBP) – Ocean Best Practices Repository of recommended community practices in oceanography and marine meteorology. http://www.oceanbestpractices.net/ 6. Ocean Data Portal http://www.oceandataportal.org/ 7. JCOMM-IODE Expert Team on Data Management Practices (ETDMP). https://iode.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=59&Itemid=100052 JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 3
INTRODUCTION This document provides a brief report on the JCOMM Data Management Programme Area (DMPA) activities since JCOMM-4 (Yeosu, Republic of Korea, 28-31 May 2012), noting the highlights of the intersessional period, specific challenges, and proposed actions. The primary objective of the DMPA is to implement a fully integrated end to end data management system across the marine meteorological and oceanographic community, in particular to address the requirements of the Observations Programme Area (OPA) and Services and Forecasting Systems Programme Area (SFSPA). Additionally, DMPA will offer its expertise to assist other groups such as the Ocean Observing Panel for Climate (OOPC) of the WMO-IOC-UNEP-ICSU Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) to specify and implement their own data management requirements, with the overall goal of integrating their data management into the overall end-to end data management system.
During the intersessional period, the following JCOMM meetings were organized under DMPA:
• Two meetings of the Data Management Coordination Group (2014, 2016),
• Three meetings of the Expert Team on Marine Climatology (2012, 2015, 2016),
• Three meetings of the joint IODE-JCOMM Expert Team on Data Management Practices (2012, 2014, 2016),
• One JCOMM Workshop on Advances of Marine Climatology (CLIMAR-4, 2014),
• One International Workshop on the Advances in the Use of Historical Marine Climate Data (MARCDAT-4, 2016),
• One Workshop on the WMO-IOC Centre for Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Climate Data (CMOC) in Tianjin, China (CMOC/China) (2016).
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERSESSIONAL PERIOD (JCOMM-4 to 2017):
JCOMM Data Management Strategy The Data Management Coordination Group has been working with the IODE and with the Observations Coordination Group (OCG) to develop a Joint WMO and IOC Strategy for Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Data Management (2018-2021) (see draft Recommendation 6.1/1(JCOMM-5)), hereafter called JCOMM Data Management Strategy. The Strategy is meant to evolve from and replace the JCOMM Data Management Plan and its Implementation Details, taking into account the over strategic framework of both WMO and IOC Organizations, and particularly the further development of the WMO Information System (WIS) and the WIS Strategy 2.0, as well as the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management (2017-2021). The new draft Data Management Strategy, which is being submitted to this JCOMM-5 Session for endorsement through draft Recommendation 6.1/1(JCOMM-5) is based on the interfaces of DMPA from and to the OPA and SFSPA, and overview of JCOMM three Programmes regarding data management issues. Collaboration with and contribution of IODE is also included in the Strategy. It takes into account new developments, including the proposed OCG data integration project using OPeNDAP, and the OpenGTS project. See JCOMM-5 Document 6.1 for further details. Marine Climate Data System (MCDS) Through Recommendation 2 (JCOMM-4), the Commission recommended implementation of a modernized scheme for the management of surface marine climatological data in conjunction with the US International Comprehensive Ocean Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS) inside the JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 4
MCDS. Further, JCOMM recommended implementation of a modernized scheme for the management of surface drifter data within the MCDS, replacing the former Responsible National Oceanographic Data Centre(RNODC)/ Data Buoy(DB) and the Specialized Oceanography Centre for Drifting Buoys (SOC/DB) and thereby declaring the Ocean Data Acquisition System (ODAS) Metadata System (ODASMS), and the SOC/DB to be obsolete. JCOMM-4 also recommended establishment of a network of IOC-WMO Centres for Marine- Meteorological and Oceanographic Climate Data (CMOCs) building on existing facilities as appropriate with the Terms of Reference1and adopt a mechanism for formal designation and withdrawal of CMOCs by WMO and IOC2. JCOMM-4 further recommended that the National Marine Data and Information Service (NMDIS) of the China State Oceanic Administration (SOA) and the DeutscherWetterdienst (DWD) undertake the functions of an CMOC on a trial basis and report on the results to JCOMM through the Management Committee. DMPA has made significant progress in developing the MCDS. Candidates for CMOC, GDAC and DAC centres have been identifies under the MCDS structure. Informal and formal discussions have taken place with number of candidate centres. One CMOC centre in China hosted by National Marine Data and Information Service, State Oceanic Administration(NMDIS/SAC) has been established (see WMO Resolution 36 (Cg-17)) and DMPA provided guidance in many areas with a heavy focus on the following tasks: 1. Data and metadata collection and cooperation with existing and future MCDS GDACS. 2. Historical data and metadata rescue. 3. Making data from China publicly available. First CMOC-China workshop was held in August 2016 (see references above for the meeting report). Other possible CMOC centres i.e. International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS), World Ocean Database (WOD) are under consideration. GDAC for drifting buoys (Canada) is being established. Canada has confirmed its commitment in this regard. Official application from the Ocean Science branch of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to operate a GDAC for drifting buoys has been evaluated by the evaluation committee of MCDS and the recommendation for approval by JCOMM is included in JCOMM-5 Document No. 6.3. The Global Collecting Centres operated by United Kingdom and Germany are being upgraded to GDACs. Progress has also been made in developing regulatory and guidance material for the MCDS, and proposal is being made to this JCOMM Session with a complete re-write of the Marine Climatology chapters of WMO No. 558, and WMO No. 471. These include the Terms of Reference of the Data Acquisition Centres (DACs) and Global Data Assembly Centres (GDACs) together with definition of their governance and selection process and criteria. See also JCOMM-5 Document No. 6.3 for further details. IODE Ocean Data Portal (IODE ODP) Through Recommendation 3 (JCOMM-4), the Commission recommended that DMPA and the IODE-JCOMM Expert Team on Data Management Practices (ETDMP) further support and assist the IODE Ocean Data Portal (IODE ODP) operations and development including the technology infrastructure and training activities. Additionally IODE and DMPA are to further develop synergies between IODE ODP and the WMO Information System (WIS), especially in terms of (i) WMO and IOC data policies, and (ii) implementation of ODP and the implementation of WIS nodes so as to avoid duplication.
1 file://internal.wmo.int/UserData/Redirected/cgallage/Downloads/218414e.pdf 2file://internal.wmo.int/UserData/Redirected/cgallage/Downloads/218414e.pdf JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 5
During the intersessional period, the IODE Ocean Data Portal activity focused primarily on support for existing node and data providers. Technology and content upgrades were incorporated into the ODP global node and Sistema Nacional de Datos del Mar (SNDM) regional node. The Ocean Data and Information Network (ODIN) for the Western Pacific region (ODINWESTPAC) regional ODP node is currently active with initial data contributions currently accessible, and mobilization of data in support of the ODIN for Africa (ODINAFRICA) regional node continues. The ODIN for the Black Sea region (ODINBLACKSEA) regional ODP node is in the process of being re-established. The ODP team has continued to participate in the brokering activity within Ocean Data Interoperability Platform (ODIP), and collaborate with EMODNet Physics, SeaDataNet, and WMO in order facilitate the exchange of data with other systems and to contribute to the development and promotion of standards and best practices. The ongoing challenges with increasing the network of ODP node and data providers resulted in a review of the state of the ODP and a follow-up discussion with the IODE Officers in January 2016. As a result of this review, the team has been working with EMODNet Physics as an initial demonstration for how the ODP activity can be realigned to better promote and leverage other established systems and programs, while supporting IODE stakeholders in improving discovery and access to their marine data. An MoU was also signed between the Russian Federation’s ROSHYDROMET and IOC regarding the “Partnership Centre for the IODE Ocean Data Portal” would expire (5 years after its signature) on 27 March 2018. In accordance with the MoU “UNESCO/IOC and Roshydromet will review the contribution of the Partnership Centre for the IODE ODP to the objectives and activities of the IODE prior to the expiry of this Memorandum of Understanding. The results of the review will be submitted for consideration to the IODE Committee that oversees the activities of the Partnership Centre for the IODE ODP. The Twenty-fourth Session of the IODE Committee (March 2017) took steps to prepare modalities for the review of the contribution of the Partnership Centre for the IODE ODP for approval by the IODE Co-Chairs by the end of 2017. A report will be published by the 25th Session of the IODE Committee in 2019. See also JCOMM-5 Document No. 6.2 for further details. Integration of Meteorological and Oceanographic Services within WMO and IOC Information Systems In recognition of the critical need for improved interoperability of marine meteorological and oceanographic data and metadata standards, ocean analysis and forecast products standards in compliance with WIGOS/WIS requirements, JCOMM in close collaboration with IODE/IOC set up a cross cutting Task Team for Integrated Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services within WIS (TT-MOWIS). The work and progression of the Task Team was led by the secretariat for Services and Forecasting Systems Programme Area. TT-MOWIS has developed a work plan for integration and interoperability of marine data with WIS, including proposed governance for establishing marine DCPCs. Kick-off meeting of TT-MOWIS led by SFSPA was held at WMO in Geneva, Switzerland during 12-14 April 2016. Objectives of the task team were to (i) address the WIS related legacy of the JCOMM Pilot Project for the “Integration or Marine and other Appropriate Oceanographic Observations into WIGOS, (ii) build on the identified architecture and recommendations in the report on Data Systems relevant to JCOMM Activities, (iii) make recommendations to improve the interoperability of the Near Real Time and Delayed Mode marine meteorological and oceanographic data standards, ocean analysis and forecasting product standards in line with the WIS requirements, (iv) where gaps exist, develop requirements for near-real-time data delivery standards supporting marine meteorological and oceanographic analysis and forecast services, (v) where gaps exist, and in cooperation with the Ocean Observations Panel for Climate, develop requirements for near real-time observational data delivery standards in the JCOMM OPA, DMPA and linked programmes, (vi) make recommendations for the development ocean analyses and forecasting products data delivery standards, and (vii) submit a draft of JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 6
“JCOMM Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Integrated System requirements for the relevant components of WIS” to the JCOMM Management Committee. Following up from the outcome of this meeting, and the development of the JCOMM Data Management Strategy (see above), including consideration of the future Ocean Data Information System (ODIS), this JCOMM-5 Session is invited to establish a JCOMM Inter- Programme Expert Team for Integrated Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services within WMO and IOC Information Systems (IPET-MOIS) that will formally sit under the Data Management Programme Area. See also JCOMM-5 Document No. 8.2, and Information document No. 8.2 for further details. Provision Of Ocean Instrument/Platform Metadata Through Recommendation 1 (JCOMM-4) on the Provision of Ocean Instrument/Platform metadata, the Commission recommended the JCOMM in situ Observations Programme Support Centre (JCOMMOPS) to routinely contact platform operators so that the metadata are being submitted to the relevant CMOC(s), including for operational platforms and for historical ones. JCOMM-4 further recommended Members/Member States to record and provide through the appropriate mechanisms, including CMOCs – once established – on a routine basis required metadata about ocean instruments and observing platforms that they operate while providing the functions of the ODASMS into their CMOC should they establish one. JCOMMOPS has been the central location for collection of core metadata for Oceanographic platforms. It is the metadata repository for the platforms operated under the Argo, Data buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP), Ship Observing Team (SOT) and GO-SHIP Programs. JCOMMOPS is progressing towards to establish machine to machine metadata transfer with the OSCAR/Surface (oscar.wmo.int) database of WIGOS Metadata. Machine to machine interface is not fully operational yet due to the requirement of additional developments. See also JCOMM-5 Document No. 6.2 for further details. Ocean Data Standards The IODE Ocean Data Standards and Best Practices project (ODSBP) is replacing the former JCOMM/IODE Ocean Data Standards Pilot Project. The objective of the ODSBP is to achieve broad agreement and commitment to adopt a number of standards and best practices related to ocean data management and exchange. JCOMM DMPA is contributing to this project. The activities of the project includes (i) the development and management of a process for the reception, reviewing and recommending of standards and best practices, based upon the process developed by the Ocean Data Standards Pilot Project, (ii) promotion and monitoring of the usage of recommended standards and practices in the relevant communities, (iii) regularly reviewing and revising recommended standards and best practices based upon feedback from the relevant communities, (iv) maintaining an online catalogue of best practices, enabling easy discovery and downloading of these documents by users (e.g. JCOMM Catalogue of practices and standards). The project is actively liaising with relevant communities, programmes and projects such as: • the IODE Ocean Data Portal (ODP), • the IODE-JCOMM Expert Team on Data Management Practices (ETDMP) and its Metadata Task Team, • the SeaDataNet and its Technical Task Team, • the Joint IODE/IAMSLIC Group of Experts on Marine Information Management (IODE/IAMSLIC GE-MIM), • the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) Steering Group, • the Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Program (GTSPP), • the ICSU World Data System (WDS), JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 7
• the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS), • the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). At present moment three standards have been reviewed and accepted 1. Recommendation for a Quality Flag Scheme for the Exchange of Oceanographic and Marine Meteorological Data - published in April 2013 (IOC MG 54 Vol. 3). 2. Recommendation to Adopt ISO 8601 as the standard for the representation of dates and times in Oceanographic Data Exchange – published in February 2011 (IOC MG 54 Vol. 2) 3. Recommendation to Adopt ISO 3166-1 and 3166-3 Country Codes as the Standard for Identifying Countries in Oceanographic Data Exchange – published in January 2010 (IOC MG 54 Vol. 1) Seven additional proposals on data exchange format, metadata profiles and Cruise summary reports descriptions submitted from SeaDataNet and ODIP EU Projects in 2015 are under expert review procedure. The IODE/ODSBP Steering Group has been requested to reconsider the review process in order to speed up the final outcome. See also JCOMM-5 Document No. 6.2 for further details. Ocean Best Practices Repository Organizations and expert communities in marine data and information management have been generating and publishing best practices, but, there has always been a lack of an exclusively best practices repository. OceanBestPractice (formerly OceanDataPractices) provides a secure, permanent document (and other objects) repository for research groups to search and find community accepted existing ocean best practices. This service also invites the ocean research, observation and data/information management communities to submit their own best practice documents to share globally with their colleagues. The name of the repository was changed in June 2017 to OceanBestPractices in response to a growing need for global and sustainable ocean best practice management (not just ocean data and information), being articulated by national and international organizations and projects. The successful implementation of the OceanDataPractices repository is a contribution to the wider remit of the ODSBP Project. ODIP has also approached OBP about using OBP as the official repository for ODIP project documents. The Twenty-fourth Session of the IODE Committee (March 2017) decided to actively promote OceanBestPractices at the widest level possible and to encourage organizations and expert bodies to deposit best practice documents in the repository. This JCOMM-5 Session is invited to do the same. See also JCOMM-5 Document No. 6.2 for further details. Marine Climatology workshops The series of JCOMM Workshops on Advances of Marine Climatology (CLIMAR) is meant for users and developers of marine climatological data and datasets. Three previous workshops have been held, the first in 1999 (Vancouver, Canada) followed by Workshops in 2003 (Brussels, Belgium) and 2008 (Gdynia, Poland). These workshops have all had a common theme of: reviewing on-going developments in marine (oceanographic and meteorological) climatology, ranging from data management and governance practices to the generation and exploitation of climate datasets; and to seek and compile appropriate contributions for revisions of the Advances in the Applications of Marine Climatology (JCOMM TR No. 13)—which constitutes the Dynamic Part of the WMO Guide to the Applications of Marine Climatology (WMO/TD-No. 781). The latest Release 2 (August 2013) of this publication recently became freely available via the WMO website3.
3 http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/amp/mmop/documents/J-TR-13-REV2.html JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 8
Based on the success of the series of CLIMAR workshops, JCOMM-4 (Yeosu, Republic of Korea, May 2012) agreed to the proposal for a fourth such workshop, CLIMAR-4. At the kind invitation of USA, CLIMAR-4 took place in Asheville, North Carolina, USA from 9 to 12 June 2014. The major Goals of CLIMAR-4 were: (i) to highlight the societal benefits of the applications of marine climatology, including for climate services; (ii) to review the needs of the scientific and operational communities for marine climate data and products; (iii) to assess the state of the marine climate data component of the global climate observing system, identify gaps, and provide guidance on how to address them; (iv) to review ongoing developments in the integration of observations across multiple observing domains (land - lower atmosphere / surface ocean - deep ocean - space); and (v) to encourage submissions to the Dynamic Part of the WMO Guide to the Applications of Marine Climatology. Invited and contributed presentations explored recent advances in marine climatology and its applications. Sessions were organized on (i) the applications of marine climatology, (ii) air-sea interaction, (iii) waves and storm surges, (iv) oceanographic data, (v) surface temperatures, (vi) the characteristics of the observing system(s), (vii) data recovery and management initiatives, and (viii) quality control. Plenary sessions were also organized by selected panels from the workshop on (i) the applications of marine climatology, (ii) extreme indices, and (iii) future priorities. A number of recommendations were made and recorded in the proceedings of the Workshop JCOMM TR No. 79. Alongside the main meeting, a celebration was held of the fifteenth anniversary of the 1963 Marine Climatological Summaries Scheme (MCSS). In addition, on Friday 13 June, a first workshop was held focused on the ICOADS Value Added Database (IVAD-1) project. Apart from these proceedings, a special issue of the International Journal of Climatology (Royal Meteorological Society, UK) containing a selection of peer-reviewed papers from CLIMAR-4 was be published. This special issue, representing the latest update of Advances in the Applications of Marine Climatology, became freely available on the WMO website two years after publication to a wider readership. The Fourth International Workshop on the Advances in the Use of Historical Marine Climate Data (MARCDAT-4) met at the UK National Oceanography Centre, UK, from the 18 to 22 July 2016. This meeting bought together 51 participants to discuss recent advances in the use of historical marine climate data and, in particular, the International Comprehensive Ocean- Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS). The goals of the meeting were twofold: (i) to share and discuss recent advances on the use of historical marine climate data, including: improved understanding of the error characteristics of the data; how the observing system is evolving and the use of satellite data; how best to analyze and extract maximum information from the marine climate data; and how the analyzed products are used; and (ii) to discuss current issues in the use and provision of marine climate data and as a community make recommendations back to the providers of the data and those collecting the observations. To meet this end the meeting was organized around seven broad themes, with recent advances and research presented, and three breakout sessions where current issues were discussed. The themes were: (1) Data homogenization, (2) Quantification and estimation of uncertainty, (3) Integrating In-situ and satellite data sources, (4) Reconstructing past-climates (methods), (5) Reconstructing past climates (products), (6) Reconstructing past climates (applications), and (7) Data management, recovery and processing. The book of abstracts, and a selection of the presentations, can be found on the meeting website (http://icoads.noaa.gov/marcdat4/). The main recommendations recorded in the meeting report (JCOMM MR No. 131) focused: on maintaining the climate observing system, including continuity of observations and observance of the GCOS climate monitoring principles; improving the provision of observational metadata for both historical and contemporary observations; improved documentation of the underlying datasets and formats.
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 11.X.2017
This JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2) refers to JCOMM-5/Doc. 6.1(1)
DRAFT GUIDANCE ON WIGOS DATA PARTNERSHIPS
Contents 1 Introduction ...... 2
2 Purpose and Scope ...... 2 2.1 Purpose and Scope of Guidance ...... 2 2.2 Explanation of Terms ...... 3 2.3 Intended audience ...... 3 2.4 Future updates of this guidance ...... 3 3 Principles ...... 3 3.1 Data Sharing for Mutual Benefit ...... 3 3.1.1 NMHSs ...... 4 3.1.2 Non-NMHS Operators ...... 4 3.2 WIGOS Observational Data Quality ...... 5 3.3 Roles and Responsibilities ...... 6 3.3.1 NMHSs ...... 7 3.3.2 Regional Associations and Regional WIGOS Centres ...... 7 4 General Guidance ...... 8 4.1 Non-NMHS observational data of relevance to WIGOS and national observing systems 8 4.1.1 WIGOS Requirements ...... 8 4.1.2 National Observational Requirements ...... 8 4.2 Data Use and Sharing ...... 9 4.3 Legal Considerations (liability) ...... 10 4.4 Establishing and Sustaining Observation Partnerships ...... 10 4.4.1 Commercial Arrangements ...... 11 5 Technical Guidance ...... 11 5.1 WIGOS Station Identifiers ...... 11 5.2 WIGOS Metadata ...... 12 5.3 OSCAR/Surface – WIGOS metadata data entry and maintenance ...... 14 5.4 Mechanisms for exchange of observational data ...... 14 5.4.1 Exchange Format ...... 15 5.4.2 Data Access Mechanisms ...... 15 5.5 WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring and Incident Management ...... 16 5.6 Technical Management of Constrained-Use Observations ...... 17 5.7 Archive ...... 18 5.8 Cyber Security ...... 19 6 Annex 1 – A Model for Non-NMHS Observational Data Exchange ...... 22
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 2
1 INTRODUCTION
The WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WIGOS) provides a framework for WMO to define and manage the weather, water, and climate observations required to support its programmes. In particular, WIGOS enables the integration of data from a diversity of observing systems into a composite set of observations to support a broad range of WMO applications areas.
WIGOS provides a framework to integrate WMO observing systems: the Global Observing System (GOS), the observing components of Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) and Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW), and the World Hydrological Observing System (WHOS), including their surface- based and space-based components, which includes all WMO contributions to co-sponsored systems (GCOS, GOOS, GTOS) and the GFCS and GEOSS. These have historically been operated by National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and established partners. WIGOS also now encourages and enables the integration of observations from NMHS and non-traditional sources including other government organizations, non-governmental organizations, research institutions, volunteer networks, and private sector operators.
One of the aims of WIGOS is to provide a comprehensive set of reliable, authoritative, and trusted observations to support improved service delivery among WMO Members. At the same time the WIGOS framework is seen as an opportunity to strengthen national observing systems to better support national objectives, needs and priorities.
2 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
2.1 Purpose and Scope of Guidance
The overall purpose of WIGOS guidance material is to provide practical advice to Members on the interpretation and application of the technical regulations contained in Volume I (WMO-No.49) and the Manual on the WMO Integrated Global Observing System (WMO-No. 1160)1 (hereafter referred to as “the Manual on WIGOS”). The purpose of this document is to provide specific guidance related to incorporating and sharing observations from non-NMHS sources into the WIGOS framework. It highlights the potential benefits and challenges of data from non-NMHS providers, and clarifies the roles and expectations of NMHSs in integrating these data in compliance with WIGOS technical regulations.
In keeping with the incremental approach to WIGOS implementation, this guidance has an initial focus on surface-based meteorological observations (primarily from manual and automatic weather stations), although the principles and general guidance are broadly applicable to other observation types. These surface stations are considered to be the most numerous and widely available sources of non-NMHS observations and therefore represent a significant opportunity to enhance overall national (and in turn global) observation sets. Furthermore, several specialized WMO communities are already migrating their observing programmes to be compliant with WIGOS (e.g., GAW, JCOMM, others), including with their non-NMHS partner organizations.
The implementation of WIGOS, including the integration of observations from non-NMHS sources, is related to and influenced by a large number of activities across WMO that are related to and complement this guidance. Some examples of related activities include the development of the Vision for WIGOS in 2040, the observational requirements to support the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS) and the implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), various activities to strengthen data management practices within several Technical
1 http://library.wmo.int/pmb_ged/wmo_1160_en.pdf
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 3
Commissions, and the Commission on Basic Systems Led Review on Emerging Data Issues, among many.
2.2 Explanation of Terms
Within WIGOS, ‘observational data’ refers to the result of the evaluation of one or more elements of the physical environment, and 'observational metadata' is descriptive data about observational data - information that is needed to assess and interpret observations or to support design and management of observing systems and networks. This information may be represented in paper or electronic format, but observational data and metadata now predominantly refers to electronic representations handled by information and communication technology (ICT).
In this guidance ‘non-NMHS observational data’ refers to observational data and metadata that are collected by organizations outside an NMHS. ‘Non-NMHS operators’ and ‘partners’ refers to the organizations or individuals outside NMHSs which operate observing systems or networks. The nature of the relationship between an NMHS and a non-NMHS operator can vary widely - from a partnership for mutual benefit to a commercial contract - however the generic term ‘partnership’ is used in this document to cover the full range of these relationships.
2.3 Intended audience
This guidance presents both general and technical information related to the integration of observational data from non-NMHS sources into WIGOS.
Sections 3 and 4 are intended primarily for use by NMHS Directors and NMHS senior management. These sections provide the Principles and General Guidance of relevance to NMHSs in establishing and maintaining partnerships with non-NMHS operators.
Section 5 is intended primarily for use by NMHS observing system managers. This section provides Technical Guidance on how to integrate observational data from non-NMHS operators in compliance with the Manual on WIGOS.
2.4 Future updates of this guidance
As WIGOS evolves through its Pre-operational and Operational Phases the guidance will be updated. In addition this core guidance will be supplemented by a growing body of case studies, best practices, and outreach materials as the experience of Members with non-NMHS observations within WIGOS expands.
3 PRINCIPLES
3.1 Data Sharing for Mutual Benefit
Observational data from non-NMHS sources are of high interest as a supplement to NMHS observations in order to optimize the observing networks and to improve the quality and value of NMHS and WMO products and services. Yet there must also be motivation for non-NMHS providers, from both the public and private sectors, to make their data available to NMHSs and potentially to the international WMO community. A key principle of successful and sustained observation partnerships is the recognition of mutual benefit, including improved mutual understanding and strengthened collaboration.
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 4
3.1.1 NMHSs NMHSs are typically supported by their national governments to establish and operate an observing system to support their core mandate. Depending on the national situation, the NMHS is typically responsible for weather and climate observations, and may also be responsible for hydrologic, ocean, and other observations. The increased demand for hydrometeorological services and products at ever finer spatial scales has led to a growing demand for spatially denser and more integrated observations across these domains. At the same time many NMHSs are facing increasing logistical and economic challenges in supporting their current observing systems, and they may be unable on their own to deploy observing networks that meet these new requirements. In this context it is logical for NMHSs to look to non-NMHS operators as sources of observational data.
The overarching goal of NMHSs in gaining access to more observational data is to maintain pace with user expectations and to improve the quality and value of NMHS products and services. Furthermore, there is the broader goal to improve the quality of global products and services through the exchange of observational data across WMO in compliance with WMO regulations. In this context the motivations of NMHSs to enter into observational data partnerships include:
- fill observation gaps o to increase the density and timeliness of observations especially in high impact locations or observation sparse regions, or to observe variables not provided by NMHS-operated systems o to improve access to real-time observations of current conditions for situational awareness and now-casting - cost-efficiency o to gain access to observations at no- or low-cost through contributions by non- NMHS operators o to gain access to observing sites that offer power and communications capabilities provided by a non-NMHS operator o to gain access to secure and monitored observing sites for station installation (e.g., to prevent vandalism) o to reduce the infrastructure and operating costs through contracted versus NMHS- operated stations - strengthen national observing capabilities o to establish a more complete and robust national observing system to support a wide diversity of NMHS and other national applications o improve observation quality assessment and quality control by using redundant and/or diverse sources of observational data o to raise the overall quality and reliability of observational data from non-NMHS sources through outreach, training, promotion of standards, and potentially national policies or regulations - strengthen NMHS leadership and visibility o to demonstrate national leadership through broad engagement and coordination, including with the general public o to strengthen the commitment and effectiveness of the mission of the NMHS o to reduce the occurrence of complaint or criticism through active engagement and participation
3.1.2 Non-NMHS Operators Non-NMHS operators have invested in observing systems to meet the specific needs of their organizations or for other interests. Non-NMHS operators may include other government organizations, research institutions, the commercial sector, academia, voluntary organizations, and private citizens. The needs of these operators vary widely depending on the type of organization and its application; consequently the motivations to share observational data with NMHSs or internationally with WMO Members are also very diverse.
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 5
The motivations for non-NMHS operators to enter into observational data partnerships with NMHSs include: - operational requirements o observational data that are contributed to NMHSs and WMO improves the weather, water, and climate products and services that support their operational needs or interests - access to other observations o observational data are contributed to NMHSs in order to leverage access to a larger pool of contributed observations from national sources, or to access the global observational data exchanged among WMO Members - business opportunity o the commercial sector wishes to sell or licence observational data to NMHSs for profit-making o the development and provision of hydrometeorological services and products - association with a public-good programme o the visible contribution of observational data to a recognized national or international public-good programmes lends significant credibility to many observing programmes and is frequently leveraged to justify sustained funding - quality assurance and observational data management o observational data are contributed in exchange for authoritative quality assessment by the NMHS, and/or for long-term preservation in climate archives - technical support o observational data are contributed in exchange for authoritative guidance and assistance from the NMHS on technical matters such as equipment, station configurations, standards, calibration and maintenance - volunteerism o observational data are contributed by organizations or citizens who contribute to the public good or scientific record - operational support o organizations seek to transfer station operations to NMHSs in cases where they have resources to buy equipment, but have no technical capability to operate them
Because there is mutual benefit, many observational data partnerships are voluntary and rely on the mutual interest and good will of the participants to make the partnership work. Nevertheless, well documented agreements with non-NMHS operators to define and manage the partnership are common and are highly recommended. These arrangements can vary greatly in their specific content, formality, and enforceability - ranging from best-effort Memoranda of Understanding, to more formal Letters of Agreement, to legally-binding contracts. See Section 4.4 – Establishing and Sustaining Observation Partnerships.
3.2 WIGOS Observational Data Quality
Observation quality is one of the most frequently expressed concerns about observational data from non-NMHS sources. Knowledge of the quality of observations is an important factor in the credibility and authority of NMHS and WMO products and services, so the use of non-NMHS observational data obtained without sound knowledge of the procedures used for collection and processing is considered by many as a risk to the quality of NMHS and WMO programmes.
The historic approach by WMO to observational data quality has been a ‘controlled and documented quality’ approach. Quality is managed through well-defined, end-to-end technical standards and recommended practices and procedures to which NMHSs and other operators are expected to adhere, thereby controlling quality through rigorous process. In practice, some NMHSs are unable to fully support the end-to-end processes and the actual quality of NMHS observational data is not well documented and not completely known. For non-NMHS
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 6 observational data, many operators are unaware, unable, or unwilling to adhere to WMO standards which are often considered too stringent or expensive for their internal requirements. As a result the real quality of much non-NMHS observational data is largely unknown.
On the other hand there are many non-NMHS organizations that operate well-controlled systems to high standards and provide high-quality, well documented observational data. These are operators where the end applications demand high and verifiable quality to meet the requirements for the application or to satisfy a regulatory requirement (e.g., aviation, road weather, wind energy, hydrologic flow estimates). For example, some organizations operate under the ISO/IEC 17025:2005 standard (General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories) to satisfy their business requirements. Less formal approaches to encourage the adoption of standards also exist, such as the practice by MeteoSwiss to develop voluntary agreements on observing system operations with a variety of operators2 .
To address the issue of observational data quality WIGOS has adopted an approach based on the principle of documented ‘known quality’. This approach seeks to maximize the descriptive metadata associated with an observation in order to allow the user to examine how the observational data was produced and to assess its appropriateness for the intended application. This approach accommodates the real-world variability of observational data from a large number of different observing system operators and supports the informed use of observations for multiple purposes.
The WIGOS Metadata Standard (Manual on WIGOS3) defines a set of descriptive elements concerning station siting, instruments, methods of observation, processing, and calibration and maintenance among other parameters. It is a comprehensive set of metadata that permits the assessment of observations for a wide variety of operational and research applications. While WMO specifies observation standards and recommended practices for specific applications (e.g., synoptic observations, aviation, climate, hydrometric, etc. - which should still be adhered to the greatest extent possible), the WIGOS Metadata standard does allow observations that are not fully compliant with those standards to be described and usefully applied within NMHS and WMO programmes.
The adaptability of WIGOS to a range of observation systems and practices is especially relevant to non-NMHS operators where compliance with equipment and operating standards is known to be uneven or lacking. The provision of metadata is a fundamental requirement of WIGOS, and adherence to the WIGOS Metadata Standard is mandatory for data to be exchanged internationally by WMO. NMHSs, however, may choose to permit the use of a sub-set of the standard in order to simplify and encourage the exchange of observations for national applications (see Sect 5.2 – Technical Guidance – WIGOS Metadata).
3.3 Roles and Responsibilities
The successful integration and use of observations from multiple sources requires the actions of several entities within the WIGOS framework. These include NMHSs, regional associations, and Regional WIGOS Centres (RWCs).
2 http://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/home/measurement-and-forecasting-systems/land-based- stations/automatisches-messnetz/certification-of-monitoring-stations.html [to be substituted with the future CIMO Report when complete] 3 http://library.wmo.int/pmb_ged/wmo_1160_en.pdf
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 7
3.3.1 NMHSs As national authorities for weather, water and climate information NMHSs have a national leadership role in the continued improvement of observational data and the implementation of national observing programs which build on WIGOS principles and practices.
The principal roles of NMHSs with respect to non-NMHS observational data include: - lead the implementation of WIGOS at the national level through the development and application of a National Observing Strategy and a National WIGOS Implementation Plan - manage the assignment of WIGOS Station Identifiers for national stations - engage and encourage national non-NMHS operators to contribute their observational data and metadata to a consolidated pool of observations for the benefit of all at the national, regional, or global level - articulate and explore with non-NMHS operators the benefits of contributing observational data to NMHS and WMO programmes - develop and maintain agreements with non-NMHS operators using suitable mechanisms (e.g., MOUs, contracts, etc.) which articulate the benefits of the partnership and which specify the roles and responsibilities of the participants - encourage and support the use of WIGOS standards (such as the WIGOS metadata standard) and tools (such as OSCAR/Surface) to the greatest extent possible for national observational data - assess the relevance, quality, and sustainability of non-NMHS observational data to support national and global programmes - for observations of high global value, facilitate non-NMHS operators to be compliant with WIGOS standards in order to enable the international exchange of useful observations - support outreach and training on WIGOS to non-NMHS partners, for instance on WIGOS standards and recommended practices and procedures, observational data exchange mechanisms, coordination with other operators, etc. - support effective observational data management, and/or observational data sharing - encourage and support the implementation of adequate network security mechanisms
3.3.2 Regional Associations and Regional WIGOS Centres Regional associations and WIGOS Regional Centres are uniquely positioned to support WIGOS implementation beyond national borders.
The principal roles of regional associations with respect to non-NMHS observations include: - management of the Regional Basic Synoptic Network (RBSN) and the Regional Basic Climatological Network (RBCN) and the anticipated future transition to a Regional Basic Observing Network (RBON) - identify issues and opportunities of regional importance where cross-border coordination of non-NMHS observations would be beneficial (e.g., across international watersheds, e.g., La Plata Basin WIGOS-SAS case study) - establish regional/sub-regional coordination mechanisms to support cross-border WIGOS activities, including the coordination of observational data from non-NMHS sources and, potentially, coordinate the response to observational data incidents identified by the WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring System (WDQMS)
In addition Regional WIGOS Centres (RWCs) will play a critical role in advancing the implementation of WIGOS within their region (or sub-region) and will be providing regional coordination and technical support to Members
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 8
4 GENERAL GUIDANCE
4.1 Non-NMHS observational data of relevance to WIGOS and national observing systems
The overall aim of gaining access to observational data from non-NMHS sources is to increase the number of relevant observations to support national and WMO programs. But what kind of observational data should be pursued and what factors should be considered in assessing non- NMHS observational data opportunities?
4.1.1 WIGOS Requirements The observational requirements to support WMO programmes are established through the Rolling Review of Requirements process4 and critical gaps in the observing system are identified in Statements of Guidance. For Members, the key reference for observational requirements and systems for WIGOS is the Observing Systems Capability Analysis and Review Tool (OSCAR).
The OSCAR/Requirements database5 is the official repository of requirements for the observation of geophysical variables in support of all activities of WMO and its various co- sponsored Programmes. The database provides a listing of the observational requirements for all WMO application areas (as listed in the Manual on WIGOS). The geophysical variables are described, as well as minimum and desirable figures for the uncertainty of the measurement, resolution, frequency and timeliness.
The OSCAR/Surface module6 is the official repository of WIGOS metadata for all surface-based observing stations and platforms registered with the WMO. The module provides a description of the observing site (through WIGOS metadata) and an interactive map to display the geographic location of observing sites. It is mandatory that stations be registered in OSCAR/Surface for data from that station to be exchanged internationally.
These tools may be used to support assessments of the adequacy of existing observing systems to meet the requirements for specific application areas, and to identify parameter and geographic gaps. Future releases of OSCAR are planned to include some level of automated analysis tool to provide further assistance with such assessments.
4.1.2 National Observational Requirements WMO Members frequently have observational requirements beyond those specified in OSCAR in order to support national programmes and priorities. These observations are typically required to support more geographically-detailed information, and/or to support applications of high national impact such as agriculture, transportation, or flood forecasting. The requirements are driven by the needs of the specific application, the local environment and climatology, and by the national importance of the application.
National or local observational requirements may or may not be formalized, but local importance has often already provided the motivation to non-NMHS organizations to establish their own observing capabilities – for instance by agriculture or water management agencies. As a result, existing non-NMHS operated observing systems are often already well aligned with national or local interests and likely to be of high relevance to NMHSs as well. These observations may also help address gaps in meeting WMO requirements and the opportunity for international exchange of these data should be pursued. Citizen-operated or other stand-alone sites may also provide additional sources of observational data to supplement institutional observing capabilities.
4 Rolling Review of Requirements and Statements of Guidance 5 https://www.wmo-sat.info/oscar/observingrequirements 6 https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/index.html
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 9
4.2 Data Use and Sharing
Per the WMO Convention, Members of the Organization have committed to ‘facilitate worldwide cooperation in the establishment of networks of stations for the making of meteorological observations as well as hydrological and other geophysical observations related to meteorology’7, and through their adoption of Resolution 40 (Cg-XII)8 to ‘broadening and enhancing the free and unrestricted international exchange of meteorological and related data and products’, and through their adoption of Resolution 25 (Cg-XIII)9 to ‘broadening and enhancing, whenever possible, the free and unrestricted international exchange of hydrological data and products, in consonance with the requirements for WMO’s scientific and technical programmes’. Resolution 60 (Cg-17)10 further extends these principles to the exchange of climate observational data to support the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS).
Alongside these long-standing commitments WMO Members also approved the Manual on WIGOS including the Observing Network Design Principles. One of these principles explicitly describes the expectation to make observational data available: ‘Observing networks should be designed and should evolve in such a way as to ensure that the observations are made available to other WMO Members, at space-time resolutions and with a timeliness that meet the needs of regional and global applications.’
It is clear therefore that the case for increasing the amount of observational data that is shared is very strong, and indeed is the underpinning infrastructure on which the services of NMHSs are built. It is also clear, however, that there remain significant barriers to the free exchange of observational data. A foundational principle of WIGOS is to expand the global observing systems beyond those historically operated by NMHSs and to include networks operated by other entities, public as well as private. These additional networks may operate under a wide range of data policies:
• Some governments have committed to releasing taxpayer-funded data under an open licence, either through the auspices of an Open Data Charter or an equivalent instrument. This simplifies the use and exchange of data, including observational data, from these sources because there are few restrictions on use or re-use.
• Private operators are increasingly offering their observations (typically surface-based, GPS- Radio Occultation, and aircraft data) to NMHSs for use in the generation of products and services. The license terms are typically more restrictive than those in the above category and they may not allow onward sharing and exchange. Members are encouraged to pursue licence terms that at minimum support Members’ obligations regarding the exchange of observational data, and wherever possible permit the Open or broadest exchange.
• There has been a significant increase in the amount of observational data generated by private citizens in recent years. Data policies are often imposed by the operators of the data portal to which the individual chooses to submit their observations (e.g. Weather Underground). The sharing of these observational data amongst NMHSs can be challenging, however the observations are often free to view and download via the web.
7 Basic Documents (WMO-No. 1), WMO Convention, Article 2 (http://library.wmo.int/opac/doc_num.php?explnum_id=3137) 8 WMO-No. 508 (http://library.wmo.int/opac/doc_num.php?explnum_id=3230) 9 WMO-No. 508 (http://library.wmo.int/opac/doc_num.php?explnum_id=3230) 10 WMO-No. 508 (http://library.wmo.int/opac/doc_num.php?explnum_id=3230)
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 10
As NMHSs consider how best to implement WIGOS in their national context a comprehensive assessment should be conducted to understand what observational data could be available to support national interests and priorities. This could then inform a national implementation plan to utilize existing partnerships, create new partnerships where necessary, and ensure that the benefit of these observations can be realized.
4.3 Legal Considerations (liability)
Many non-NMHS operators that contribute observational data to NMHSs or WMO programmes do so for the public good on a voluntary and best-effort basis. In general, these contributing organizations expect that they should not assume any legal risks as a consequence of any incorrect or missing observations. This is considered a reasonable expectation and should be a principle supported by NMHSs for voluntarily contributed observational data. For instance, the operator of a Volunteer Observing Ship should not face a legal claim for Third-Party liability in the event that inaccurate or missing observations were a contributor in some way to a marine incident. It is expected that if voluntary contributors of observational data were required to assume legal risks from their observations it would limit their willingness to contribute and consequently reduce the benefits to all.
The WIGOS metadata provides a tool for users to assess the limitations and appropriate uses of observational data, and NMHS quality control procedures and the WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring System will endeavour to detect erroneous values. But the risk of faulty decision making and legal action as result of flawed observational data provided by an external operator is still possible.
Most Members and their NMHSs are protected from such liabilities by national laws (except perhaps in cases where a negligent act or misrepresentation has occurred). This immunity, however, cannot normally be transferred to non-government organizations so NMHSs should seek to find mechanisms within their national laws to reduce the liability risks to non-government partners in order to reduce this potential barrier.
There is a second dimension to liability to be considered in observational data partnerships. The participants may wish protection in the event that an action by one participant causes damage to the other - for instance physical damage to equipment. Between agencies of the same government these risks are often assumed by the participants, or mechanisms for recourse are clearly defined in advance in a partnership agreement. For partnerships with non-government operators, clear definitions and limitations of liability should be included in a partnership agreement, although NMHSs may wish to only consider liability in the event of misconduct or wilful negligence (versus accidental damage) in order to minimize barriers to cooperation. By example, MeteoSwiss has successfully incorporated issues of liability in the Terms and Conditions of its agreements with its non-NMHS partners11.
4.4 Establishing and Sustaining Observation Partnerships
What factors should be considered when establishing and sustaining observational data partnerships with non-NMHS operators? Section 3.1 identifies ‘mutual benefit’ as a core principle and summarizes the motivations for NMHSs and other operators to enter into a partnership. And while external observational data contributed by partners are often thought to be ‘free’ or ‘low- cost’, there are considerations for NMHSs concerning the value, internal costs, and sustainability of these arrangements. Commercial sources of observations also come with a set of
11 http://www.meteoswiss.admin.ch/home/measurement-and-forecasting-systems/land-based- stations/automatisches-messnetz/partnernetze.html
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 11 considerations regarding value for money, restricted-use observational data licensing, and sustainability.
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has developed a framework to address the incorporation of non-NMHS observations into their operations12 including a practical step-by-step process to assess, approve, and manage these observational data. A summary of this process is presented in Annex 1 - A Model for Non-NMHS Observational Data Exchange.
The process is relevant for situations where the NMHS is seeking contributions of observational data from non-NMHS sources, as well as for instances where an NMHS is approached by a non- NMHS operators with offers of contributions of observations.
4.4.1 Commercial Arrangements Section under development by ICG-WIGOS/TT-WDP; an initial version due 4th Q 2017.
5 TECHNICAL GUIDANCE
After agreement is reached with a non-NMHS partner there are several technical matters to be addressed to enable the exchange and management of the observational data. These include the assignment of station identifiers, the collection and maintenance of metadata, the technical mechanisms for the exchange of observational data, data management and archive, and issues of cyber security.
The regulatory and guidance material of WIGOS does not normally address technical matters of data processing and data management as these are covered under the WMO Information System (WIS) and various other activities of the Technical Commissions. However, technical matters of specific relevance to WIGOS Observational data partnerships are presented here for completeness.
5.1 WIGOS Station Identifiers
Guidance on the format and use of WIGOS station identifiers is available in the Guide to WIGOS13. In general, the NMHS (through the authority of the Permanent Representative and administered through the WIGOS Focal Points) has the role to issue identifiers to national stations - including those operated by entities outside the NMHS. In this way the NMHSs provide a coordination function for the management of station identifiers in order to avoid confusion or duplication.
WIGOS station identifiers are mandatory for sites to be registered in OSCAR/Surface14 and for the data to be exchanged internationally.
The structure of WIGOS station identifiers essentially makes a limitless number of codes available and is well suited to supporting NMHS and non-NMHS stations. Because there are no constraints on the number of available codes the new standard provides the opportunity to use a single, consistent station identifier scheme across all observing systems in a country regardless of operator. Such an approach could unify and simplify the tracking of national observing capabilities and could reduce the complexity of the data management and processing systems required to
12 External (third-party) Observations Data Implementation Study July 2015, http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/wigos/Communications-Outreach.html 13 http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/wigos/WGM.html 14 https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/index.html
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 12 handle observational data from multiple sources. NMHSs should strongly consider a nationally- coordinated approach when assigning WIGOS station identifiers to non-NMHS operators.
The same principles for the assignment of station identifiers for NMHS-operated stations apply equally to non-NMHS stations. Non-NMHS stations that were previously registered with a WMO station identifier do not need to be re-registered or assigned new WIGOS identifiers as these will be transferred automatically by WMO into the structure of the new WIGOS Station Identifier. External stations (or new NMHS stations) that were not previously registered must be registered with a new WIGOS Station Identifier. In the event that an NMHS or non-NMHS station has moved for any reason, consideration should be given to the impact of the move on the observation time series. If an impact is likely, then it would be appropriate to ‘close’ the station and ’open’ a new station with a new WIGOS identifier.
5.2 WIGOS Metadata
The Manual on WIGOS specifies the WIGOS Metadata Standard and guidance on its use is available in the Guide to WIGOS15. The official repository for WIGOS metadata is OSCAR/Surface.
The purpose of WIGOS metadata is to provide the details and history of local conditions, instruments, operating procedures, data processing algorithms and other factors pertinent to interpreting the observation, as well as managing the station and its observing program. As noted earlier, WIGOS metadata is essential to support the WIGOS principle of ’known quality’. Figure 1 summarizes the principles, content, and member expectations in supporting WIGOS metadata.
Figure 1: Overview of the WIGOS Metadata Standard
15 http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/wigos/WGM.html
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 13
Compliance with the WIGOS metadata standard is mandatory for any site registered in OSCAR/Surface and for the observations to be exchanged internationally. This requirement applies equally to observations from NMHS and from non-NMHS operators.
The WIGOS metadata standard was designed to meet a broad range of WMO operational and scientific requirements and is very comprehensive. The depth of information required to fully comply with the standard is substantial and the effort to collect and maintain this information may be a significant barrier to some non-NMHS operators. When observations are assessed to have high value NMHSs can play a key role in overcoming this barrier. Among the actions NMHSs should consider with partners are:
- raising awareness of the WIGOS quality principles, the metadata standard, and their benefits - providing expertise and assistance to partners in the collection of WIGOS metadata, including periodic review and update - metadata entry and maintenance in OSCAR/Surface on behalf of the partner
To maximize the international exchange of observations for the benefit of WMO programmes, NMHSs are encouraged to facilitate compliance to the standard by partners. There may be circumstances however where supplier partner is unable to supply all required metadata. In cases where the observations may be already exchanged internationally, or when new observations would be valuable for international exchange, the metadata standard provides several flexibilities:
• Optional elements which “should” (vs “shall”) be reported • A sub-set of Mandatory elements which may be reported as “not applicable” or “unknown” or “not available” with an explanation as to why the information is not available. The motivation for this is that knowledge of the reason why a mandatory metadata element is not available provides more information than not reporting a mandatory element at all.
It is believed these flexibilities provide sufficient options for NMHSs to enable the highly-valued observational data from partners to be exchanged internationally, although progress towards availability of the full metadata is always encouraged.
There may also be cases where data of high national interest may not be suitable or feasible to exchange internationally for reasons of quality, reliability, or data ownership. . For instance, observational data from a national energy company may be made available for internal use by the NMHS to support national forecast products, but not authorized to be re-distributed outside the NMHS. In these situations NMHSs are still encouraged to use the WIGOS station identifier and metadata standards as consistent tools for coordinated national observing systems and to develop their use among non-NMHS operators to the degree possible. For instance, NMHSs may support the national exchange of observational data with only a sub-set of WIGOS metadata fields, which over time may grow to become fully compliant and eligible for international exchange.
In assessing what initial sub-set of WIGOS metadata may be appropriate for national applications it is useful to consider the different uses of observations and the varying quality demands of each application. For example, observational data for a safety-critical use such as aviation demand a much higher level of quality than observational data which are being used for a less demanding use such as monitoring the wind during a period of non-threatening weather. Equally the demands of climate monitoring are for high quality observations with extensive metadata.
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 14
5.3 OSCAR/Surface – WIGOS metadata data entry and maintenance
A description of OSCAR/Surface is available at the OSCAR/Surface web site16 . Guidance on OSCAR/Surface is available in the Guide to WIGOS17
A key responsibility of WIGOS observing system operators and observational data providers is to supply and maintain accurate WIGOS metadata in the OSCAR/Surface database. Typically, NMHSs are the authorized users of OSCAR/Surface (through their National Focal Points) and will undertake this responsibility for NMHS stations. Data entry and maintenance may be through the OSCAR/Surface web interface or, once it is developed, through a machine-to-machine interface for NMHSs with existing metadata management systems.
In the case of non-NMHS observing sites it is expected the NMHS will take responsibility for maintenance of metadata in OSCAR/Surface on behalf of partners. The National OSCAR/Surface Focal Points will have the training and expertise to manage OSCAR/Surface metadata and are best positioned to ensure the accuracy and coherence of these metadata for national observing capabilities. The regular review and update of OSCAR/Surface with WIGOS metadata for non- NMHS stations should be an integral part of agreements with partners.
5.4 Mechanisms for exchange of observational data
Once station identifiers and metadata have been established, the actual transfer of observational data between the non-NMHS supplier and the NMHS can occur. To support the principle of mutual benefit the technical mechanisms for the exchange of observational data should be bi-directional, i.e.: - to transfer observational data from partners to the NMHS (and potentially for international exchange) - to enable access to observational data by external suppliers (and potentially more broadly if permitted by the licensing arrangement). Ideally, the observational data made accessible by the NMHS is a consolidation of observations from many suppliers, quality assessed, in a consistent format, and offered through standards-based interfaces
These two mechanisms do not need to be the same. For instance, incoming observational data from a partner may be received via Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) in a Comma-Separated Value (CSV) file, whereas access to consolidated observational data may be provided through a NMHS web site, file download, or web service.
The exchange of data involves two elements: a) the exchange format and b) the data access mechanism.
In this context the WMO Hydrological Observing System (WHOS) is intended to provide an additional capability as a federated resource for National Hydrological Services. WHOS is built around two fundamental components: service providers and service consumers. Although service consumers directly connect to service providers to request and receive data, a third component, a service broker, is introduced to facilitate the discovery of different service providers and to support the data access and harmonization by providing mediation services. WHOS provides advanced data access and analysis capability through the use of web services using standardized data formats and service types, together with common formats and services with the aim to improve interoperability between clients and server interfaces.
16 https://oscar.wmo.int/surface/index.html 17 http://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/wigos/WGM.html
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 15
5.4.1 Exchange Format The WMO Information System (WIS) defines standards for the discovery and operational exchange of data among WMO Members (e.g., the WIS Discovery Metadata standard, Table- Driven Code Forms, etc.). However, these standards are quite complex, unique to the WMO, and not widely used by non-NMHS organizations. Instead, there are many formal and de-facto standards for data exchange with partner organizations that are commonly used because of their ease of use, practicality, and wide acceptance across numerous communities. These range from the manually-initiated exchange of simple CSV files to fully-automated, dynamic queries through geospatial web services.
Given the diversity of partners and technology environments there is no firm guidance on specific standards or tools, and the choice of exchange format may be dependent on the telecommunications protocol being used. Desirable characteristics of an exchange format include:
- open – based on open, non-proprietary, industry-wide standards - portable – can operate on any platform or Operating System - stable – it has a large user base / community which will encourage long-term stability and availability - supportable – it is supported by a large number of open source or commercial implementations - self-describing – the format and content are fully described within the exchanged file
Common formats used for the exchange of hydrometeorological data today include, but are not limited to:
- Web form – manual input of data on a web site or smart phone app - CSV - Comma-Separated Values - XML – e.g. OGC Observations and Measurements (O&M), WaterML2, or other derivatives of the OGC Geography Markup Language (GML) - JSON - JavaScript Object Notation - NetCDF - Network Common Data Form - HDF - Hierarchical Data Format
The use of open exchange formats (i.e., non-proprietary) facilitate vendor-neutral and multi- application access whether using off-the-shelf tools or custom solutions. For example, the open source Geospatial Data Abstraction Library (GDAL)18 provides read/write/translation capability for hundreds of formats for both raster (model output, satellite imagery) and vector (alerts, observations) data. GDAL also provides the underpinning for numerous data access and visualization tools, both open source and commercial.
The use of open exchange formats with wide vendor and community support reduces the barriers to hydrometeorological data across the domain and into new information communities, and is encouraged.
5.4.2 Data Access Mechanisms Regardless of the exchange format the transfer of data requires a mechanism to transfer and/or download. The ubiquity of the Internet has provided a telecommunications backbone that lowers the barrier to data transfer, but there is still a range of access mechanisms of varying sophistication and complexity. The desirable characteristics of data exchange formats (e.g., open, portable, stable, etc.) are equally applicable to data access mechanisms.
18 www.gdal.org
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 16
Common data access mechanisms for meteorological data exchange include, but are not limited to:
- human interface: o data entry on a web form (desktop or phone app) o file transfer by email attachment (manual send) o file transfer via neutral data sharing service (e.g., iCloud, Dropbox) - machine-to-machine interface: o file transfer by email attachment (automated send) o automated download (data 'pull' from SFTP or Web Accessible Folder (WAF) sites) o automated subscription service (event-based 'push' of data from the provider) o geospatial web services (dynamic, just-in-time access through client/server environment and tools) based on international standards (OGC, ISO)19
Like the choice of exchange format, the choice of access mechanism depends on the technical environments of the NMHS and partner and whether the access will be machine-to-machine or through human interaction. The choice should also be made with consideration of the operational reliability and timeliness of the transfer, for instance to meet global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) cut-off times of <2-3 hours. In general, automated transfer by email attachment is not recommended because of frequent issues with reliability (e.g. emails not being sent, not received, or blocked or misplaced by email filters). Furthermore, the use of secure transmission protocols (e.g., SFTP and SSH) is recommended to reduce security vulnerabilities (see Section 5.8 - Cyber Security). These decisions need to be jointly made by the NMHS and external supplier in order enable and sustain a secure operational data transfer.
5.5 WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring and Incident Management
The Manual on WIGOS specifies that Members shall ensure the quality control of WIGOS observations. This includes the application of real-time quality control prior to the exchange of observations via the WMO Information System (WIS), and non-real-time quality control prior to archiving. These requirements apply equally to observations from both NMHSs and non-NMHS sources that are to be exchanged internationally, and are also highly recommended for observations that are to be used only for national purposes.
Many NMHSs already have quality control procedures in place to support these requirements for NMHSs observations, and it recommended that the same procedures be applied to non-NMHS observations for consistency and to minimize the effort to maintain separate procedures and tools. Guidelines on quality control procedures for observations from automatic weather stations are available at the Guide to the Global Observing System (WMO-No. 488)20, Appendix VI.2 Quality control considerations and procedures for climate observations are available in the WMO Guide to Climatological Practices (WMO-No. 100)21.
In addition to procedures applied by NMHSs, the WIGOS Data Quality Monitoring System (WDQMS) will also routinely monitor and report on observation data anomalies (incidents) that are discovered by the global Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) centres. Once operational, these reports will be distributed to inform Members and Regional WIGOS Centres of incidents and to initiate corrective actions with the provider of the observations.
19 See: e.g., Memorandum of Understanding between WMO and OGC www.wmo.int/pages/prog/www/WIS/documents/MOAWMO_OGC.pdf 20 http://library.wmo.int/pmb_ged/wmo_488-2013_en.pdf 21 http://library.wmo.int/pmb_ged/wmo_100_en.pdf
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 17
Incident Management for external observations should be handled in as similar a fashion as possible to the NMHS’s own observations. The staff handling incidents at the NMHS should be instructed on how fast they should react in case of an incident and the point-of-contact at the partner organization. Some non-NMHS operators have their own incident management and thus there is no need to immediately make contact once an error is detected. These mechanisms vary from organization to organization and it is recommended to jointly define incident management procedures and include them as part of the observational data agreement.
5.6 Technical Management of Constrained-Use Observations
As noted earlier, non-NMHS suppliers may have restrictions on the use or sharing of their observations. The specifics of any constraints should be clearly defined in the data agreement with the provider, and it is of high importance that these conditions be respected in order to maintain the reputation of the NMHS as a trusted partner, and to support the willingness of external providers to contribute observations. Furthermore, it may have legal consequences if the terms of an agreement are breached. Functionality within an NMHS data management system is therefore required to manage observations with constraints.
The WIGOS Metadata specifies two parameters under Category 9: Ownership and Data Policy than can be used to detect observations that require special consideration in processing.
Parameter 9-01 - Supervising Organization: a mandatory parameter that provides the name of organization who owns the observation
Parameter 9-02 - Data Policy: a mandatory parameter that provides details relating to the use and limitations surrounding the observation imposed by the supervision organization. This parameter currently defines three observation policy conditions:
• WMO Essential – Resolution 40/25 observations with no constraints on use [WMO_DataLicenceCode = 0]
• WMO Additional – Resolution 40/25 observations with constraints on use that need to be researched through other documentation [WMO_DataLicenceCode = 1]
• WMO Other – other observations with constraints not set by WMO policy [WMO_DataLicenceCode = 2]
Use of these parameters enables non-NMHS and constrained observations to be detected in NMHSs processing systems, but these systems must also interpret and use this information in accordance with the observation policy of the provider. The three WMO_DataLicenceCodes may be insufficient to adequately cover all the observation policy variations across multiple partner organizations, so additional internal tools may be required to add precision to the processing flow. By example, MeteoSwiss has implemented a hierarchical 5-level framework that assigns an internal USE_LIMITATION_CODE to manage various levels of constraints. The hierarchical approach has facilitated the technical implementation - i.e., a limited, but adequate, set of use cases is defined and constraints are applied progressively with the use of single USE_LIMITATION_ID code.
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 18
MeteoSwiss example of a technical framework for the management of constrained data
5.7 Archive
In addition to the near-real-time use of non-NMHS observations to support near-real-time operations, the storage and management of non-NMHS observations should also be considered from a longer-term archival perspective where the observations become part of the climate record22. Observations from non-NMHS sources may offer significant opportunities to enhance the climate record, but issues of data quality, inter-comparability with NMHS observations, and observational data management must be considered. External observations of interest for climate applications include data in hard-copy (paper) format, and in electronic form. The securing and archival of hard copy records, along with other aspects of data rescue, are treated at length in a forthcoming WMO publication (see http://library.wmo.int/opac/index.php?lvl=notice_display&id=19782#.WIrG5f5Pq70), but here a focus is given on electronic archival.
The observational data processing and storage arrangements for the near-real-time and archival cases may differ. Where real-time access is required, the observational data may be ingested into a temporary database that is accessed by the product generation or display applications. Typically in such an arrangement the observational data are retained for only a short period of time, then transferred to a longer-term storage (which may be a NMHS climate data management system (CDMS), or an international data centre), and overwritten by more recent data. In principle, however, the CDMS could serve for both purposes.
The following discussion considers only observations to be archived on a NMHS’s CDMS – a broader program of work on data management is currently underway within WMO to define, for instance, data management requirements in international data centres.
In many cases, data from different domains (e.g., hydrological, meteorological, marine) are stored in separate databases. But whether one database or several, the following principles apply:
The first consideration is whether the externally-sourced observational data should be stored in the same repository as the NMHS’s own measurements, or separately. Two issues arise if the observations from the two sources are stored together. The first is that there may be a disparity
22 The “climate record” should be broadly interpreted in the context of this document as any form of meteorological, oceanographic, hydrological, cryospheric, etc. observations with a time- series component.
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 19 in quality and the completeness of metadata between the two sources, and storing them together may inadvertently imply they are consistent and may invite misinterpretation and misuse. The second issue is that the same phenomenon at a particular location may be measured by both an NMHS sensor and an externally-managed sensor; for instance, rainfall at some locations may be observed by a NMHS tipping bucket rain gauge (TBRG) and an externally-managed flood warning gauge. This introduces the potential for differences and biases between the two observation methods, so it must be clear to users of the distinction between the different observation sets.
In these cases it is recommended that the non-NMHS observations be differentiated, either in separate data tables in the CDMS and/or through the clear distinction of the non-NMHS data through the Station Identifier. Historically, for instance, the Australian Bureau of Meteorology has used station identifiers with a unique prefix that easily identifies observations from a non-NMHS source. Within the WIGOS Station Identifier the ‘Issue Number’ may be used for this purpose. However, a risk in doing this is that should the status of the station change for any reason, it may not be a straightforward process to change the Station Identifier, and this may have implications for downstream analysis and processing applications.
The second consideration, whichever approach is taken, is that it is essential that the non-NMHS observations be linked to the intellectual property information described in Section 5.6, so that it is clear whether the data are freely available for redistribution, or if not, what restrictions are imposed. Appropriate gate-keeping arrangements are then required to ensure restricted observations are not inadvertently released; this is best done automatically by the CDMS. It is highly recommended that these linkages be established at the outset of any project intending to archive non-NMHS observations.
The third consideration is to differentiate non-NMHS observations on the basis of completeness of metadata. While partnership arrangements between NMHS and partner entities should strive for maximum compliance to the WIGOS Metadata Standard, this may not be possible for crowd- sourced observations, such as that from storm chasers. Assuming the NMHS considers the observations to be of value despite minimal metadata, it is strongly recommended that such sites be differentiated in the CDMS. Similar considerations apply if the metadata are known, but indicate non-standard siting, instrumentation etc. (e.g., wind measured at three metres, not at the ten meter WMO observing standard).
5.8 Cyber Security
Cyber security is an area of concern due to growing threats to the integrity, reliability, and privacy of information systems and data. The World Wide Web and more recently social networks have improved cooperation between WMO Members and have also facilitated the exchange of information with many new observational data providers. In parallel to these positive changes an increasing number of cyber security threats are present everywhere throughout the Internet. Because of its widespread presence and use the Internet has unfortunately become a medium of choice for disseminating unwanted information and for launching electronic attacks against organizations and their information assets. It is therefore necessary for NMHSs to recognize these risks and to protect their information systems in order to maintain operational data processing and to securely exchange information.
In exchanging information with non-NMHS operators, WMO Members must be aware of cyber security threats and take measures to protect their information system. As all WMO Members are interconnected, it is essential that each Member take appropriate measures to secure its information exchange and ensure that he will not be the cause of further security problems within WMO Information System (WIS).
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(2), p. 20
Security standards and best practices have already been adopted by a large number of WMO Members for securing the exchange of information within WIS. The Guide to Information Security Technology23 outlines the basic concepts and principles of information security and provides a broad overview of the main information technology security components, processes and best practices. The principles described in the Guide can be used to exchange data with non-NMHS providers in order to ensure the consistency of security practices within the WMO community.
At the national level, cyber security requirements and implementations are increasingly being defined by organizational or national authorities and, in general, NMHSs are required to comply with these requirements. The security requirements of non-NMHS organizations can vary widely and may sometimes be in conflict with those of the NMHS. Access to observational data across firewalls is a common challenge as organizations typically restrict direct outside access to their systems. A frequently-used solution is to establish accessible data repositories outside firewalls and to require the use secure transmission protocols (e.g., HTTPS, SFTP, SSH). If an NMHS exchanges data from a number of non-NMHS suppliers, it is recommend to define common guidelines and principles for all non-NMHS providers to ensure consistency in the security approach and to reduce the effort of mitigating multiple security risks.
23 http://library.wmo.int/pmb_ged/wmo_1115_en.pdf
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 21
6 ANNEX 1 – A MODEL FOR NON-NMHS OBSERVATIONAL DATA EXCHANGE
The following describes a generic model for the exchange of observational data from non- NMHS-owned and -operated networks into NMHS data systems24. Figure A1 is a schematic representation of the model. Part One Step 1 Decide the appropriateness of observational data for exchange using a policy for selecting non-NMHS observational data based on five fundamental questions: • Value – Why invest to deliver impacts and value to the NMHS (and the non- NMHS observational data supplier)? The NMHS may assess value in three different areas: network contribution, quality of the data, and the relationship with the data supplier. For example: a) how the observational data is planned to be used, and provide value (for example, impact on NMHS models, products and services), b) the extent and NMHS’ reliance on the observations (can the observation be sourced elsewhere?) c) required observational data quality d) the influence of the prior relationship with the non-NMHS party
Detailed questions about value may include: a) why do we want the information? b) what do we need to know to judge the value of the information? c) how do we know the information is adding value (what is the Key Performance Indicator)? d) is the observational data filling a spatial or temporal gap in the current network or is it providing redundancy? e) what is the quality of the observational data? (will it satisfy the requirements of particular users? If not, is there sense in the observational data’s collection, archival or quality control?) f) are there risks in having too much observational data? g) can lower quality be accepted in observation sparse areas or where observational data is critical to a product?
The value proposition may also be considered by the observational data supplier. For example, data suppliers recognise the key benefits of providing their observational data to a NMHS:
a) it promotes access of their data to a much wider audience b) promotes their own reputation by working in association with the NMHS c) there is wide recognition of the potential for the NMHS to add much value to the data through assimilation into products and services, particularly forecasting tools and models. The final stage of the value assessment is to make a preliminary determination of which tier the observational data belongs. This will assist with related decisions on many data requirements, the nature of an agreement and intellectual property rights.
24 This model has been developed, implemented and applied by the Bureau of Meteorology (Australia). JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 22
There are a number of tools needed to aid in this stage of the decision process, including: a) a policy for deciding value based on the concepts in this process including the ability to assess the value of relationships, b) user requirements that articulate the frequency, reliability, and the spatial distribution etc. of data needed, c) a network design which reflects the users spatial requirements for a particular observational data type d) quality standards and criteria for the observational data for tiers
• Metadata – Does the NMHS know enough about the observational data to make effective use of it? Metadata that defines observational data elements, quality and currency is critical to determine to which tier the observational data will contribute and its use by the NMHS and others. The WIGOS Metadata standard provides a comprehensive set of metadata elements and its use is mandatory for data that will be exchanged internationally among WMO Members, and a recommended practice for observational data to be exchanged nationally. The supply and maintenance of metadata is crucial to the ongoing assessment of observation quality by the NMHS. Consideration should be given on how often metadata data needs to be updated by the supplier (e.g. when there are changes and or annually). Consider obtaining metadata for each tier level, and an assessment of the risks associated with not having metadata. Ensure appropriate storage, access and reporting on metadata and a mechanism for external agencies to submit and update metadata records. • Restrictions – Can the NMHS use the observational data in the way that it wants? For example, are there any terms of use? Are there any restrictions to Intellectual Property? Some providers of observational data may wish to place restrictions on redistribution and/or restrict it to internal use by the NMHS. These observational data can be useful to support NMHS national products, but ideally NMHSs should encourage arrangements that are consistent with Open Data principles and which permit broad sharing and reuse. Key considerations include: a) standard Open Data Licence or other open source agreement b) understanding of the NMHS appetite for risk c) a priority rating on the value of the observational data
• Implementation – Can the NMHS access and manage the observational data and metadata? Once the value and usefulness of the observational data has been determined the next question is its accessibility and the NMHS’s capacity to implement the ingest of observational data and its use. For example: a) can the data be displayed? And can it be afforded? b) can the data be delivered securely? c) can the data be archived and can quality control of the data be implemented?
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 23
Key information needs may include: a) the format, volumes and information content of the observational data b) transmission security c) estimates of communications costs d) estimates of integration costs
• Agreement – Does the NMHS and the partner have the mutual ability to manage the relationship into the future? An agreement promotes a consistent direction for: a) relationship management b) monitoring the relationship c) ongoing assurance of required observational data quality (through maintenance of metadata) d) the longevity of the data supply arrangement
It is important that both parties understand their mutual commitments and impact. Most importantly the agreement should include points of review and renewal to ensure regular contact between the organisation and the supplier and a healthy working relationship. Step 2 Assess and approve non-NMHS observational data for ingestion using a process that ensures: The requestor (e.g. NMHS data user) assesses the appropriateness of the non-NMHS observational data using the above guidance. The NMHS evaluates the request for approval. This may involve a cost / benefit analysis and a risk assessment. Assessment may include a) reliability of the observational data source (particularly for operational use) b) terms of use c) metadata availability d) compliance or compatibility with NMHS systems e) regimes for site inspections, validation and maintenance f) data life-cycle, g) costs of observational data use and maintaining an ongoing relationship h) observational data access and archiving i) willingness to enter into formal agreements Part Two Step 3 Develop an observational data supply agreement. A means by which the NMHS can mitigate identified risks and ensure the continued supply of data as negotiated. Part Three Step 4 Commence the technical ingestion and processing of non-NMHS observational data using standard and approved methods for data formats and transport (in alignment with NMHS policies and processes). Step 5 Ongoing management of the observational data supply arrangement, including ongoing observational data quality checking, alerts, metadata
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 24 updates, observational data archive (and retention) and application by the NMHS – informed by the use of classification schemes (e.g. network tiering or flags).
JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1(1), p. 25
Figure A1: Non-NMHS Observational Data Exchange Model
Policy – Selecting appropriate Non-NMHS Step 1. Select Non-NMHS Non-NMHS Observational Observational Data Observational Data. Data Sources Source
Strategy: Reaching out to appropriate Non- Strategy: Scope for NMHS organisations; partnerships Strategy: Identify Value to suppliers priority observational data sources for future exchange Strategy: Appropriate internal marketing of Strategy: Developing Non-NMHS guidance and support observational data use for Non-NMHS Step 2. Assess & Approve External (network of networks) observational data Observational Data suppliers
Part 1 (steps 1 &2): Templates for Metadata Set-up and Requirements Guidance on Developing Approvals Observation Data Sharing Agreements (legal advice) Step 3. Develop a Supply Part 2 (step 3): Agreement (ownership, use, Develop Legal technical specifications) Agreement Policy – Cost sharing Part 3 arrangements
(steps 4 & 5): Requirements for Ongoing Exchange Formats Observational Data Exchange & Policy and Process for Use Step 4. Ingest Observational Data Technical Exchange - (Process) Methods and Formats External Observational Data Catalogue (ingested and used by the NMHS) Process – Measure Effectiveness of Observational Data and Arrangements
Process – Quality Assessment Checks Step 5. Archive & Ongoing Observational Data Use Management Of by NMHS & Provision of Observational Data Services (including metadata) Policy – Appropriate Process – Update of Observational Data Use Metadata and Visualisation
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 6.2 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 11.X.2017
DATA MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, STANDARD SETTING AND DOCUMENTATION
JCOMM/IODE Expert Team on Data Management Practices (ETDMP)
The Joint IOC/IODE Expert Team on Data Management Practices focuses on adopting or developing principles and practices for the end-to-end data management processes, including required data management best practices and standards for such subjects as metadata, common codes, vocabularies, etc. These data practices include tools and services developed under IODE projects such as Ocean Data Portal, Ocean Data Standards and Best Practices Project (ODSBP), OceanExpert, and OBIS. ETDMP also assists the development of tools and services within Ocean Data Portal project to serve better for the development of distributed data network according to the end-to-end data managing principles, including data provider and end-user levels. ETDMP also investigates and proposes adoption of internationally endorsed metadata standards.
The following is a summary of current ETDMP projects.
Ocean Data Standards and Best Practices Project (ODSBP)
The ODSBP Project (http://www.oceandatastandards.org/) is a continuation of the Ocean Data Standards Pilot Project (ODS), established and implemented jointly between JCOMM and IODE. The ODSBP project was established by IODE-XXII (2013) through Recommendation IODE- XXII.6 and the partners are IOC/IODE; WMO and JCOMM. JCOMM-MAN decided at its 10th Session, that JCOMM would participate in ODSBP in response to the invitation from IODE.
Three standards have been approved and published. The six other proposals have been submitted.
ETDMP has noted the slow progress in the standards process. The failure to find suitable expertise to contribute to the external review process was major cause. The standards process needs to be well described and communicated to the broader community. Delays in the reviewing processes for the proposals submitted over the last 1½ years have been recognized and acceleration of the processes was strongly recommended. The 24th session of the IODE Committee noted the challenges to find volunteer experts to review the proposed data standards and best practices and requested the IOC Member States to nominate experts and provide or update the information including expertise of their experts in the OceanExpert database. Additional expertise in the review of submitted standards could be sourced from the JCOMM community.
Ocean Best Practice (OBP)
OceanBestPractices is a “Repository of recommended and other community practices in oceanography and marine meteorology” and is a contribution to the wider remit of the ODSBP Project. JCOMM-5/INF. 6.2, p. 2
In 2013 the SG-ODSBP agreed that a repository of data and information best practices should be setup to replace the JCOMM Catalogue of Best Practices, to be hosted and managed by IODE. The OceanDataPractices (ODPr) repository replaced the JCOMM Catalogue of Best Practices and all records were migrated into the new repository. IODE-XXIII established a sessional working group including representatives from IODE and JCOMM which identified the need for a policy document for the deposit and review process for the repository. A Policy Document has been submitted to ODSBP but not yet formally approved. The population of the repository has continued, but without an agreed review process. In 2016 all entries were reviewed with some edits and annotations being made to the records.
In 2017 discussions were held between IODE and the EU Horizon 2020 project AtlantOS, which is developing metrology standards and best practice for ocean observing, to exploit the ODPr repository to include sensors and ocean observations best practice. With agreement from OceanDataPractices stakeholders (JCOMM, GOOS, WMO, SCOR, ICES and ODSBP SG, the scope of the repository changed to include best practices on 'anything ocean' and the name changed to OceanBestPractices.
The repository contains a wide variety of “practices”, such as manuals and guides, and aims at enabling the community to locate existing methodologies and best practices, (a method or technique that has consistently shown results superior to those achieved with other means, and that is considered a benchmark). The service also enables community members to submit and share their own best practices. The repository will also be used for best practices gap analyses in areas of ocean observation systems where a lack of best practices hinders effective collection and use of observation information.
The OceanBestPractices Repository is hosted and managed by IODE for the Ocean Data Standards and Best Practices Project whose main partners are IODE, JCOMM, WMO and ICES.
Ocean Data Portal (ODP)
The ODP team has continued to participate in the brokering activity within Ocean Data Interoperability Platform (ODIP), and collaborate with EMODNet Physics, SeaDataNet, and WMO in order facilitate the exchange of data with other systems and to contribute to the development and promotion of standards and best practices.
As a result of a review of the ODP in 2016, the ODP team has been working with EMODNet Physics as an initial demonstration for how the ODP activity can be realigned to better promote and leverage other established systems and programs, while supporting IODE stakeholders in improving discovery and access to their marine data. The agreement between the Russian Federation’s ROSHYDROMET and IOC regarding the “Partnership Centre for the IODE Ocean Data Portal” will expire in March 2018 (5 years after its signature). A review of the contribution of the Partnership Centre for the IODE ODP to the objectives and activities of the IODE will be submitted to the 25th Session of the IODE Committee (2019). The terms of reference for the review will be approved by the IODE Co- Chairs in 3rd quarter 2017.
Collaboration with Ocean Data Interoperability project (ODIP)
ETDMP is collaborating with the ODIP project, a Coordination and Support Action of the EU Research Infrastructures programme. The second phase of the project runs from 1st April 2015 till 31st March 2018 as contract within EU HORIZON 2020. ETDMP is collaborating in the following ODIP work packages: • ODIP Prototype Project 1: Establishing interoperability between SeaDataNet CDI, US NODC, and IMOS MCP Data Discovery and Access services, making use of a brokerage service, towards interacting with the IODE ODP and GEOSS portals, JCOMM-5/INF. 6.2, p. 3
• ODIP Prototype Project 2: Establishing deployment and interoperability between Cruise Summary reporting systems in Europe, US and Australia, making possible use of GeoNetwork, towards interacting with the POGO portal, • ODIP Prototype Project 3:Establishing a prototype for a Sensor Observation Service (SOS) and formulating common O&M and SensorML profiles for selected sensors (SWE), installed at vessels and in real-time monitoring systems (vocabularies/persistent identifiers, data publication and citation, model workflows and big data).
IODE-XXIV Session
The IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange held its Twenty-fourth Session (IODE-XXIV) between 28 and 31 March 2018. The Committee reviewed the achievements of ETDMP:
(a) The Committee acknowledged the accomplishments of the JCOMM/IODE Expert Team on Data Management Practices (ETDMP).
(b) The Committee, supported by JCOMM, and considering the benefits of cooperation with JCOMM through the ETDMP, recommended the continuation of the JCOMM/IODE ETDMP.
(c) The Committee invited Member States to actively liaise with JCOMM/IODE ETDMP on standards and best practices, metadata management and the exchange of data, information and services.
IOC Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS)
(a) IOC Audit
In April 2016, a team of external auditors was engaged by UNESCO to undertake an audit of aspects of Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) operations. The audit of IOC activities and programs includes "Section 5: Information exchange system and marine data management" which outlines observed barriers and issues related to marine data and information discovery, access, and exchange, along with other organizational issues likely contributing to the current state of the marine data and information system landscape.
The audit resulted in 15 recommendations which were submitted to the IOC Assembly in June 2017 for further action. Recommendation 15 relates to ocean data management: ”The External Auditor recommends that a draft resolution be submitted to the IOC Assembly calling for Member States to work together, with the support of IOC, to construct a universal information system and ocean data portal, along with a cost-benefit analysis prepared in advance by the IODE project.”
The observations presented in the audit included two critical points of particular relevance to IODE and JCOMM:
157. There is no common database for all marine sciences, which is certainly unattainable when one considers the amount, complexity and heterogeneity of the information to be assembled, but there is also no common portal for all marine sciences that connects all websites and relevant disciplines through web links.
158. This array of data and information reflects the diversity of the stakeholders, the complexity of the subjects, the variety of material and the obsolescence of several systems. For its users, it appears to be part of the avowed landscape of marine science. JCOMM-5/INF. 6.2, p. 4
For the outside observer, it seems to be the product of historical, technical, organizational, and disciplinary build-up, rather than the result of rational construction. This is even more evident as programmes like the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE) have existed for more than 50 years, with the express goal of encouraging the exchange of data, at least of metadata, between the different counterparts of oceanographic disciplines.
(b) IODE Recommendation on ODIS
The 24th session of the IODE Committee (IODE-XXIV), in March 2017, recommended a strategy to move towards the implementation of a universal marine data and information system in response to the external audit of the IOC and its activities. After considering the observations presented in the audit, identifying the root causes which have contributed to the current state of the marine data and information systems landscape, the Committee recommended that the IOC work with existing stakeholders, linked and not linked to the IOC, to improve the accessibility and interoperability of existing data and information, and to contribute to the development of a global ocean data and information system, to be referred to as the Ocean Data and Information System, leveraging established solutions.
IODE-XXIV established the Inter-sessional Working Group for the Ocean Data and Information System (IWG-ODIS) to develop a concept paper for the ODIS. The IWG-ODIS will: (i) Prepare a brief introductory document summarising the Ocean Data and Information System Concept Paper (IOC/IODE-XXIV/6.2.1), including general proposal of benefits and impacts, for the 29th session of the IOC Assembly in June 2017; (ii) Identify and recommend a strategy to move towards the implementation of a universal marine data and information system in response to the 2016 external audit of the IOC and its activities; (iii) Further develop the concept paper to construct a universal information system and data portal, to be known initially as the IOC Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS), based on the Ocean Data and Information System Concept Paper and feedback from the 29th Session of the IOC Assembly; (iv) Liaise and collaborate with other IOC programmes and with JCOMM, to ensure ODIS is inclusive and supports stakeholders at all levels; (v) Develop a cost-benefit analysis for ODIS to determine potential infrastructure, development, implementation, and maintenance costs; (vi) Define the scope of ODIS in areas such as content coverage, system coverage and search, access, and visualization capabilities; (vii) Finalize and submit the Concept Paper for consideration and approval by IODE-XXV.
(c) IOC Support for ODIS
The 29th Session of the IOC Assembly, through Decision IOC-XXIX/6.2.1, expressed its support for the proposed development of an Ocean Data and Information System (ODIS) concept paper and stressed that ODIS should focus on leveraging existing efforts. While noting that the final document is planned to be submitted to it at its 30th session in 2019, the Assembly requested delivery of a progress report at the 2018 Session of the Executive Council as well. The Assembly also stressed the need to involve GOOS, JCOMM and other IOC programmes, both at the global and regional levels, in the ODIS concept paper development process.
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 7 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 11.X.2017
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE JCOMM OBSERVATIONS PROGRAMME AREA
REFERENCES
Meeting reports:
1. WMO-IOC/JCOMM-4/3, WMO No. 1093, Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology, Fourth Session, Executive summary of the abridged final report with resolutions and recommendations (JCOMM-4, Yeosu, Republic of Korea, 28-31 May 2012) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =9774 2. JCOMM MR No. 95, Second JCOMM Marine Instrument Workshop for the Asia Pacific region (Tianjin, China, 3-6 December 2012) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =10115 3. JCOMM MR No. 97, Seventh session of the Ship Observations Team (SOT-7, Victoria, Canada, 22-26 April 2013) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =12222 4. JCOMM MR No. 108, Third JCOMM Marine Instrument Workshop for the Asia Pacific region (Tianjin, China, 22-25 July 2013) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =11452 5. JCOMM MR No. 118, Fourth JCOMM Marine Instrument Workshop for the Asia Pacific region (Weihai, China, 21-23 October 2014) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =14468 6. JCOMM MR No. 107, Fifth Session of the Observations Coordination Group (OCG-5, Silver Spring, USA, 5-7 September 2013) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =14660 7. JCOMM MR No. 106, Twenty-ninth session of the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP- 29, Paris, France, 23-27 Sept. 2013) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =11748
JCOMM-5/INF. 7, p. 2
8. JCOMM MR No. 119, Thirtieth Session of the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP-30, Wehai, China, 27-31 October 2014) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =14440 9. JCOMM MR No. 120, Eighth Session of the Ship Observations Team (SOT-8, Cape Town, South Africa, 20-24 April 2015) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =15096 10. JCOMM MR No. 121, Sixth Session of the Observations Coordination Group (OCG-6, Cape Town, South Africa, 27-30 April 2015) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =16566 11. JCOMM MR No. 124, Thirty-first Session of the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP-31, Geneva, Switzerland, 19-23 October 2015) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =16546 12. JCOMM TR No. 87, Recommendations of the Second WIGOS/JCOMM Technical Exchange Workshop on Marine Instrumentation for the WMO Regional Association-IV with Focus on Wave Measurements from Buoys (Gulfport, Mississippi, USA, 29 February - 2 March 2016) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =17808 13. JCOMM MR No. 126, Seventh Session of the Observations Coordination Group (OCG-7, Esporles, Mallorca, Spain, 4 to 6 April 2016) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =17918 14. JCOMM MR No. 129, Thirty-second Session of the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP- 32, Ja Jolla, USA, 17-27 October 2016) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =18436 15. JCOMM MR No. 132, Eighth Session of the Observations Coordination Group (OCG-8, Qingdao, China, 22 to 25 May 2017) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =20170
16. JCOMM MR No. 134, Ninth Session of the Ship Observations Team (SOT-9, London, 27- 31 March 2017) http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID =19965
17. Thirteenth Session of the GLOSS Group of Experts and 80-year Anniversary Workshop for PSMSL (GLOSS-GE-13, Liverpool, United Kingdom, 28 October - 1 November 2013) http://www.goosocean.org/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewEventRecord&eventID =1210
JCOMM-5/INF. 7, p. 3
18. Fourteenth session of the Group of Experts for the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS-GE-14, Dona Paula, India, 19 - 23 October 2015) http://www.goosocean.org/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewEventRecord&eventID =1534
19. Fifteenth session of the Group of Experts for the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS-GE-15, New York, USA, 8 - 9 July 2017) http://www.goosocean.org/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewEventRecord&eventID =1977
Other documents and references 1. OPA Webpages http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=338&Itemid= 38 2. JCOMMOPS http://www.jcommops.org
JCOMM Observations Programme Area Activities Summary.
Since the JCOMM 4 session (Yeosu, Republic of Korea, 28-31 May 2012), the Observations Coordination Group (OCG) has met four times. During this time (2013, 2015, 2016, and 2017), the Group has increased the frequency of its meetings to annually with additional funding from the IOC, established a work plan to progress cross network activities inter- sessionally, and established an expanded governance model to support the increased activity. There was also annual meetings of the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP), and biennial meetings of the Ship Observations Team (SOT, in 2013, 2015, and 2017) and the Global Sea Level Observing System (GLOSS) Group of Experts (GLOSS-GE, 2013, 2015, 2017).
A short summary of OCG meetings is included below, followed by the progress made in establishing the work plan and governance. Further information on the forward planning is provided in the OCG Vision document (JCOMM-5/7.1 Document). Refer to the final reports of OCG, DBCP, SOT and GLOSS-GE for further details (links above).
OCG-5, 5-7th September 2013, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Silver Spring, USA.
The 5th Session of OCG was held overlapping with the GCOS1-GOOS2-WCRP3 Ocean Observations Panel for Climate (OOPC). Areas of synergy were discussed, including OCG input to the OOPC Work plan, which was published as part of the OOPC meeting report.
Emerging global networks, the Global Alliance for Continuous Plankton Recorder Surveys (GACS) and the Ocean Glider community (represented by Everyone’s Glider Observatory) were invited to attend.
The meeting report can be found at www.jcomm.info/ocg5
1 WMO-IOC-UNEP-ICSU Global Climate Observing System 2 IOC-WMO-UNEP-ICSU Global Ocean Observing System 3 WMO-IOC-ICSU World Climate Research Programme JCOMM-5/INF. 7, p. 4
OCG-6, 27-30 April 2015, Cape Town, South Africa
The 6th Session of the OCG was chaired by David Legler (USA) and David Meldrum (UK). The main outcome of OCG-6 was the development of a work plan focusing around five thematic areas based on sponsor needs, synergies, and target opportunities in the future to deliver on JCOMM objectives. A inter-sessionally across the panels. A corresponding work plan was also developed to identify objectives and actions addressing these thematic areas: : ● Requirements ● Implementation and observing system monitoring ● Standards and Best Practices ● Data and Integration ● JCOMMOPS oversight.
David Meldrum stepped down as co-chair, as David Legler assumed the chair responsibilities. A new governance model was developed in order to support the agreed work plan, comprising a chair and 4 vice chairs supporting particular areas requiring extra resources; WMO/WIGOS connections (under requirements), new technologies (under implementation), Standards and Best Practices, and Data and Integration. Particular effort was focussed on providing input to the GCOS Status Report.
A horizon scan of non-OCG ocean observing systems identified several potential networks that should be approached and engaged the future by the OCG. The High Frequency Radar (HF Radar) community attended for the first time, represented by the Group on Earth Observation (GEO) HF Radar Community of Practice.
Meeting report and OCG 5 year work plan can be found at www.jcomm.info/OCG-6
OCG-7, 4-6th April 2016, IMEDEA4, Majorca, Spain.
The 7th Session of the OCG was held overlapping with the Ocean Observations Panel for Climate. The meeting was chaired by David Legler (USA) with Jon Turton (UK) as Vice Chair for WMO/WIGOS5. Discussions of Essential Ocean Variable requirements and the clarification of Network missions and targets were main foci of the meeting to feed into the new JCOMMOPS website performance monitoring and underpin actions in the GCOS Implementation Plan. Initial plans were developed for a JCOMM Ocean Observations Report card to be released at JCOMM 5 Session. The OCG Work Plan provided the basis for the agenda; and a Work Plan update was published as part of the meeting report, which can be found at www.jcomm.info/JCOMM-MR-126, OCG-7
OCG-8, 22-25th May 2017, State Oceanic Administration First Institute of Oceanography, Qingdao, China.
The 8th Session of OCG was chaired by David Legler, with Jon Turton (Vice Chair for WMO/WIGOS connections) and Juliet Hermes (South Africa – Vice Chair for Standards and Best Practices).
Key outcomes included the identification of cross network areas where OCG could add value in a lead or coordinating role, the adoption of 2 emerging networks, OceanGliders and HF Radar and OCG support for developing global coordination for a third, Animal Borne Sensors, was agreed. The Animal Borne Sensors community participated for the first time. OCG has made progress in identifying and collating gaps in Standards and Best Practises(S&BP) and needs
4 Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA), Spain 5 WMO Integrated Global Observing System JCOMM-5/INF. 7, p. 5 across EOVs and networks. Standards and Best Practices (S&BP) Workshop is planned for November 2017, IOC, Paris. OCG-8 discussed the strategy for improved broadened engagement with biogeochemical observations through globally coordinated networks and common observing platforms. The role of OCG in adopting new technologies was discussed with an agreement to establish a task team to explore a roadmap. Increasing connection between observations, services and data management is an ongoing need, OCG is working actively to enhance coordination between the JCOMM program areas. OCG actions in this area include input into the JCOMM Data Management Programme Area (DMPA) Strategy, Open Global Telecommunication System (GTS) Pilot Project (being presented at JCOMM-5 Tech), the work of the JCOMM in situ Observations Programme Support Centre (JCOMMOPS) (see below) and support for networks to utilize ERDDAP6 technology to increase data accessibility. JCOMM (WMO & IOC) has committed to support the regional project Tropical Pacific Observing System (TPOS) 2020. This has significance as a key example of a regional project. OCG networks (oceanographic and marine meteorological) contribute to this multi-platform system and its success. JCOMMOPS provides coordinated technical support for efficient network operations within and across networks. JCOMMOPS is leading the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for networks and a JCOMM Ocean Observing System Report Card (an authoritative cross- network view of the ocean observing system) will be launched at JCOMM-5. A review of JCOMMOPS is proposed for 2017/2018 to assess the future role, organizational relationship and future sponsorship and management of JCOMMOPS. As OCG considers the increasing number of ocean observing networks of relevance to its sponsors, the OCG mission to coordinate their implementation, develop standards and best practices, and visualize and track functionality and performance of these networks, must consider a number of new challenges. Detailed meeting report is available at www.jcomm.info/JCOMM OCG-8
Summary.
The OCG has been successful in establishing a forward looking, outcome focussed work plan, capitalising the synergies across the observing networks and has been proactive in engaging new networks. The OCG is making progress in establishing the governance required to support the work plan areas; under the leadership of David Legler. Vice Chairs have been appointed for managing the WMO/WIGOS Connection and Standards and Best Practices; Vice chairs for New Technologies, and Data and Integration are still vacant.
The 9th Session of the JCOMM Observations Coordination Group will be held 14-18 May 2018 at the JCOMMOPS Office in Brest, France.
______
6 https://coastwatch.pfeg.noaa.gov/erddap/index.html
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 11.X.2017
OCG Work Plan 2015-2020
OCG Work Plan 2015-2020: 2017 Update
The JCOMM Observations Coordination Group Eighth Session (OCG-8) was held in Qingdao, China, from 22 to 25 May 2017. Following OCG-8 the Observations Coordination Group Work Plan was updated for 2017 and is available in Annex 1. The decisions, actions and recommendations from OCG-8 are noted within the Work Plan and also listed in Annex 2. An update on the actions taken on the decisions, actions and recommendations from OCG-7 is available in Annex 3.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 2
Annex 1
OBSERVATIONS COORDINATION GROUP EIGHTH SESSION Qingdao, China 22 to 25 May 2017
Work Plan: 2015-2020.
2017 Update
Updated following the 8th Session of the JCOMM Observations Coordination Group.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 3
Contents
OCG Work Plan 2015-2020 1 OCG Work Plan 2015-2020: 2017 Update 1
Annex 1 to JCOMM-5 INF. 7.2 2
Introduction/Context 5
Key influencers, horizons & timelines 6
Requirements 7 3.1 GCOS, GOOS and OOPC 7 3.2 WMO requirements for ocean observations (RRR/OSCAR) 9 3.3 TPOS 2020: Implementation & Transition 11 3.4 Mapping EOVs, assessing cross-network coverage to fulfill requirements 12
4. Observing System Implementation 12 4.1 Review across current networks and programs 12 4.1.1. Argo 13 4.1.2 GO-SHIP 14 4.1.3 SOT 15 4.1.4 DBCP 18 4.1.5 GLOSS 19 4.1.6 OceanSITES 19 4.1.7 International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project (IOCCP) 20 4.2 New observing system components 23 4.2.1 OceanGliders 23 4.2.2 HF Radar 25 4.2.3 Animal Marine Monitoring/Animal Borne Sensors 26 Cross-network issues 27 Integrating new technologies 27
5. Data Management & Integration 29 5.1. JCOMM Data Management Programme Area - Data Management Strategy 29 5.2. Improving the interoperability of disparate ocean network data 30 5.3 Open access GTS Project 32 5.4 TT MOWIS – WIS 32 5.5 Ocean Data Management challenges – IOOS experience 33
6. Standards & Best Practices 33 Vision, goals and next steps 33 Standards & Best Practice for Biogeochemical observations 35 Biogeochemical-Argo Experience 35 BGC Standards & Best Practice - Issues, Gaps and Needs 36
7. JCOMMOPS 36 JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 4
7.1. Support provided to implementation 37 7.2. JCOMMOPS Budgets and Funding 37 7.3. JCOMM Annual Report Card 40
8. Cross-JCOMM coordination - observations to services 42 8.1. Linking OPA, DMPA & SFSPA 42
9. Future Directions 43 9.1 GOOS strategy, new networks and relationship with OCG 43 9.2 JCOMM-5 Technical Conference 44 9.3 JCOMM-5 Conference outline and preparation 45 9.4 OceanObsʼ19 46
10. Future Directions 47 10.1 Review & Wrap up OCG-8 47 10.2 OCG-7 decisions, actions and recommendations 47 10.3 OCG-8 decisions, actions and recommendations 48 10.3 Dates and location of next meeting 48
ANNEX 2: 50
ANNEX 3: 58
ANNEX 4: 68
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 5
1. Introduction/Context
The Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) Observations Programme area is one of 3 JCOMM Programme Areas; the others are Services and Forecasting Systems and the Data Management Programme Areas.
Figure 1. JCOMM organisational structure
The Observations Coordination Group comprises representatives of the major networks involved in observing oceanography and marine meteorology. The OCG Work Plan is to identify areas where we can improve the technical coordination and implementation of the ocean observing system, and capitalize on the strengths and synergies of the major observing networks. While there are core existing JCOMM OCG partner networks, OCG is also actively reaching out to emerging networks.
While the observing networks have their own coordination mechanisms, there are many commonalities between networks and opportunities to build on synergies, increase efficiency and observing system resilience through enhanced inter-network communication; for instance, in reporting status metrics; deployment, logistics and ship time, sensor development and calibration, data flow, metadata standards, and quality control.
The aim of the Work Plan is to set the focus for OCG activities for the coming years, under a core set of work areas that capitalize on the strengths and synergies across the networks, and on technical coordination to meet the requirements for a global ocean observing system. The Work Plan provides a framework for the agenda of each OCG meeting, and the resulting actions, help us to focus intersessional activity. The horizon for the current OCG Work Plan is 2013 - 2020 and it is updated annually following the OCG meeting. This document represents the update 2017 following the OCG Eighth Session (Qingdao, China, May 2017). Articulating the focus areas and coordination activities in this way enables OCG to communicate our role to the broader community and to any emerging networks or potential partners who may want to engage in the Work Plan activities.
The OCG works closely with the GCOS-GOOS-WCRP Ocean Observations Panel for Climate (OOPC), which focuses on setting observation requirements and observing systems design. The OOPC also implements a 5 year Work Plan (currently 2013-2018), which targets: JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 6
● Evaluating requirements for observations of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) and Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), reporting through GCOS and GOOS, and developing variable based observing system performance metrics
● Working with JCOMM OCG on developing network targets in response to requirements for variables, and assessing network performance
● Running systems based evaluations to ensure the observing system in particular domains collectively meets the requirements
The JCOMM in situ Observations Programme Support Centre (JCOMMOPS) is charged with the technical coordination of the individual networks, with the following vision: JCOMMOPS occupies a unique place as the focal point for the practical co-ordination of the in-situ ocean observing system defined by JCOMM. Its role consists of the following core objectives:
● to assist in the implementation and deployment of the observing networks through close interaction with programme managers and platform operators, and through Capacity Development and outreach;
● to assist in establishing, maintaining and verifying mechanisms for the timely exchange of data and metadata, including the facilitation of quality control and archival functions;
● to develop the consistent set of tools needed to monitor the status of the observing system and its attendant data and metadata distribution, so as to identify action areas and improve the overall effectiveness and development of the system.
JCOMMOPS goals and objectives, are complementary to and support the aims of the JCOMM OCG Work Plan, focusing on providing technical support and tracking implementation across the networks, with an emphasis on building on synergies and leveraging opportunities across the networks.
2. Key influencers, horizons & timelines There are a several programmes and activities to consider when planning OCG activities, to ensure their impact is aligned with the needs and requirements of a global observing system.
The Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), which has a 5-7 year planning and reporting cycle the current GCOS Implementation Plan was developed during 2016 (see 3.1 for details) and describes requirements for the observation of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), and identifies actions for the next 5 years to meet these requirements (i.e. network targets).
The Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), is developing a Strategic Map of GOOS, a living document, highlighting the interconnectedness of the system and delivery to key application areas (Climate through GCOS, Real Time Services through JCOMM and GODAE OceanView, and Ocean Health), see 3.1 for details.
Requirements are also communicated through the WMO Rolling Review of Requirements (RRR) process, to gain the attention of National Meteorological Services (NMS), which contribute to many of the marine and oceanographic observing networks..
Key planning horizons are as follows:
2016 - 2019: WIGOS Implementation Phase.
2017: JCOMM-5 Session. An opportunity to revisit JCOMM and OCG organisational structure and gain support for observational plans and targets. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 7
2019: OceanObs’19: An opportunity to revisit the performance of the observing system and for the community to discuss how to better meet current and emerging requirements (e.g. through new technologies and regional pilot projects such as TPOS-2020).
3. Requirements
To communicate and advocate for the development of the ocean observing system, requirements are developed through a number of fora to ensure that the range of stakeholders and implementers of ocean observations are engaged.
JCOMM OCG works primarily with the OOPC on setting requirements for observations. This requirements setting is an iterative process, which considers cost and feasibility of observations, versus their value or impact. OOPC has its own Work Plan (2013-2018), which is reviewed and updated every year. This focuses on setting requirements, assessing observing system performance by variable and systems based evaluations of the observing system, to guide the transition or expansion of the observing system. To enable the consistent communication of requirements for observations, Essential Ocean Variable (EOV) Specification Sheets have been developed to articulate the requirements for the observation of a variable, its applications, the processes/phenomena that need to be captured, and how the observations of variables come together to meet these requirements. This articulation of requirements is led by the OOPC and will enable the eventual evaluation of the observing system by variable.
Below are summarised the developments in the observing system requirement space, GCOS, GOOS, WMO RRR and regional initiatives, that influence the OCG Work Plan moving forward.
3.1 GCOS, GOOS and OOPC
GCOS have developed Essential Climate Variables (ECV), to assess the adequacy of the earth observing system and develop forward plans to inform science, assessment and policy. The Ocean Observation Panel for climate under GCOS is GOOS OOPC.
2017 Update
The current GCOS Implementation Plan (2016) was approved by the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP 22), Marrakech 2016, and includes essential climate variables (ECVs), indicators and actions to support the Paris Agreement goals. The plan aims to fulfil observations for 6 key areas:
● Characterise the state of the global climate system and its variability ● Monitor the forcing of the climate system, including both natural and anthropogenic ● Support the attribution of the causes of climate change ● Support the prediction of global climate change ● Enable projection of global climate change information down to regional and local scales ● Enable characterisation of extreme events important in impact assessment and adaptation and for the assessment of risk and vulnerability Mitigation and adaptation is seen as an increasing need. The atmosphere, ocean and land have separate systems for observations but all are connected to understand major planet issues – the new GCOS Implementation Plan aims to improve the monitoring of global climate cycles. This includes global water cycle, carbon budget, sea level, global energy balance, changing conditions of the biosphere etc. The Ocean Chapter talks about the needs for ocean observations, strengthening biogeochemical and biological monitoring, actions for data and product delivery, ECV based actions and observing system design and innovation. Plus the need to ‘sell’ the need for sustained observations to justify national investment. GCOS have a structured planning formula, 1) Adequacy, 2) Requirements, 3) Progress. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 8
GOOS focus is on ocean observations for societal benefit in 3 key application areas: climate, services and ocean health. The planning process is fluid, requirements are articulated and then how to deliver this through a mix of platforms and communities is evaluated. GOOS scientific oversight has 3 Expert Panels, physics (OOPC), biogeochemistry (IOCCP), and biology & ecosystems (GOOS BioEco).
Important components of the GOOS strategy/structure are the Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs), which come from the requirements, readiness level to support the requirements and data availability. The EOVs are divided into physics (also all ECVs and most mature in terms of readiness level), BGC (most are also ECVs and most mature), Biological (only a few are also ECVs, most pilot and early). Other components are observation coordination, undertaken through the JCOMM Observations Programme Area (JCOMM OPA), GOOS Regional Alliances (GRAs), and specific project development, for example AtlantOS, TPOS 2020, the Deep Ocean Observing Strategy (DOOS), and GOA-ON.
Figure 2: GOOS structure - how the panels deliver to key application areas
GOOS OOPC focus for 2017 - 2019
● Review system for ocean heat and freshwater content ● Closing gaps/expanding – boundary currents ● New variables - air-sea fluxes, ocean surface stress
Key messages for JCOMM OCG:
● GOOS provides an important link to UNFCCC ● GOOS is expanding to deliver observations for climate, services, ocean health ● OOPC provides the information conduit between GOOS and GCOS ● Engagement is needed from networks for; multi-platform observing system design, delivery of observations by variable and assessing performance
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 9
1 Action OOPC to contact OCG in order Katy Hill Reviews to June 3.1 to gain input to the current OCG Exec 2017 ocean heat and freshwater observing system reviews, through this process OCG will also gain insight into the observing systems requirements
2 Action JCOMMOPS to track progress JCOMMOPS JCOMMOPS Sept 3.1 of networks against relevant website 2017 GCOS implementation plan page/s targets. This info will be posted/updated on the JCOMMOPS website
3 Recommendation GOOS to connect with GOOS, Synergy Sept 3.1 JCOMMOPS for the JCOMMOPS explored 2017 development of the Network Specification Sheet database, to ensure knowledge developed in JCOMMOPS is leveraged for consistency across reporting systems
4 Action China to provide the cruise Weidong Yu List of July 3.1 plan for the SO to JCOMMOPS planned 2017 for inclusion in the ship cruises operations database
3.2 WMO requirements for ocean observations (RRR/OSCAR)
Observing Systems Capabilities Analysis and Review tool (OSCAR1) is a component of the Rolling Requirements Review process for recording observational requirements and observing capabilities (both space-based and surface-based), and conducting critical reviews of how well the capabilities address the requirements.
OSCAR has three components: OSCAR/Observational Requirements (well established), OSCAR/Space Capabilities (well established) and OSCAR/Surface Capabilities (under development). OSCAR/Requirements supports the WMO RRR process, with 14 application areas defined each with a designated point of contact: Guimei Liu is the contact for Ocean Applications and presented the update on this area, however ocean observations are important in several other climate and prediction related application areas. OOPC is the designated contact for the climate application area, however JCOMM OCG should aid in developing the structure for how information is passed into this system, so that the information available to OSCAR users is as accurate as possible. This is important as some countries look to OSCAR to guide investments, it is used
1 http://www.wmo-sat.info/oscar/ JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 10 mainly by the meteorological community but not only them, and is relevant to observing system budgets. For example, Ms Chong Pei, CMA China, highlighted the importance of the RRR in the design of their marine meteorological and terrestrial observing network. However the WMO structure of responsibility for areas that include ocean variables is dispersed and complex.
2017 Update
Guimei Liu, WMO responsible for the Oceans Applications area, would like to gain support from the OCG observing community input to RRR on HF Radar related variables, tsunami related variables (OSCAR/RRR), sea ice variables (OSCAR/RRR), see actions below. In addition WMO secretariat will work on understanding and developing appropriate links for the flow of information on variables and phenomena from OOPC and OCG into OSCAR/RRR (see actions below).
(Also see section 3.4 where the use of the OSCAR in creating EOV based coverage maps was discussed and a pilot for SST and T at depth proposed).
5 Action OCG (WMO secretariat) to establish Katy Hill, Engagement Sept 3.2 the appropriate methods and Champika WMO-RRR to 2017 contacts for OOPC/OCG to feed into Gallage OOPC/OCG RRR across the range of application areas related to oceans/climate
6 Action WMO to review ocean application Hugh Roarty Advice/contac July 3.2 documents for inclusion of HF Radar t provided to 2017 information - Hugh to carry back the Guimei Liu message to HF Radar network to see how to respond
7 Action DBCP to suggest experts to provide Jon Turton Guimei Liu to July 3.2 advice to WMO-RRR to enable the be provided 2017 addition of tsunami related and sea appropriate ice related variables into OSCAR for contacts ocean applications area, e.g. possible sea ice expert team Smolensky, DBCP tsunami team
8 Action OCG to suggest sub-application areas Emma OCG June 3.2 for the currently single ocean Heslop, Katy roundtable 2017 application area of the WMO RRR Hill, call June Champika Gallage, Guimei Liu, Nick Ashton
9 Action Provide Guimei with EOV Katy Hill EOV’s and June 3.2 specifications for mapping connection to 2017 differences and connection to OOPC OOPC
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 11
3.3 TPOS 2020: Implementation & Transition
TPOS 2020 is a finite lifetime regional observing system re-design project for the Tropical Pacific. It is a distributed effort by many institutes and countries to meet the integrated observing need of the region, under a design umbrella that considers the needs from various communities, including oceanography, meteorology, modelling and satellites, and includes both sustained and experimental observations in a single design that is focused on delivering socio-economic benefits. It was initiated due to the decline in ocean observing capacity in a region dominated by processes that are vital to our understanding and forecasting of global climate, namely ENSO. It ends in 2020, at which time the sustainability of the system will need to have been addressed. This is a regional system that is vital to the global climate on many scales and OCG has been supportive of the development of the project.
2017 Update.
A first report (2016) provided 22 key recommendations and 14 actions, amongst these changes and improvements to the observing system design, with testing through pilot systems and assessment of new technologies, enhancements to capture surface heat and freshwater fluxes (GOOS Recommendations), and to reconfigure the moored array to target equatorial current and the mixed layer. JCOMM is the primary external sponsor, with WIGOS, GOOS and GCOS as key additional stakeholders. The Transition & Implementation Strategy developed from this report has been adopted by JCOMM (MAN-13) and WMO EC (who supported and encouraged OCG to consider this approach in other regions). The 2nd Resource Forum Meeting (2017) endorsed the recommendations and recognised TPOS 2020 is a regional observing system, important to other areas and global issues. With strong support articulated at the meeting, it could be expected that there support for enhancements to the network.
Intersections foreseen with JCOMM OCG:
● Impact of recommendations on networks; Argo, DBCP, Gliders and BGC ● Lessons applicable to other areas (Atlantic, Indian) ● Opportunity for OCG to become a stronger implementation coordination panel: ○ Updating requirements ○ Coordinating pilots ○ Standards & Best Practice for new EOV/instruments ○ Data management, capacity building and services ● Discussion with networks regarding TPOS first report and proposed changes ● Should OCG participate in the Transition & Implementation Task Team (T&I TT)
JCOMM OCG involvement update:
● DBCP tropical array is part of backbone and team involved ● Argo aware of the design recommendations, plan is for 100 additional floats per year, it will be matter of resources, but is being discussed ● Gliders participated with report, but had impression that there was a lack of enthusiasm for integrating new technologies, however this is a review recommendation (see above). ● Kevin O’Brien (NOAA) will assist with dataflow using ERDDAP (see section 5.2) ● Regionally SOA will contribute, 1) through existing network 2) doubling Argo in West Pacific region, and 3) supporting moorings and data flow in West Pacific region
The changes for Argo and DBCP networks will be addressed by the respective network steering committees, with OCG taking an overarching role as required, such as coordination between OceanSITES and DBCP JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 12
OCG feedback for TPOS 2020:
● Important to check evolution and continuity of the variables if revisions made, is this part of data management planning? ● If requirements for observing in the tropical Pacific are now revised should these be embedded in WMO RRR? ● TPOS 2020 has a potentially strong impact on regional fishing and local climate etc. how is the project connecting to local concerns, FIO would encourage pilot action in this regard
3.4 Mapping EOVs, assessing cross-network coverage to fulfill requirements
A proposal from Jon Turton (OCG Vice-Chair, Met Office, UK) was put forward for mapping EOVs across networks to gain a view of coverage by variable. Mapping by variable could provide information on gaps and needs and also enable a view of the data available from a user perspective, as users often concentrate on variables, such as wind and waves for maritime operators, rather than the networks they came from.
The proposal uses the requirements from OSCAR by region (given as uncertainty, horizontal resolution and periodicity) and a methodology for estimating coverage already used for the global drifter array (Lumpkin et al., 2016) to create global maps of coverage by EOV. The proposal was discussed and supported across OCG as a good approach. There was some discussion about how this maps with the GOOS approach of coverage of phenomena. However this proposal was seen as a beneficial first step that will also assist in assessing if the requirements in OSCAR are relevant, it is however possible a different discussion is needed across GOOS panels on capturing phenomena. It was decided that a pilot for SST and T at depth would be developed by Jon Turton and JCOMMOPS, with assistance from Kevin O’Brien for additional data access using ERDDAP.
10 Action Jon to work with JCOMMOPS to scope Jon Turton, 1 page doc July 3.4 & develop a demo for showing SST and JCOMMOPS, on what 2017 / subsurface T variable based metrics Kevin O’Brien required / Oct and coverage (based on requirements web page 2017 from the OSCAR database) for demo quantifying and mapping global EOV coverage (following the approach by Lumpkin et al for drifters). Kevin to provide assistance for historical/other data sets
4. Observing System Implementation
4.1 Review across current networks and programs
To advocate for support for ocean observations, clear network targets need to be developed and communicated through GCOS, GOOS, JCOMM and WMO Rolling Review of Requirements. Clear targets are also needed to enable us to articulate the status and performance of the observing system.
OCG have worked with OOPC and the networks to develop Network Specification Sheets to articulate the role of components of the observing system, highlight interdependencies, missions, JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 13 and to set targets for implementation. A consistent set of Network Specification Sheets will be made available for JCOMM-5 (October 2017).
In addition the networks have been asked to develop performance indicators (KPI’s), in line with their mission targets for the development of the first JCOMM Observing System Report Card, this will be an annual report that provides a high level overview of the status and health of the Global Ocean Observing System (see section 7.3).
JCOMM networks, partner networks, projects and emerging networks were all represented at OCG-8. All networks and projects provided a report to OCG prior to the meeting, which covered the following points:
● Current status, successes, issues and opportunities ● Future plans ● Cross cutting issues ● New technology developments
Reports from the OCG networks, partner networks and projects are available on the OCG-8 website: http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewEventAgenda&eventID=1919
Before the meeting a summary of the cross network issues was compiled for discussion across the networks (see section 4.3), the feedback from which will help guide the ongoing focus of OCG coordination activities. In addition, a specific discussion on the cross network adoption of new technologies was held (section 4.4).
4.1.1. Argo
The present Argo array is healthy, though coverage in the far southern latitudes remains inadequate. Real time data streams are healthy, and delayed-mode data streams are recovering from a major format change. Argo is moving from its original design (3000 floats) to a global more spatially complete design (3800 floats). In addition work is well underway on pilots for other major mission; Deep Argo to address sea level rise and the global ocean heat budget has 4 trial areas N/S Atlantic, Southern Ocean, S Pacific; BGC-Argo (or Biogeochemical Argo) has 3 regional pilots underway in Mediterranean, Southern Ocean and the Atlantic; and regional enhancements, where greater signal to noise is required or better time/space resolution.
Overall the outlook is positive, the core array is healthy and the extensions valuable and feasible. Argo faces immediate challenges in managing the growing complexity of its data stream, in accessing the global ocean due to either political or logistical barriers, and in driving forward ongoing technology improvements for efficiency. The challenges for longer-term sustainability and succession are also being discussed.
Internal issues:
● Leadership renewal ● Technology evolution and supplier risk ● The operational/research support ● Managing community expectations and fiscal reality. ● Balance between data completeness and ease of vs. adoption of new or novel data streams. New data streams has rapidly raised the complexity of the data system, impacting data management teams and users. As an interim solution, Argo is allowing a new file type – ‘auxiliary’ – which can be used to distribute non-official Argo parameters e.g. velocity shear. Auxiliary data must still be freely available and documented to some degree, but is not monitored for conformity in content or format.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 14
Cross-network issues:
● Developing and maintaining syntaxes is extremely time consuming. Argo would appreciate progress on the creation and documentation for parameter syntax, technical names and metadata across networks. ● Southern latitude coverage remains inadequate ● Operational issues around access to remote or politically challenging regions, e.g. Arctic or Marginal Seas access is impacted by EEZ clearance issues.
The meeting agreed that there were challenges to be faced in consistency on syntax for variables across networks, mainly from BGC-Argo variables, and that the same issues also exist for moorings and GO-SHIP.
There was general agreement that vessel coverage is particularly acute in the Southern Ocean and that coordination to take advantage of all/any ships operating there is to be desired. JCOMMOPS maintains a ship list and is aware of 3 or 4 ships going to the Southern Ocean next year, in addition the advice is if ships are identified then multiple floats should be released, there is probably a need to better promote the visibility of the JCOMMOPS Ship List. Argo noted however that an opportunistic approach is not sufficient to gain coverage, and that a dedicated program (charters and potential merchant ship recruitment through SOT - see 4.1.3) is required to increase coverage.The ice-avoidance algorithm to avoid surfacing in ice in high latitudes is working for the Southern Ocean but needs further refinement for the Arctic.
Support from GRAs has been useful in dealing with issues of EEZ deployment and sampling, Argo noted that it would have been impossible without regional cooperation and communication.
4.1.2 GO-SHIP
GO-SHIP provides approximately decadal resolution of the changes in inventories of heat, freshwater, carbon, oxygen, nutrients and transient tracers, covering the ocean basins from coast to coast and full depth (top to bottom), with global measurements of the highest required accuracy to detect these changes.
There remains a clear lack of fundamental understanding of global ocean heating and cooling rates and carbon content changes, which are vital to for baseline the global heat and carbon budget and setting international assessments of global change etc. The need for high accuracy, global scale inventories undertaken by GO-SHIP remain strong, and new missions such as BGC-Argo rely heavily on GO-SHIP as a reference for calibration.
Update 2017
GO-SHIP is increasingly moving towards additional sampling for BGC and ecosystem support. It is actively working with the biological community to develop protocols so that these parameters can be obtained on GO-SHIP reference sections (decadal core) and GO-SHIP associated sections (more frequent, fewer variables on inventory) for EOVs, without compromising mission (plans, sampling, etc.)
Major advancements have been made in terms of visibility for the GO-SHIP network, which has had an impact on funding and sustainability. The support of Martin Kramp, Ship Coordinator JCOMMOPS was noted, and sustained funding for support of work through JCOMMOPS is being sought.
The hydrographic best practice manual is under review, including work for carbon parameters and sampling protocols. A community paper on GO-SHIP and carbon has recently been published JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 15
(Talley et al. 2016). Data are submitted with national support for bottle and CTD data to CCHDO, ADCP data will be submitted to centres in Hawaii and France. For surface and biology parameters, work is in progress to find a DC to host and process these data.
The network is now 54 reference lines per decade, with 87% currently funded/likely funded. Increasing the spread of international participation has been one of the GO-SHIPs aims as spreading the responsibility for lines across nations makes the network less vulnerable. This has gone hand in hand with important capacity building work for new GO-SHIP line operators, e.g. the Irish A2 line with support from US, Canada and AtlantOS, and the German A10 line with contributions from France, Brazil, South Africa, Argentina and AtlantOS.
Foci for the next 12 months include:
● Complete planning of the current survey, and begin planning for the next decadal survey ● Involve more countries in GO-SHIP ● Complete the manual on best practices review and publish – IODE/IOC ● Continue to work with biological plankton community to develop variables for sampling ● Track data-flow to CCHDO (Scripps) data archives, 90% of data is received within 2 years, the focus is on quality control ● Develop GO-SHIP KPIs ● With JCOMMOPS complete the inventory of past surveys
Weidong Yu (SOA) noted the recent launch of a new Chinese RV and asked how could SOA get involved with GO-SHIP, procedures for capacity building, etc. Vice-Chair Bernadette Sloyan will discuss this with Weidong (SOA) in more detail over the coming months, however there are potential vacant lines in the region and GO-SHIP is eager to discuss meaningful participation with SOA.
Cross-network issues:
GO-SHIP was asked whether combining BGC data from Argo and GO-SHIP into one product in the future would be useful. GO-SHIP has worked with BGC-Argo on data quality and believes that combined data products would be well received. Argo sampling density will help with higher resolution regional changes and variability that GO-SHIP reference lines do not capture, although challenging it can be done.
11 Action GO-SHIP Co-Chairs to engage with GO-SHIP Chinese OCG-9 4.1.2 Weidong Yu regarding potential Co-Chairs engagement Chinese involvement in GO-SHIP, in GO-SHIP sampling currently vacant lines, capacity building etc.
4.1.3 SOT
SOT comprises the following networks:
● VOS ● SOOP ● ASAP
It was noted that Shawn Smith (presenting for SOT at OCG-8) is the SOT Vice-Chair and that SOT still needs to find a Chair or Co-Vice Chair. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 16
Update 2017
SOT-9 was recently held in London (IMO, March 2017), the key outcomes were:
1. SOT agreed to formalize its management structure by establishing an Executive Board (EB) and Executive Committee (EC), following the example of DBCP. The purpose of the new structure is to improve coordination across SOT, ensure the SOT panel leads and Task Team leads are in communication, and to manage SOT funds. 2. A new key performance indicator task team (TT-KPI) was established, to review the existing SOT KPIs and develop new metrics that better define the status of VOS, SOOP, and ASAP activities. The TT-KPI already provided preliminary metrics (12/06/2017 SOT Vice-Chair) for the JCOMMOPS Report Card, these will be refined over the coming year. 3. SOT has agreed to adopt a unique identifier (ID) scheme for platforms and instrument systems. The new SOT Station ID scheme (list) will be maintained by JCOMMOPS and the platform ID’s will be issued according to the wider JCOMM ship list within the WIGOS metadata scheme. This scheme also solves the problem of ship ‘masking’, as the link between instrument package and hosting ship will be hidden from public view if a ship must be ‘masked’, meaning the instrument metadata are available, but no ship metadata. It is noted that other JCOMM panels use WMO IDs, but eventually all could be assigned by JCOMMOPS (on behalf of the members). These instrument packages can be mounted on hosting ships which also contribute to other observing panels, all instruments refer to a shared JCOMM ship list, which SOT agreed should use the ICES code as unique identifier. 4. New compliant metadata for WIGOS has been developed for VOS. SOOP and the Automated Shipboard Aerological Program (ASAP) will develop WIGOS compliant metadata with the aim of being ready by early 2018, the SOOP panel will include pCO2 metadata. 5. Related to the above, SOT-9 agreed that WMO Publication No. 47 (Pub 47) should be frozen at the current version 4.2, archived, and the contents transferred into the JCOMMOPS database. By freezing the current Pub 47 metadata format and creating and implementing a new, composite format, SOT observing networks will be better positioned to make the changes required to comply with WIGOS metadata requirements. By offering the flexibility currently available to other JCOMM observing networks (e.g. DBCP) and not being subject to the current WMO validation procedures, modification of the metadata structure will be much faster and more efficient and will ensure that changes are possible within the WIGOS implementation period. By establishing JCOMMOPS as the main metadata repository, this will not only reduce the need for duplication of effort by national VOS operators, but it will reduce the need for national metadata databases altogether and will ensure that all relevant WIGOS metadata are directly uploaded into the OSCAR database. 6. A proposal to reduce the number of VOS class down to three was approved. The three new VOS classes will be as follows: a. Ships that are recruited by a national meteorological service which also supplies the necessary observing instruments, sensors and equipment (NMHS Operated) b. Ships that are recruited by a national meteorological service but use their own instruments, sensors and equipment (NMHS Cooperative) c. Third party support ships that are not recruited by a national meteorological service but contribute to the VOS Scheme (Independent) Changing to these new classes will require modifications to the VOS metadata scheme, how these classes are reported and documented by PMOs. The Task Team on Metadata will develop precise definitions for the three classes and make proposals on how the new third party ships should be administered and supported in the future.
7. The drifter donation program has been discontinued; the process was burdensome for applicants and ultimately unsuccessful. However, SOT may investigate other capacity JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 17
building schemes for developing countries (e.g. an AWS donation program), in collaboration with OCG and other observing networks.
To discontinue ID masking and encode/decode an EC resolution required, this will be put forward for approval by JCOMM-5 and then EC.
A simpler committee structure was suggested, and it was agreed that the executive board would be the decision making body of SOT and the broader executive committee used for consultation. Additionally there was some discussion around the unique ship ID (now to be managed by JCOMMOPS), WIGOS ID’s/metadata and other networks, however the issues are complex and in part related to the future role of JCOMMOPS. The role of JCOMMOPS will be discussed at JCOMM-5 and this issue can be clarified at a future date.
Cross network issues:
A specific panel session was held at SOT-9 focused on developing a roadmap towards the common goal of recruiting additional vessels to support meteorological and oceanographic observations. The panel included representatives from ICS, IHO, WOC, IMO, SOT, IOC, JCOMM SCG, and JCOMMOPS, it addressed the needs of SOT and also examined benefits to other panels within JCOMM (e.g. DBCP etc.) and other stakeholders such as IHO. The general consensus was that a top-down recruiting approach is a good idea and considerable interest and support was expressed from all the external parties (e.g. IMO, WOC, IHO). The next steps included formulating a working group with representatives from SOT, WMO, IOC, and the agencies from the panel. Since this effort should benefit the wider JCOMM vessel recruitment efforts, other networks were invited to consider membership to this working group. The working group will be charged with developing a “shopping list” for vessel operators (what sensors, measurements, etc. do we wish to make from their vessel) and a roadmap that establishes short and long-term objectives. Additionally, the working group will identify a vessel operator/community for a pilot project in a priority observation area (e.g. Southern Ocean).
SOT-9 also discussed details of metadata requirements to meet the needs for WIGOS implementation across VOS, SOOP, and ASAP. Throughout the discussions the SOT noted that there needed to be consistency between metadata requirements across JCOMM panels (e.g., SOT, DBCP). Is there a need for cross-cutting working group to ensure consistency in metadata collection across JCOMM networks?
There is a need to coordinate amendments to MSC Circular 1293 and the Polar Code which have been proposed by SOT and EC-PHORS, respectively, to ensure that these amendments do not present conflicting messages to IMO/vessel operators. WMO Secretariat has already taken the lead on this coordination, however there are a number of issues to connect, Polar Code review (EC-PHORS), MSC Circular 1293 (SOT), also bathymetry from ships (IHO).
12 Decision SOT organisational changes SOT Vice- Forward to June 30 4.1.3 (Executive board and Executive Chair JCOMM-5 2017 committee) agreed to go forward, for Executive board to have decision approval making power
13 Action SOT to circulate draft of ship forum Emma Forward May/June 4.1.3 report to other networks to see if Heslop report & 2017 want to join the proposed ship forum gain team. feedback JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 18
14 Decision Approved: Ship masking and SOT-ID SOT Vice- Noted for June 30 4.1.3 (JCOMMOPS assigned) schemes, Chair, approval 2017 freezing Pub47 and moving to WIGOS VOSP JCOMM-5 compliant and more flexible new Chair, TC metadata structure (JCOMMOPS hosted), reducing VOS classes, proceeding to submit to JCOMM-5
4.1.4 DBCP
The DBCP Panel at its annual meeting agrees the DBCP Work Plan actions and recommendations.
Update 2017
● KPIs for the high latitude buoys in the Arctic and Antarctic regions still need to be defined, a proposal has since been made, but will require the support of JCOMMOPS to implement ● DBCP is supporting the development of two trial drifter GDACs (MEDS, Canada and Meteo-France, France) towards full GDAC capability ● There remains a need for GDACs for moored buoy and wave buoy data ● DBCP is supporting the work to create a single complete global drifter metadata database that when completed will be maintained by JCOMMOPS ● DBCP is working with the space community on improving the quality of drifter SST data for satellite calibration/validation. ● An a paper/strategy for reducing data buoy vandalism is being prepared for JCOMM-V in October 2017 ● DBCP/JCOMMOPS need urgently to define the metadata flow for drifters ● DBCP coordination activities are suffering from the delay in recruiting a replacement Data Buoy Technical Coordinator
Linked to this funding has been secured for improving the accessibility of the delayed mode drifter data (Kevin O’Brien/Rik Lumpkin). AOML's processes will be updated to include standard compliant files that will be served through ERDDAP (see 5.2)
Cross network issues:
● Technology development work to develop wave measurements from drifters without drogues is producing promising initial results, this is a potential game changer for wave observations and of interest beyond DBCP ● The tropical Pacific mooring array design (132 moorings) is expected to change in future as a result of the TPOS 2020 project ● DBCP notes that despite the interest in unmanned surface vehicles, the accuracy of the measurements from them for sustained observations has still to be demonstrated.
15 Action DBCP to clarify with JCOMMOPS Jon Turton, Confirmation By next 4.1.4 the status of drifter metadata flow JCOMMOPS from DBCP into JCOMMOPS JCOMMOPS Meeting
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 19
4.1.5 GLOSS
GLOSS has been active for 30 years, the management is through a group of experts that meet every 2 years, which means that change is slow.
Update 2017
● GLOSS core network was set up a long time ago, but although the mission has evolved the structure is still set up around the original core network and data streams, it would now be desirable to change structure to one focused around GLOSS missions ● JCOMMOPS connection has been initiated and good progress made, a next step is to provide metadata ● KPI’s and trends is being worked on now, the network status report is updated every week but the data not saved, going forward this will be done to provide trend, but the initial year will be an estimate ● GLOSS web pages will be completely re-developed ● Working with GLOSS Data Centers to get a single GLOSS netcdf format for files
The good work of Gary Mitchum in updating GLOSS direction in last few years was recognized by OCG. The GLOSS Chair will work with the GLOSS Group of Experts, with support from OCG, to identify the need for change and develop a new GLOSS implementation plan.
4.1.6 OceanSITES
There are now 304 sites under OceanSITES, comprising 332 platforms across 21 contributing countries. The OceanSITES executive committee has articulated its missions and observing targets for sustained observations in the framework of the GOOS. There are 3 core observing objectives/missions:
● Transport moored arrays (straits and boundaries, BOON) ● Air-sea flux reference sites (located in key locations, e.g. where cloud patterns affect fluxes) ● Global ocean watch (long time series, regions that are representative for certain processes)
Update 2017
● OceanSITES has identified the need to advance collection and handling of metadata of the network. Given the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of the network the full discovery and use of the data requires more a flexible metadata collection and archiving system. ● OceanSITES network coordination activities have suffered recently from a lack in personal, namely the technical coordinator, this will need to be resolved moving forward ● OceanSITES has also played a prominent role in recent regional implementations, e.g. AtlantOS, DOOS (Deep ocean observing strategy), TPOS 2020, GOA-ON.
In the data management area there are new activities using ERDDAP for data visualisation and dissemination (linked to session 5.2). OceanSITES members agree that the value in their data lies strongly in the full time series of the data being collected. ERDDAP is used to easily connect individual deployments into a "stitched/complete" time series, which offers users easy access to the complete data set for a sensor/platform. The individual deployment files, however, must be created and endorsed by the scientists managing the specific platform(s) before they can be presented to the public as a long time series. As ERDDAP is a tool familiar to the modelling community this also helps make OceanSITES data more accessible to this group.
The need is to fill the technical coordinators role was noted and although JCOMMOPS has been active in trying to resolve some of the OceanSITES data and metadata issues it is complex, but not JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 20 impossible, however that input from OceanSITES is required to move things forward. It was therefore agreed that OceanSites Co-Chair Johannes Karstensen and JCOMMOPS Manager Mathieu Belbeoch will meet in Brest to look at issues and resolve technical blockages to metadata flow.
To develop cross network observing performance indicators is complex task for OceanSITES, however work will be done to develop KPIs for each mission around coverage of key areas, on occupation relative to design, data delivery and stability. Development is needed promptly on this to support the work of the JCOMMOPS Observing System Report Card, and a short-term action of a Webex with JCOMMOPS and WMO secretariat to discuss the KPIs.
Cross network issues: OceanSITES is an inherently multidisciplinary network (physics, biogeochemical and ecosystem observations) and frequently used for scientific objectives that utilize data from multiple networks (e.g. combining OceanSITES, GO-SHIP, BioArgo, Satellite SST, SLA, etc.) such that OceanSITES based observations are rarely handled for product generation on a network-only basis. In order to derive network performance and network cost/benefit analysis metrics for traceability of data point origin in onward data distribution should be considered by OCG.
16 Action OceanSITES to connect with Johannes Johannes to End 4.16 JCOMMOPS (Johannes to visit Brest) Karstensen, visit Aug to resolve data and network visibility JCOMMOPS JCOMMOPS 2017 issues
17 Action JCOMMOPS, OceanSITES, DBCP and JCOMMOPS, KPIs for July 4.16 secretariat to agree to discuss Johannes report card 2017 mooring/moored buoy KPI’s for the Karstensen, agreed report card Champika Gallage
4.1.7 International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project (IOCCP)
IOCCP was established as a standing project of SCOR and IOC-UNESCO in 2005. The complexity of the marine carbon cycle and its numerous connections to atmospheric and terrestrial pathways means that a wide range of observations have to be made in order to quantify the role of marine carbon in the global climate system. Over the past decade our ever-increasing understanding of the inter-correlation of marine carbon cycle with carbon-related biogeochemical parameters demands a coordinated, comprehensive biogeochemistry observing system that serves the current needs for information related to issues like ocean acidification, ocean deoxygenation, eutrophication and more. In line with this IOCCP coordination activities have expanded, IOCCP is now the GOOS BGC panel and IOCCP TOR’s have been changed to reflect this expanded role. The new TORs expand the mission of IOCCP to all biogeochemical GOOS EOVs.
Update 2017
● To meet the demands of the expanding scope of IOCCP’s activities the IOCCP SSG has introduced a co-chairmanship system. From January 2017 Dr. Masao Ishii (JMA-MRI, Tsukuba, Japan) has joined Toste Tanhua (GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany) in taking responsibility as an IOCCP co-Chair. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 21
● The international coordination of underway CO2 measurements from ships under auspices of IOCCP is progressing well. We continue to focus on formalizing agreements and protocols for measurements with participants in an ad hoc network. ● The activities of the Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas (SOCAT) remain the focal point of data collation, quality control and dissemination; SOCAT has done a great job in making global surface CO2 time series available and the impact of SOCAT is immense (140 peer reviewed articles) from a community effort with no sustained funding. Recommendations from SOCAT are used to further coordination and cooperation between measurement groups, e.g. establishing protocols to quality control air XCO2 measurements, and adding other biogeochemical sensors (O2, pH, and nitrate), in addition to improving quality control of temperature and conductivity/salinity measurements. There is an urgent need to assess whether the new and upcoming pCO2 sensors are meeting rigorous requirements for data accuracy. ● SOCAT Version 4 was publically released on 1 September 2016. This contains 18.5 million surface ocean fCO2 (fugacity of CO2) values with an accuracy of better than 5 µatm, plus calibrated sensor data with an accuracy of better than 10 µatm. These data have been provided by roughly 100 contributors and cover the time frame 1957 – 2015. ● The name of the IOCCP theme ‘Underway CO2 Observations’ has changed to ‘Surface Water CO2 observations’ to incorporate new platforms such as buoys and autonomous vehicules. In time the scope of this will expand further to ‘Surface Water Biogeochemical Observations’. ● IOCCP-JAMSTEC 2015 Inter-laboratory Calibration Exercise of a Certified Reference Material for Nutrients in Seawater was published in June 2016 as IOCCP Report Number 1/2016 and ISBN 978-4-901833-23-3. IOCCP will co-sponsor the next inter-comparison exercise, which will most likely take place in late 2017. ● The IOCCP position paper on Global Ocean Biogeochemistry Data Management, http://www.ioccp.org/index.php/data-and-information-management, received positive feedback indicating the need for a global data assembly and distribution system. The Bjerknes Climate Data Centre has now submitted a proposal to the Research Council of Norway. Data networks and archives holding marine biogeochemistry data have been contacted and collaboration established. Feedback about funding is expected in late spring 2017, if approved a Global Data Assembly Centre for Marine Biogeochemistry will be in place by 2019.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 22
Figure 3: Structure of the IOCCP GDAC, main data centres, data products and networks
Cross network issues
A number of questions and suggestions were posed for OCG-8 to consider around the changing and expanding role of IOCCP, including:
● Would it be better to reporting on carbon measurements through the networks that take the measurements e.g. GO-SHIP, OceanSITES, BGC-Argo, etc. ● A real push is needed to make the OceanSITES BGC data and metadata available (see section 4.1.6 for actions in this regard). ● Should OCG consider broadening the scope of OCG networks to include community activity important for BGC, e.g. IGMETS who are important within IOCCP, but not represented in say OceanSITES. ● Data management and information access needs some thought; should the role of SOCAT expand to take more variables and should this be considered as an OCG area for action? Another example is for the Ocean Data I Interior Synthesis (glodapv2), which is used by CMIP 5, 6 etc. Does OCG want to make sure this is supported and/or expanded? ● These could be summarized into 3 big questions:
● Mapping BGC networks onto OCG ● Gaps coastal moorings ● DM issues
There is not currently a coordination method for coastal moorings and this is a challenge, OCG are exploring options with the GOOS Regional Alliances (GRAs). Maciej also commented on a workshop in Bermuda and those that had expressed interest in being a group not reliant on GOOS GRA’s, could something be done here in coordination with OCG/JCOMMOPS?
The questions and the scope require further thought and connection, the OCG Chair requested that Maciej create a short wish list of what is wanted in next 4 – 5 years from OCG, that could be JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 23 discussed by the networks at the next OCG Roundtable, and also to develop a more comprehensive strategy that can be put forward at JCOMM-5.
18 Action IOCCP (Maciej) to produce a short Maciej Deliver / Report to 4.1.7 wish list for OCG on what want for Telszewski present next OCG BGC in next few years. short roundtable document (June 2017)
19 Action Development a vision for BGC OCG Chair, Short vision August 4.1.7 development over 4 – 5 y with input document 2017 timeframe, including role of OCG, from Maciej as input to JCOMM-5 for OCG evolution
20 Action Conversation between OCG and Katy Hill, Topic Report to 4.1.7 GOOS Regional Forums to assess Derrick discussed on OCG pathways forward to engage Snowdon, call roundtable coastal moorings over next 5 years GOOS by end Regional 2017 Forum
21 Action What role should OCG have in Nick Ashton, Short doc. Before 4.1.7 product development? Develop a David Legler, outlining JCOMM-5 vision for products in JCOMM with support ideas/vision input from OCG Derrick Snowden
4.2 New observing system components
4.2.1 OceanGliders
Update 2017
● A website, www.OceanGliders.org, will be set up and populated during 2017 with information on OceanGliders, task teams, glider related outreach and global maps of the glider activity. ● Coordination to ensure engagement with different communities, international such as OOPC, IOCCP, GOOSBioEco, regional such as TPOS2020, AtlantOS, or more thematic, for example BGC, modelling, etc. An additional priority is to engage with the GOOS Regional Alliances that are using or planning to use gliders, e.g. US IOOS, IMOS, IOGOOS, EuroGOOS. Formal cover letters with enclosed Task Team proposals will be distributed to relevant panels. ● OceanGliders would like to engage the support of JCOMMOPS through a technical network coordinator, initially envisaged as a full-time position (budget around 120K$/year), but on discussion this is more likely to be part-time coordinator shared with another network (also JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 24
see section 7.2 JCOMMOPS Budget). The Steering Team members will try to raise sustained funds to support this from their respective agencies in Australia, Canada, Europe, UK, and USA, etc. ● Since OCG-7 a steering team for the glider component of the GOOS/GCOS has been created called the OceanGlider program, with a focus on sustained glider operations. ● OceanGliders is now recognized by OOPC and approved as a new member of OCG (recommendation to JCOMM-5). ● The first OceanGliders Steering Team meeting occurred in NOC, Southampton UK, September 2016. The second was held at UNESCO, Paris, France, in April 2017. Governance rules for the OceanGlider program have been adopted, a short term Action Plan has been agreed, and plans for the international/regional communities discussed.
The objectives of the OceanGlider program are:
● Strengthen the glider community and facilitate the sustained use of gliders globally ● Launch and maintain an international glider program as a component of the GOOS/GCOS
OceanGliders is organized into 5 Task Teams (TT):
● Boundary Currents (BOON) ● Storms ● Water Transformation ● Polar regions ● Data Management
Initial documents describing the scopes of these TTs have been developed and it is envisaged that new task teams may emerge in the future.
Various immediate actions are underway/planned:
● Gliders Technical Coordinator position at JCOMMOPS will be set up.
Although the network is global and active, with some 20 – 30 gliders typically in the water at any one time gliders and many covering important gaps in GOOS, such as boundary currents and regional seas, there is a need to:
● Agree on targets ● Consolidate glider data management, for example there are 3 global glider data formats, a developing a data translator is one option being considered ● Develop coordination and national development – promote capacity building ● Consider new integrating technology into the network, e.g. sustained sections with deep gliders (4000 - 6000 m) ● Glider BGC Standards & Best Practice requires work/is not yet mature
OCG congratulated OceanGliders on great progress since OCG-7, however although the platform and sensors are generally mature, the network is still immature and there is some need to collect metrics before defining the KPIs and performance targets, perhaps monitoring days in water for TT areas or for GOOS phenomenon, OOPC could also provide some feedback on this. The OceanGlider team was encouraged to bring plans to OCG and GOOS OOPC/BGC panels for feedback as they move forward with ideas for performance indicators. JCOMMOPS support was discussed and it was suggested that OceanGliders could initiate with a part-time coordinator, to ease finding the funding for this activity from the national budgets. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 25
Two requests were made:
● OCG Chair asked that OceanGliders address gender bias in the team ● Weidong Yu (SOA) asked OceanGliders to look at how it could address the issue of glider technology transfer
22 Action Improve gender balance in Pierre Testor, Report OCG-9 4.2.1 OceanGlider steering/exec team - OCG Members back to OCG to offer a list of potential OCG candidates
23 Action Explore potential gliders technology OceanGliders Report OCG-9 4.2.1 transfer, capacity building ST back to OCG
4.2.2 HF Radar
There are approximately 400 stations currently operating and collecting real-time surface current information, 7 countries are providing surface current information (http://global-hfradar.org). The network is divided into 3 regions for radio frequency approval, based on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) regions, and is growing e.g. Philippines network increasing to 24 stations in the future. The network now operates in 7 of 11 GOOS alliances and is building capacity within the GOOS network.
Update 2017
The network had its 5th meeting in December 2016. Hugh Roarty confirmed that the HF Radar network wants to engage in JCOMM OCG.
Within the United States, there are presently projects underway using HF radar technology for tsunami detection and sea state measurement (wave height, period and direction) for operational missions within the NOAA National Weather Service in collaboration with US IOOS and several academic institutions.
OCG asked about the development of targets for the network and whether there was some analogy within other networks that could help with this. The role of the performance targets is to help indicate success in reaching observing mission, Gary Mitchum, Chair of GLOSS, suggested that there could be some parallels in how GLOSS had addressed the topic of performance targets that would be of assistance to HF Radar in developing their own KPIs.
HF Radar is now recognized by OOPC and approved as a new member of OCG (recommendation to JCOMM-5).
24 Action HF-Radar to develop ideas on Hugh Noted for OCG-9 4.2.2 metrics/KPI’s for next OCG Roarty, approval discuss with JCOMM-5 Gary Mitchell
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 26
4.2.3 Animal Marine Monitoring/Animal Borne Sensors
In the last two decades, tagged animals have become a new source of oceanographic profiles, especially for the Polar Oceans. A large range of instrument types exists with distinct position and sensor capabilities; some are more useful than others to get oceanographic data. The oceanographic variables routinely measured encompass pressure, temperature, salinity, light and fluorometry, in addition pH and O2 sensors have been tested.
Recently, studies involving animal-borne instruments collected not only oceanographic data for ecological studies, but provide data to the oceanographic community directly. Here the ability to provide data fast (through GTS), in generally observation poor areas, was important, modellers used the observations and could show that the ocean model predictions improved. Although the data are less accurate they are unique, in hostile polar environments and as animals naturally spend time in places of greater ocean activity, the tracking of mesoscale change is naturally improved.
Currently, there is no globally coordinated network of sustained deployments of animal-borne instruments to support ocean observations. There are however four major groups that have started to work more closely together with the goal of forming a coordinated network; the national Animal Tracking Network (ATN) IOOS, the Ocean Tracking Network (OTN), the Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), the Marine mammals Exploring the Ocean Pole-to-pole (MEOP). The next step towards the development of a network is to have a joint workshop on data standards and best practices at the 6th Bio-logging Science Symposium in July 2017. An endorsement by the JCOMM OCG would support the value of the development of standards and procedures for animal borne instrument data as well as consolidating the work between the different groups and bodies.
Action areas moving forward include:
● Creating the global community ● Focus on data management ○ Delivery ○ Metadata ● Address sustainability of funding ● Long term - add biological/ecosystem data
OCG encouraged the developments and focus on data delivery and quality. The Met Office demonstration of the value of data in operational ocean prediction models indicates that ideally we need the data in a sustained fashion and so need encourage the community to start self- organizing. Support towards structuring as a self-organizing network was offered by Katy Hill (WMO GOOS) and the Animal Borne Sensors network was asked to report back in a year.
25 Decision OCG endorses internationally Secretariat Report For 4.2.3 coordinated activities for marine JCOMM-5 JCOMM- animal profiling and offer support as 5 identified in coming months JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 27
26 Action Katy to set up meetings, Lars Katy Hill, Report back Sept 4.2.3 Boehme, Bill Woodward, and Sam Lars Boehme OCG 2017 Simmons (and others as required) to roundtable discuss how to animal borne sensor call after networks cooperate/structure Symposium globally, and to attend the Bio- logging 2017 Symposium in September 2017
4.3 Cross-network issues
Eight overarching issues across the networks were identified from the network reports, these were discussed briefly at OCG-8 and then at an OCG Roundtable in June 2017, in order to develop cross cutting areas of action for OCG forward planning.
The OCG Roundtable was held (19/06/2017) and there was general agreement that all 8 topics identified were important. The conclusion of the discussion was to collapse the original 8 topics to 4 key topic areas to be developed through activities led within OCG or through discussion with other entities. These 4 topics are:
● Coordinate response and assist network access to reviews, OOPC, regional, etc. ● Technical, legal and other issues of location, deployment and access ● Data flow and accuracy, including metadata, data, syntax ● Leadership and succession 27 Action Emma to circulate draft list of cross Emma Discuss at June 4.3 network issues, cross-referenced with Heslop, next OCG 2017 OCG-8 actions and get feedback on networks roundtable outstanding issues, priorities and next or provide steps. This will be discussed at next feedback OCG Roundtable in order to initiate further OCG actions to address these issues.
4.4 Integrating new technologies
Matt Mowlem (NOC, Southampton) presented on the landscape and ideas for assessing and integrating new technologies in the global observing system networks. The use of Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scales, from concept to pilot to mature technology adoption, is gaining traction in the community. Three 3 levels are perhaps too simple, so other definitions expand this to say 9 levels, e.g. from NASA, https://esto.nasa.gov/files/trl_definitions.pdf
The other axis for assessment is the need/impact axis, and this is what developers respond to and in this context the GOOS EOVs represent drivers. However although drivers, scientific demand may not be aligned with technological capability and commercial factors, a method to assess this is the creation of technology roadmaps to predict technology advancements over time.
This has for example been done within the AtlantOS Project for sensors and instruments, and JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 28 emerging networks – see http://noc.ac.uk/science/research-areas/ocean-technology-engineering. The use of technology roadmaps for EOVs could have numerous benefits, as a tool to understand timescales, target development, create dialogue with the developer industry about needs.
Across the networks different methodologies are in place for new technology adoption practice and process; BGC-Argo developed a thorough plan, with short term horizons, well structured; OceanSITES are cross-referenced as the gold standard for measurements and are very important for developers, as early and more current technology is tested.
There are therefore several gaps that OCG could help fill:
● Use of technology roadmaps to forecast future developments
● Coordination across networks
● Demand / impact (some through EOVs)
● Feasibility – comparison / synergies across networks?
● Definition of requirements for systems addressing multiple networks
● Coordinated tech development or purchasing decisions
● Coordination of metrology techniques
● Coordination of trials programs – starting with “easier” networks and building up challenge over time
Key is the use of technical roadmaps to identify gaps, supported by expert groups, and to analyse the technology and gaps, suggest priorities, perhaps lead to reports on technology readiness levels. Through the assessment of particular EOV’s on particular platforms, can develop matrixes that would really help intersection of these 3 axis to help OCG/networks plan and communicate needs across networks. In addition tighter coordination of demands can drive faster development and a better deal.
OCG Chair thanked Matt Mowlem for bringing his expertise and wisdom to OCG, many additional comments of support for the ideas and coordinating role of OCG were received from around across the networks and OCG work areas.
OCG Chair suggested setting up a small working group with networks, Matt Mowlem to scope what we could do in this space and Matt Mowlem expressed his willingness to engage with a small scoping group, to be established by OCG.
28 Action Set up a scoping group to develop Emma Decide on June 4.4 ideas on what role OCG-8 can play to Heslop, group 2017 support cross-network new technology networks, members development and adoption. Secretariat Matt Mowlem to send out note describing scoping group to networks (based on discussion elements), networks to identify if they will participate in the scoping group.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 29
Additional Actions:
29 Action Emma & Katy to revise format of Emma Send By 4 network specification sheets, and send Heslop, Katy reports & August back to network chairs this summer to Hill gain 2017 fill any remaining gaps. Aim to have all feedback complete for JCOMM-5
30 Action Discuss with GOOS office regarding Secretariat Plan for By 4 digital access to existing network publishing, August specification sheets, future digitisation circulating 2017 and on-going access/updates. Plus and long identify appropriate newsletter term (JCOMM-5)/other methods to advertise updates their existence
5. Data Management & Integration
5.1. JCOMM Data Management Programme Area - Data Management Strategy
The JCOMM Data Management Programme Area (DMPA) is developing a JCOMM DMPA Data Management Strategy, to be presented at JCOMM-5 in October 2017. The JCOMM Chairs requested that DMPA gain input from the OCG (MAN-13) in the development of the strategy, and OCG-8 was initial opportunity for JCOMM OCG to engage with the strategy and provide this input.
Eric Freeman (National Center for Environmental Information, NOAA) presenting the strategy stressed that that the input of JCOMM OCG was vital for the success of the strategy. The strategy presented is in a first draft and has been reviewed by IODE experts, and has been designed to respond to current and future strategic and data management plans:
● 2020-2023 WMO Strategic Plan ● IOC Medium Term Strategy 2014-202 ● IOC Strategic Plan for Data and Information Management 2017-2021 The vision of JCOMM with regard to metocean data management by 2021 is to provide a framework between WMO and IOC for assuring the collection, processing, integration, dissemination in real-, near-real-time and delayed mode and archiving of as much as possible fit for purpose metocean data of known quality from various sources to meet the needs of WMO and IOC operational and research applications with the view to allow both organizations to fulfill their mandates.
To realize the vision, JCOMM will build on existing infrastructures, best practices and standards, leverage from expertise of both WMO and IOC organizations, seek enhanced collaboration and partnerships with the private sector, promote cost effective modernization of current procedures and the use of new technologies and emerging data mechanisms where appropriate and applicable, as well as update existing practices and standards and develop new ones
The strategy is then organized into 6 themes to deliver the mission and vision
1. Promoting data sharing: research, operational and commercial.
2. Data Collection: real-time and near real-time JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 30
3. Data integration, access, rescue and preservation
4. Data dissemination
5. Data discovery
6. Capacity development
The strategy then developed actions for each of the 6 themes.
Strong feedback from the OCG members led to an active discussion about the strategy, which can be broken down into the following areas:
● Generally OCG considered the emphasis of the document was too WMO (and to a lesser extent IOC) focused
● The strategy needs to recognise the substantial data management efforts within OCG at the network level, e.g. GDACs and within the community (e.g. GRAs, European data portals).
● The use of the word metocean to cover marine and oceanographic data in the document was not favoured, as this signals marine meteorological data to the oceanographic community. The original terminology of oceanographic and marine meteorological data was recommended.
● There is some inconsistency and overlap between the themes
● The view is too top down, there is a system in place and the strategy should identify gaps and where JCOMM can add value, if the gaps are not addressed then no change will occur and the resources are not available to implement new systems with a top down approach.
● Keep the strategy at a higher level, the actions are for an implementation plan and should be left out of the strategy
● Technology is rapidly changing, any suggestion of providing a single ocean data portal is not realistic, this should be recognised, ocean data will be accessed through a multitude of tools and portals, and this should be welcomed
The next steps were for the secretariat to seek additional feedback and create a consolidated feedback for the DMPA, and participate in subsequent data management strategy calls.
31 Action OCG secretariat to gain networks Secretariat, Deliver 09 July 5.1 feedback on v0.32 of the DMPA Katy Hill, comments 2017 Strategy. Written feedback required Derrick and by June 5, Katy Hill to bring Snowden, feedback comments together for June 9 and to Kevin O’Brien DMPA participate on next DMPA call on June 13. Derrick and Kevin to join this call if possible.
5.2. Improving the interoperability of disparate ocean network data
This work is in support of the JCOMM OCG plan to improve interoperability and integration of disparate ocean data, to improve data/metadata where possible, and make visible. The ERDDAP data platform is now being used across several networks to successfully integrate and provide access to ocean datasets, focus on improving datasets not replacing them, using interoperable platforms to help build products as well as give access to original data. Data can be integrated JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 31 across platforms or EOV’s and provides a rapid implementation platform for data availability for new projects such as TPOS and groups such as US IOOS.
Examples of successful ERDDAP data projects include:
● OceanSITES – creating long timeseries from deployment files
● Global Drifter Program – having all data from drifting buoys in a common data and metadata format enables access from many clients
● GLOSS - Collecting single observing system observations and through metadata combining for single point access
● Demonstrating integrating oceanographic data in ERDDAP along EOV’s raised important questions
o EOV datasets require detailed metadata
o Need quality information to fully understand the value of the observations
On-going work:
● Continue implement ERDDAP data platform: Sea Level/Tide Gauges, Global Drifter Program
● Real Time data decode of BUFR data & work with GTSPP to provide CTD and XBT BUFR data
● Continue exploration of integrating across EOVs – work with EOV-like products such as GTSPP, WOD, ICOADS to determine the best way to move forward in cooperation, rather than duplication
● Engage with TPOS and add more detailed and technical information about data flow and integration recommendations to second TPOS report.
● Engage with GOOS RAs and AtlantOS project to ensure compatibility with projects like TPOS and JCOMM platform-network data integration.
● If recommended by JCOMM OCG, move forward to define and implement agreed-upon data based metrics.
● Work with US IOOS to prototype integration of regional and global data streams.
The projects were useful to the networks and OCG members agreed that the approach was excellent and could be adopted more widely. It was suggested that JCOMMOPS could perhaps help with tutorial that they could send to users.
Following recent experience with downturns in data availability from TAO and the Global Drifter Array, it is agreed that we need to be more proactive in identifying risks to the sustained observing system, and approaches to mitigating them. In particular, we need to identify where a systems wide risk management framework would be beneficial.
32 Action Work with international animal tagging Kevin Report OCG-9. 5.2 community to bring instrument data into O’Brien, Lars back to ERDDAP Boehme to OCG coordinate
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 32
5.3. Open access GTS Project
A pilot project to take well understood physical ocean data from known platform types and inject the data in near real-time onto the GTS for distribution globally, and then to retrieve it from the GTS and made available through interoperable web services for public access was undertaken.
The goal of the pilot project was to prototype a workflow providing ocean data producers a simpler method of distributing real time data through the GTS infrastructure and ocean data consumers a simpler method of accessing that data.
The requirements for the pilot were that the data needs a BUFR template and WMO ID for the GTS to understand the platform. The first pilot was undertaken using drifter data and with international partners: NOAA/OSMC, NOAA/NDBC, Puertos del Estado, Spain, National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics (OGS), Italy, International Arctic Buoy Program, and the US Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). The initial test, with approximately 8-12 platforms, including encoding and decoding data (utilizing ERDDAP and RESTful services), is in the process of being implemented and will be demonstrated at JCOMM-5. End users have already expressed interest (e.g. US IOOS is considering adopting the system to streamline services).
OCG applauded the work and noted that any methodology to get more ocean data into GTS should be supported. Many regions do not have a facility to get data to GTS.
There are not many BUFR templates presently available for oceanographic data and so to fully exploit this capability would need the development of BUFR templates for more ocean observing platform types.
33 Recommendation Demo of ‘open access GTS’ Kevin 5.3 project for JCOMM-5 to make O’Brien clear the importance of this development for users and suppliers of data to GTS, and represent some of discussion captured at OCG-8
34 Action Discuss future trajectory of Open Kevin Agree After 5.3 GTS project on a quarterly call O’Brien forward JCOMM- work plan 5
5.4. TT MOWIS – WIS
Task Team MOWIS has a mission to convince some existing data centres to become WIS data production centres – WIS DCPC. A process has been set up to assess if a data centre is able to fulfil this role. This idea is that becoming a WIS DCPC will make the data available to a wider audience and gives the data centres greater visibility. In the future a data centre will be able to register to become a DCPC or NC and a formal JCOMM WIS procedure will be followed, this however has yet to be formulated and approved by JCOMM MAN, IOC and WMO. Currently TT MOWIS is seeking a test data centre for the process.
For OCG it is likely that this activity will fall under the DMPA and so no further action is required. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 33
5.5. Ocean Data Management challenges – IOOS experience
The US has had a focus on promoting coordination through data, helping to bridge the gaps between federal agencies and regional Observing Systems. IOOS principals are based on concepts such as; data sharing assumed and supported through APIs, no single format will satisfy all customers, there are out there that IOOS has not yet met, expose the data for use and let proliferation happen.
Not all regions sample the same variables or use the same platforms; it is up to the region, in collaboration with their stakeholders, to define the observing components. NDBC is the only agency mandated to try and get data for ingestion onto GTS. For data ingestion they have found that tools enable compliance better than documents, so as they create tools these are published on GitHub, which also improves programmer skill.
Deliver through several external catalogues and new is the Environmental sensor map, a visualization tool that might become a science tool, as it enables a visualization of how many sensors are in operation across the network in a map format. There are 119,000 sensors in the catalogue.
With reference to the work of OCG, the glider Global Data Assembly Centre (GDAC) has been developing ERDDAP based services as way to bring glider activity together and IOOS support the Open GTS Project.
What should OCG consider:
● Vocabularies are important – dull but fundamental
● The pace of change of information systems outpaces operational networks
● JCOMMOPS could provide unique IDs
Argo agreed with the comment on vocabularies and would really like to see ongoing synchronisation for parameter names, meta and technical data. Argo is maintaining its own syntaxes tables and tries to make it synchronise with ODIP, however technical and metadata needs a lot of work and having cross network agreement and burden sharing would be really useful. Examples of the tables Argo maintains are here: http://www.argodatamgt.org/Documentation.
‘The more we can standardise instrument names, parameter names, … The better for future users’
6. Standards & Best Practices
A key priority of OCG is to promote the creation and timely updating of JCOMM best practice documentation. Many of the networks have a focus on the development of best practices for their network (i.e. Argo, GO-SHIP). However, driven by the need to be able to deliver ocean observations by variable, there is a need to be able to characterize and quantify the observational approaches and uncertainties across the networks, and there are also opportunities to capitalize on the best practice efforts of the individual networks to the benefit of the broader observing system. Therefore, many of the actions in this area are focused on the development and sharing of network best practice activities, and the coordination of best practice development and inter- comparison activities by variable.
6.1 Vision, goals and next steps
The new Standards & Best Practice (S&BP) Vice-Chair, Juliet Hermes, has undertaken a broad JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 34 study of existing standards and best practice documentation, developing several spreadsheets to look at the available information by platform and variable. She has also connected with various regional and national initiatives that are actively working in the area of ocean observations S&BP, including GRAs, RMICs, AtlantOS and private sector.
Vision:
● Identify, coordinate and promote development of standards and best practices documents across the ocean observing (including biogeochemistry) and marine meteorological platforms of JCOMM, partner networks and activities.
● Catalogue and review them, identify gaps and areas where a holistic approach across platforms and variables can be taken. Create a review, publication and evaluation process, encourage use and provide training in support of delivering multi-platform datasets by variable of known quality
Goals:
1. Build on/develop and share existing best practices and standards, from expertise of both WMO and IOC organizations, and JCOMM OCG in collaboration with regional initiatives (GRA, RMICs, AtlantOS, etc.) and the private sector. Find the gaps and overlaps.
2. Collect the needs and requirements of users, and establish the review, publication and evaluation processes of BPs.
3. Provide support for new areas and new technologies and sensors e.g. gliders
4. Coordination of best practice development and inter-comparison activities across platforms and by variable - increased consistency of data parameters, conventions and standards across platforms to enhance integration and interoperability
5. Develop ‘metadata’ of best practices
6. Promote, ‘publish’ and where necessary recommend training
OCG feedback was that the next steps should focus on working with the networks to identify what is available and where the gaps reside, and if expertise or best practice from other networks could help fill those gaps. Also mentioned as potentially interesting were professional qualifications, Rutgers with a marine technology degree course (potential documentation) and IMarEST for certification. Currently the standards and best practice documents are scattered; for example glider documentation is scattered across projects and centers, SCOR mainly worked on oxygen with gliders, BGC much developed but not always in one place, FixO3 is more sensor based best practice, for Argo it is platform and manufacturer specific. Need to consider S&BP by network, observation method/sensor and by variable.
Summary:
As a first phase it is seen as very worthwhile to locate the network recommended S&BP documents, collate in one place and analyze gaps.
A second phase could look at differences in how measurements are made and what commonalities there are across networks, view S&BP in variable space
A third phase might look at dealing with uncertainty and traceability, with metadata as key for information on calibration, accuracy, and uncertainty. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 35
35 Action Networks to identify contacts to work with Juliet Network chairs Names of Hermes to identify key S&BP documents. contacts provided to Juliet
36 Action Secretariat to look at how to assist Juliet Emma Heslop, Call to update/populate S&BP section on JCOMM website Champika discuss with Gallage Juliet
6.2 Standards & Best Practice for Biogeochemical observations
6.2.1 Biogeochemical-Argo Experience
Ken Johnson presented the development of biogeochemical standards and best practice within the Biogeochemical-Argo (BGC-Argo) Program.
Argo starts with data management and the principal that all data is accessible, PIs are responsible for adjustment in delayed mode (DM). BGC-Argo has adopted the same process. BGC-Argo sensors include oxygen, nitrate, pH, Chl-a, backscatter and down welling radiance. Work has gone into protocols to give good quality documents for outside community, the protocols are based on peer-reviewed publications and international working groups. They are working to have documents for processing, real-time and delayed mode QC (see table below).
Current status: The O2 community worked together and through SCOR working group to improve O2 measurements, to the level that they become competitive ship measurements. BGC-Argo dependent on GO-SHIP for high quality data used to assess calibration; there has also been great interaction between the two networks, also with SOCAT and ocean color sensing. For Chl-a measurements there is a paper in Limnology, however to date BGC-Argo do not have a central location for all best practice documentation.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 36
Figure 4. BGC-Argo scheme for standards and best practice protocol availability
37 Action Juliet to contact Ken Johnson (BGC- Juliet Input June 6.2 Argo) to gain input on BGC S&BP Hermes received 2017
6.2.2 BGC Standards & Best Practice - Issues, Gaps and Needs
One clear gap is in capacity development. IOCCP has been trying to address this through summer schools, 100’s people apply however this is training only 30 people at a time. Standards and Best practices are good foundation for capacity building, however could JCOMM do more? Gary Mitchum (GLOSS) commented that capacity building was also major gap in GLOSS and suggested its likely essential across platforms.
7. JCOMMOPS
JCOMMOPS occupies a unique position as the focal point for practical coordination of the (in-situ) ocean observing systems defined by JCOMM. Over the last 15 years it has been evolving and much was achieved in 2016 with ‘full’ team, but the organization remains fragile due to the funding model.
JCOMMOPS core activities are to:
● Assist in the implementation and deployment of the observing networks through close interaction with program managers and platform operators, and through capacity development and outreach.
● Assist in establishing, maintaining and verifying mechanisms for the timely exchange of data and metadata, including the facilitation of quality control and archival functions.
● Develop a consistent set of tools to monitor the status of the observing system and its data and metadata distribution, in order to identify action areas and improve the overall effectiveness JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 37
and development of the system.
7.1. Support provided to implementation
Update 2017
The organization now consists of 5 permanent staff, plus web developer (subcontracted), students and an intern. Funding streams are of order $700 k from 12 members states, French local authorities, and some additional EU projects work (AtlantOS, SeaDataNet).
Highlights:
● Monitoring maps are used in variety of places, giving networks and others a view of gaps, weaknesses, strengths and balance, across different axes of detection
● Performance indicators – have developed vocabulary and harmonized algorithms, interactive, customizable, and embeddable. Available for Argo (targets) and DBCP (measures), other networks developing KPIs for the report card (JCOMM-5)
● Manage transparency of implementation (EEZ)
● Cruise plans are available, JCOMMOPS could be used as a hub for planning and connecting ship activities across networks, including commercial and sailing
● Outreach - 1st ocean observers workshop, June, Brest
● Mobile app soon
Challenges:
● Bring all services/websites/metadata to the ‘Argo standard’
● Build up the integrated view of observing system (EOVs, global/regional)
● Stabilize and formalize the structure (JCOMM-V approval)
● Maintain core services even with staff turnover
● Expand monitoring and coordination to include new emerging networks and regional projects (gliders, marine mammals, HF Radars, polar systems, TPOS 2020)
● Communicate to seek community ownership on monitoring tools
7.2. JCOMMOPS Budgets and Funding
JCOMMOPS is now able to make a consolidated view of the budgets and funding available to OCG.
The current system of funding is complex and this has led to a lack of clarity on how the JCOMMOPS funding is structured, where there are weaknesses and how this could be improved into the future to ensure sustainability and greater stability for JCOMMOPS, and greater transparency and accountability for the funders and the networks.
The JCOMMOPS funds are distributed across 5 different trust funds; the IOC/JCOMMOPS, IOC/Extra (AtlantOS), CLS, WMO/DBCP and WMO/JCOMM trust funds. Across these funds JCOMMOPS captured what the different networks are providing and what is available as core JCOMMOPS funding. The details of this are available in the JCOMMOPS Budget presentation, link below slide 5, and figure 5. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 38
(http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_oe&task=viewDocumentRecord&docID=19481).
Figure 5: Summary of the contributions to JCOMMOPS
A top-level summary of the contributions is as follows (in K €): Argo: 181, DBCP: 135, OceanSITES: 50, SOT: 92, GO-SHIP: 10, JCOMMOPS: 126. This gives a total of 594 K €, a little short of the required JCOMMOPS running costs which are approx. 652K €/annum. This shortfall will not cause problems in 2017, as there are some funds in reserve, but will need to be considered moving forward.
This analysis highlights some key issues: ● Different levels of funding across the networks suggest that some re-adjustment is suggested to give greater balance, Argo funding 1/3 of the office. ● 50% of funding is from the US, funding should be more spread ● The fund structure needs to undergo some re-organization to reduce complexity, inconsistencies and enable greater clarity
The networks found this consolidated view of the JCOMMOPS budget to be helpful, providing a clearway forward on how to understand the funding and gain support for requesting an increase or more diverse funding, or for dialogue with the network community about what is required. The JCOMMOPS joint funded service, especially the website, really works well. The networks are in a better position, with greater visibility and this will help the community to work towards equable and sustainable contributions in the future. It was suggested that a more detailed look at the budget will be held with the networks over the next weeks, when networks have the chance to digest so that we move towards closing the specific gaps and needs and to discuss how to meet these needs.
Some of the issues raised are in the process of being resolved. The WMO secretariat reported that the DBCP coordination position vacancy notice should be out in the next couple weeks, hopefully with someone in place for the DBCP meeting in November 2017. WMO will seek the assistance of an experienced consultant to cover the 11-month sabbatical of the Ships Coordinator. Some of the re-organization of the trust fund structure is already underway with the secretariat. The old trust JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 39 fund should continue to be used, as new trust funds will have to pay higher administration charges, increasing from the current 3% to 7%. Therefore the current Trust fund will remain but be altered. For example the DBCP Trust fund is the repository for both SOT and DBCP funding, however to date there is no method of clearly identifying these funds separately. The proposal is that the member states providing funding will be asked to state the component (%) allocated to each network, each network will then have a specific line within the fund, and an agreed component (%) will be allocated to JCOMMOPS. This proposal will go forward to be agreed by the DBCP Executive Board, but no problems are envisioned.
Although these specific solutions will simplify some issues, the funding model remains complex and exposed to potential large inter-annual fluctuations. Therefore above and beyond these measures it was recommended that a JCOMMOPS review is undertaken in conjunction with stakeholders to understand if there are different ways to look at the management structure and funding. The most immediate action will be to write the TOR for this review.
38 Action Outreach - 1st ocean observers Emma Brochure on Early 7.1 workshop – June Brest Heslop, JCOMM & June Secretariat put 1st ocean observers Champika GOOS 2017 workshop (June, Brest) brochure on Gallage websites JCOMM & GOOS web site
39 Action Organize a specific JCOMMOPS budget Networks, Call resolve By mid 7.2 call in the next 6 weeks (once networks OCG exec, outstanding July have the chance to digest JCOMM OCG secretariat & issues, 2017 information post OCG-8). Purpose of JCOMMOPS 2017 call to a) review budget and clarify any budget, next outstanding issues, b) review/plan steps FY2017 budget, c) identify actions moving forward (Emma to check access to all documentation – organise with JCOMMOPS)
40 Action Add additional day to the next OCG OCG Chair & Extra day OCG-9 7.2 meeting, to specifically focus on secretariat organised JCOMMOPS budget, planning and oversight.
41 Action OCG Exec to develop the TORs for a Chairs, TOR’s and Nov 7.2 JCOMMOPS review and future vision Secretariat timetable for 2017 document (vision for post OceanObs with WMO review 19), one of the fundamental topics to and IOC. address is the funding structure, looking at methods/ideas to ensure greater stability in core funding levels and what is the value of securing this. Important to engage stakeholders (WMO, IOC, GOOS) in the review and vision moving forward.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 40
7.3. JCOMM Annual Report Card
The JCOMM Observing System Report Card will be completed across the summer to be ready for distribution at JCOMM-5. Format will be 3 x A4 pages recto-verso (i.e. two pages horizontally folded in 3 parts), see below. The target audience is high-level decision makers in government, agencies, WMO and IOC. The aim is to communicate on the health and status of the observing network in an authoritative way, to demonstrate the work of JCOMM OCG in coordination and to provide a visible demonstration of JCOMMOPS practical and technical coordination work. The design will feature visual content in order to be attractive and not overly hard to assimilate, while concise tables and text keep the card authoritative. The card can act as an introduction that leads people to a JCOMMOPS web site that is dedicated to explain the Report Card. The aim is that the Report Card will be published annually.
The layout was generally well received, however a number of points were made regarding the layout and content of the main foldout page lower panel, which provides information on the networks, coverage, KPIs and themes. The main points can be summarised as follows:
● Network map: a large map is seen as attractive and desirable element of the page design, with the networks represented by different colours, with a key.
● Platform Types: System to be represented by platform types, e.g. drifting buoys, moored buoys, ship measurements etc., in order to make the system more understandable/intuitive to target readers, funders and policy makers. Some categories will therefore have more than one network associated to them. These platforms will have descriptions available around the map and these descriptions will include the names, logos and brief information on the associated JCOMM networks (see below for emerging networks). List of networks:
o Surface drifters – DBCP
o Moored buoys – DBCP & OceanSITES
o Ship Based measurements – SOOP & VOS
o Reference lines – GO-SHIP
o Seal Level gauge – GLOSS
o Profiling floats – Argo
● Emerging networks: will have a separate call out box on the same page to note and describe the emerging networks and the additional observing system coverage that they represent, to highlight emerging important data streams. This will include Bio and Deep Argo, gliders, HF Radar, Animal Borne Sensors. These networks however will not be in the KPI Table (see below).
● KPI Table: an earlier scheme with 2 types of KPI (network KPI and country participation) with trend indicator was seen as too complex to be easily assimilated by the target audience. After discussion the OCG recommended that the table have a single KPI by platform and associated network/s (on 1 line). This single KPI should focus on 'how is the network doing'. However as this single indicator on its own could be misleading a more detailed description that would give a detailed breakdown and description of what the top level KPI represented and the status across the underlying more detailed KPIs, e.g. something like, ‘overall network is xxx, however the trend in VOS is x% up and particularly notable is the increased coverage in the Arctic, while there is a slight decline in SOOP coverage, although the number of countries participating has increased, etc.’. This description will be on the JCOMMOPS website and should be consistent with the network description. Thus each network will use the indicators that they have developed to create this background description that gives a clear view of the different aspects JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 41
and trends of the network, plus produce an 'overall' (top level view) indicator for the network as a whole, which is a summary of these - this is the single network indicator & trend that goes in the table. Some networks have a less complex task as they can go from KPI to summary indicator, but for example DBCP and OceanSITES will need to develop a single top level KPI for moored buoys. KPIs to be represented by coloured dots and arrows with a link to send people to the details on the JCOMM website.
● The themes were discussed and it was agreed that the descriptions should to be streamlined, text of order 160 characters was requested – essentially 3 sentences.
● Revised layout: With the revised layout, the themes would need to be articulated with minimal text as they could now be located on just one side of the map, with the platform descriptions on the other.
Figure 6. Report card layout and design. Above the ‘outside’ of the card, below the ‘inside’/main foldout page featuring KPI table and key themes that the networks address. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 42
42 Action Network chairs to provide a single 2- Network chairs Indicators End of dimensional indicator (status and trend) for provided June 2017 the report card, with an accompanying description of what this indicator represents. Indicators should be defensible and repeatable. This background material will be used online to add detail and depth to the single indicator. Opportunity to show the more subtle variation in network status.
43 Action Explanation of report card metric/indicator JCOMMOPS Context JCOMM-5 (see above) to be added to JCOMMOPS website in Website, including higher granularity place component metrics, background etc. (recall the teaser role of the Report Card).
44 Action Identify a small group of network OCG Chair & Team in June 2017 representatives, IOC, and WMO secretariat place representatives to develop communications for the Report Card ahead of JCOMM-5, e.g. develop talking points/headlines for circulation to communications teams on release Report card, etc.
45 Action Chair/secretariat to provide JCOMMOPS OCG Chair, Written June 2017 with a written summary of changes to the secretariat summary central page of the report card (page with map) that were discussed during item 7.3, for clarity and guidance
8. Cross-JCOMM coordination - observations to services
8.1. Linking OPA, DMPA & SFSPA
Nick Ashton (Met Office) presented some challenging ideas about the connection between the Observations Programme Area (OPA) and the Services, Forecasting Systems Programme Area (SFSPA). Coordination across JCOMM has improved, as seen in the attendance of both Data Management Programme Area (DMPA) and the SFSPA to the OCG-8 meeting. However JCOMM remains some distance away from being a streamlined and interconnected system.
The Services team sought feedback from some of the services as to what they required:
● Sea-ice team requested increased VOS coverage in polar regions and floating ice cryonet stations
● Open water team, traditionally based on wind and wave data, however additional data is gaining in importance such as visibility. For this team the following are important; point based JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 43
spatial coverage, reliability of information, short delivery timescales
From Services (SFSPA) perspective:
● For marine environment the RRR is not fit for requirements, there is work to do to fix this
● The OCG appears to be a disparate group of networks and it is unclear if everyone can see the output from the networks all the time
● A more robust framework for communication is required between the JCOMM programme areas – OPA, DMPA, and SFSPA. For example JCOMM SFSPA receives a request from a service how can get feed back from OPA to assess feasibility
● Best practices and discussions need to keep the end product in mind, i.e. quality management in end product
From the observing system (OCG) perspective:
● Many observing networks, where activities are often undertaken end-to-end (from data collection, to processing and quality control, to use), find it hard to connect to the WMO model where they are separated into different silos
● The observing network wants to increase the number of users and so it is important to understand more about the needs of users of the Met Services, Argo data for example Argo data are used in operational ocean prediction models and coupled models for long-range (seasonal) forecasting
● Many networks are supported by research organisations and have traditionally had longer term time horizons for data delivery, this is changing and also marine met services have much shorter time horizons for data delivery. The observing community is working very hard to deliver more timely data to marine users.
The solution is seen as being through a more robust communication framework between the 3 work areas, which currently are working independently. The communications need to be enhanced by a common goal and practically working together to achieve those aims, this could be achieve through working together on specific regional projects, for example in the tropical pacific where seasonal forecasting could be enhanced, in coastal forecasting, and in polar region forecasting.
9. Future Directions
9.1 GOOS strategy, new networks and relationship with OCG
GOOS priorities are, climate, services, and ocean health. A value chain is seen from observations to data use, encompassing both data that is provided operationally for forecasting, warning systems and marine services as well as data that is analysed to provide information and knowledge to inform policy, assessment and decisions. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 44
Figure 7: Value chain for ocean observations (from AtlantOS)
GOOS Strategic goals and priorities are:
● Vision/mission: working together to deliver sustained ocean observations and information for safety, sustainability, wellbeing and prosperity ● Strategic goals [collective outcomes]: Connected value chain including research, sustained observations, data management, models/assessments and end users, to achieve societal goals related to: climate, operational ocean services, ocean health. ● Strategic priorities [GOOS component]: Engagement with users and ocean observing community, Advocacy, Refining requirements, Observations coordination, Data and integration, Coordinating delivery.
Recommendations: to improve links, engagement, avoid duplication of structures:
● Proposal to JCOMM-5: JCOMM OCG Terms of Reference to include an explicit reference to GOOS (and WIGOS), and include the possibility of taking on tasks consistent with the OCG mandate and broad work plan from GOOS (and/or WIGOS) ● Representation on the GOOS Steering Committee of chair or vice-chair of OCG (GOOS SC decision) ● Future-proofing OCG contributions to GOOS and WIGOS in case of change to JCOMM ● More explicitly connecting up the value chain
The OCG chair commented that OCG is asked to be responsive to a number of requirements, GOOS, GCOS, WIGOS, this is a big list and the key is how be responsive and still function efficiently for all. Connecting to users/services, one team is ETOOFs and some GRAs are more operationally focused (EuroGOOS, US IOOS).
9.2 JCOMM-5 Technical Conference
Conference: Toward an Integrated Metocean Monitoring, Forecasting and Service System, JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 45
Patra Bali Hotel, Bali, Indonesia, 23 to 24 October 2017. Abstracts open from June 15th close July 31st 2017. Posters will be up all week.
Aims: ● Provide an overview of the advances in marine meteorological and oceanographic (metocean) observing systems, data management and services developed ● Forum to interface the JCOMM management and expert groups with the IOC-WMO member state activities and enable them to interact with a large community of stakeholders worldwide, gathered at the JCOMM-5 Session
OCG: ● Need to identify experts who could represent observing community at the technical conference. ● Aim to highlight progress, vision for the future, how enabling current and future research, technology development and educational outreach ● Can industry be involved/present? Have we got local gliders/Argo floats that could be on display
9.3 JCOMM-5 Conference outline and preparation
Outline: ● Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd October: Women’s Marine Leadership Workshop ● Saturday 21st – Sunday 22nd October: Commission for Atmospheric Sciences (CAS) Technical Conference: "Science Summit on an Earth System approach towards seamless services“ ● Monday 23rd – Tuesday 24th October 2017: Marine Technical Conference "Towards an Integrated Met-ocean Monitoring and Forecasting System" o Side Events: TPOS 2020, JCOMMOPS ● Wednesday 25th – Sunday 29th October 2017: JCOMM-5 ● Monday 30th October: 14th JCOMM Management Committee meeting
JCOMM-5 Agenda OCG Component, 3 main topics: ● 7.1 OCG vision: corresponding governance model and work plan in the next inter-sessional, including future priorities for the Observations Programme Area. Decisions: invite Members/Members States to approve OPS Strategy; to approve the new OCG structure and work plan, inclusion of new networks, JCOMM Open GTS pilot project, and relationships to GOOS, TPOS 2020, etc. ● 7.2 Implementation of the meteorological and oceanographic observing system: including Implementation goals and targets. Decision on updated targets, recommendation: support of member states and Coordinated technical support for observing programmes (e.g. JCOMMOPS)- Recommendation to approve the new ToR for JCOMMOPS, that includes new functions such as issuance of WMO platform IDs, collection and provision of metadata to WIGOS. ● 7.3 Observing Best Practices and Standards: Decision: to consider contributing towards specific activities (e.g. documentation, RMIC, etc.) and adopting these standards/best practices) and significant changes in implementation of Met/ocean Observing Systems. Decision: Ship certificates; Recommendation: Use of Inmarsat Code 41; Recommendation: OPA networks to comply with WIGOS Metadata Standards and submit Metadata to WIGOS.
Information documents have to be ready by 30th June for translation into 5 languages. Other documents, e.g. background documents to be prepared by end August.
The OCG team commented on several ideas to for the conference and attracting attention to the observing system, amongst these; can industry be involved/present? Are there local gliders/Argo floats that could be on display? JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 46
46 Action Champika to work with David to Secretariat, Call June 9.2 annotate the draft agenda for JCOMM- David, Katy 2017 5
47 Action Develop draft JCOMM-5 OCG Report Secretariat, Forward June 16 9.2 and circulate to OCG members by OCG exec report & 2017 approx. mid June, for fast turnaround gain for JCOMM-5 June 30 deadlines feedback
48 Action Based on input from networks, identify OCG Exec List of Mid 9.2 the key decisions required at JCOMM- decisions June 5, for the OCG-8 Report 2017
49 Action Submit award Nominations for Champika List of Mid 9.2 JCOMM-5 (OCG secretariat to Gallage, OCG nominees June distribute guidance to OCG Exec: see Exec 2017 award TORs – MAN-13 report)
9.4 OceanObsʼ19
OceanObs’19 - Oceans of Opportunity - September 2019, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA Focus will be on connecting observers to end-users (see first draft of schema below).
Figure 8: Initial outline schematic for OceanObs ‘19
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 47
50 Action Katy to clarify requests from Emma Clarification By 9.3 Oceanobs’19 for info from networks: a) Heslop, provided August A POC for each observing network, Katy Hill 2017 provide guidance on what required here and b) type of information required from the requested links to key user groups & links to key developing country scientists
10. Future Directions
10.1 Review & Wrap up OCG-8 Addressing issues raised at MAN-13 (January 2017): ● Wave paper - suggested that content go into one of the 3 topic areas for JCOMM-5 Report, however subsequently agreed when planning the documentation (20/06) that this would be a presentation on a waves vision for the JCOMM Tech Conf, with a poster on the WET (wave measurement evaluation and testing) activity, both of which could include some recommendations which could be taken forward as the recommendations from the Tech Conf. and focus on a short concept paper consistent with the poster and presentation. ● Polar paper - not enough time to prepare ● Parallel meetings SOT/DBCP not considered worthwhile as involve different people and technology, although joint recruiting for ships is important it is not worth combining meetings for this alone. Suggest dedicating a couple of hours at each meeting for crosscutting issues, other on-going links are also being explored ● Animal borne sensors encouraged to self-organise, with some JCOMM OCG support, will return to OCG-9 and will be included in list of emerging networks ● More measurements of greenhouse gases - not covered in SOT meeting, see action below ● Update of OCG TORs underway ● TPOS 2020 implementation, regional activities and data management completed ● JCOMMOPS to regularly inform on capacity development activities – check why JCOMMOPS action ● Jon to call Paulo Ruti and see how/if contribute to report on polar activities
51 Action OCG Chair to contact member of the OCG Chair SOT have 2017 10.1 greenhouse gas community who David connection reached out and introduce to discuss Legler, SOT to new issue with SOT Vice Chair community Shawn Smith
10.2 OCG-7 decisions, actions and recommendations See Annex 3 for table of OCG-7 decisions, actions and recommendations, updated August 2017.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 48
10.3 OCG-8 decisions, actions and recommendations See Annex 2 for table of OCG-8 decisions, actions and recommendations, updated August 2017.
10.3 Dates and location of next meeting The next OCG Meeting, OCG-9, will be held in Brest France, May 2018, at the kind invitation of JCOMMOPS and IFREMER.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 49
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 50
ANNEX 2:
OCG-8 decisions, actions and recommendations (Updated August 2017) Key: Green = Complete, Yellow = in progress, Red = due. Bold = for discussion at a round table [1] N Type Notes Lead Timeline Comment OCG8 o Deliverable 1.Requirements for Observing System OOPC to contact OCG in order to gain input to the current ocean heat and freshwater Actio observing system reviews, Reviews to 2017- 1 Katy Hill 3.1 n through this process OCG will OCG Exec June- also gain insight into the observing systems requirements JCOMMOPS to track progress of networks against relevant JCOMMOP 2017- Actio GCOS implementation plan JCOMMOP 2 S website Septembe 3.1 n targets. This info will be S page/s r- posted/updated on the JCOMMOPS website GOOS to connect with JCOMMOPS for the Reco development of the Network GOOS, 2017- mme Specification Sheet database, Synergy 3 JCOMMOP Septembe 3.1 ndati to ensure knowledge explored S r- on developed in JCOMMOPS is leveraged for consistency across reporting systems China to provide the cruise List of Actio plan for the SO to JCOMMOPS Weidong 2017- 4 planned 3.1 n for inclusion in the ship Yu July- cruises operations database OCG (WMO secretariat) to establish the appropriate Engagemen Katy Hill, 2017- Actio methods and contacts for t WMO-RRR 5 Champika Septembe 3.2 n OOPC/OCG to feed into RRR to Gallage r- across the range of application OOPC/OCG areas related to oceans/climate WMO to review ocean application documents for Advice/cont inclusion of HF Radar Actio Hugh act provided 6 information - Hugh to carry 2017-July- 3.2 n Roarty to Guimei back the message to HF Radar Liu network to see how to respond DBCP to suggest experts to provide advice to WMO-RRR to Guimei Liu enable the addition of tsunami to be Actio 7 related and sea ice related Jon Turton provided 2017-July- 3.2 n variables into OSCAR for ocean appropriate applications area, e.g. possible contacts sea ice expert team JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 51
Smolensky, DBCP tsunami team
Emma Heslop, OCG to suggest sub-application Katy Hill, OCG Actio areas for the currently single Champika 2017- 8 roundtable 3.2 n ocean application area of the Gallage, June- call June WMO RRR Guimei Liu, Nick Ashton Provide Guimei with EOV EOV’s and Actio specifications for mapping 2017- 9 Katy Hill connection 3.2 n differences and connection to June- to OOPC OOPC Jon to work with JCOMMOPS to scope & develop a demo for showing SST and subsurface T variable based metrics and 1 page doc coverage (based on Jon Turton, on what 1 Actio requirements from the OSCAR JCOMMOP 2017- required / 3.4 0 n database) for quantifying and S, Kevin October- web page mapping global EOV coverage O’Brien demo (following the approach by Lumpkin et al for drifters). Kevin to provide assistance for historical/other data sets 2. Implementation GO-SHIP Co-Chairs to engage with Weidong Yu regarding Chinese 1 Actio potential Chinese involvement GO-SHIP engagement OCG-9 4.1.2 1 n in GO-SHIP, sampling currently Co-Chairs in GO-SHIP vacant lines, capacity building etc. SOT organisational changes In JCOMM-5 (Executive board and Forward to documentation for 1 Deci SOT Vice- 2017- Executive committee) agreed JCOMM-5 approval 4.1.3 2 sion Chair June- to go forward, Executive board for approval to have decision making power SOT to circulate draft of ship Forward 1 Actio forum report to other networks Emma report & 2017- 4.1.3 3 n to see if want to join the Heslop gain June- proposed ship forum team. feedback Approved: Ship masking and SOT-ID (JCOMMOPS assigned) schemes, freezing Pub47 and moving to WIGOS SOT Vice- Noted for 1 Deci compliant and more flexible Chair, 2017- approval 4.1.3 4 sion new metadata structure VOSP June- JCOMM-5 (JCOMMOPS hosted), Chair, TC reducing VOS classes, proceeding to submit to JCOMM-5 DBCP to clarify with Jon Turton, Confirmatio By next 1 Actio JCOMMOPS the status of JCOMMOP n from DBCP 4.1.4 5 n drifter metadata flow into S JCOMMOP Meeting JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 52
JCOMMOPS S Johannes Visit to Brest OceanSITES to connect with Johannes to Karstensen completed, issues 1 Actio JCOMMOPS (Johannes to visit visit 2017- , addressed 4.16 6 n Brest) to resolve data and JCOMMOP August- JCOMMOP network visibility issues S S JCOMMOP Done in context of JCOMMOPS, OceanSITES, S, the Report Card KPIs for 1 Actio DBCP and secretariat to agree Johannes 2017- development report card 4.16 7 n to discuss mooring/moored Karstensen July- agreed buoy KPI’s for the report card , Champika Gallage Report to Provided to OCG IOCCP (Maciej) to produce a Deliver / next OCG Roundtable in June 1 Actio short wish list for OCG on what Maciej present roundtabl 4.1.7 8 n want for BGC in next few Telszewski short e (June years. document 2017) Development a vision for BGC OCG development over 4 – 5 y 1 Actio Chair, with Short vision 2017- timeframe, including role of 4.1.7 9 n input from document August- OCG, as input to JCOMM-5 for Maciej OCG evolution Katy Hill, Conversation between OCG Report to Derrick and GOOS Regional Forums to Topic OCG 2 Actio Snowdon, assess pathways forward to discussed roundtabl 4.1.7 0 n GOOS engage coastal moorings over on call e by end Regional next 5 years 2017 Forum Nick Ashton, What role should OCG have in David Short doc. 2 Actio product development? Develop Before Legler, outlining 4.1.7 1 n a vision for products in JCOMM JCOMM-5 support ideas/vision with input from OCG Derrick Snowden Improve gender balance in Pierre 2 Actio OceanGlider steering/exec Testor, Report back OCG-9 4.2.1 2 n team - OCG to offer a list of OCG to OCG potential candidates Members Explore potential gliders 2 Actio OceanGlid Report back technology transfer, capacity OCG-9 4.2.1 3 n ers ST to OCG building Hugh Roarty, Noted for 2 Actio HF-Radar to develop ideas on discuss approval OCG-9 4.2.2 4 n metrics/KPI’s for next OCG with Gary JCOMM-5 Mitchell OCG endorses internationally coordinated activities for 2 Deci Report For marine animal profiling and Secretariat 4.2.3 5 sion JCOMM-5 JCOMM-5 offer support as identified in coming months JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 53
Katy to set up meetings, Lars Boehme, Bill Woodward, and Sam Simmons (and others as Report back required) to discuss how to Katy Hill, OCG 2017- 2 Actio animal borne sensor networks Lars roundtable Septembe 4.2.3 6 n cooperate/structure globally, Boehme call after r- and to attend the Biologging Symposium 2017 Symposium in September 2017 Emma to circulate draft list of cross network issues, cross- referenced with OCG-8 actions Discuss at and get feedback on Emma next OCG 2 Actio outstanding issues, priorities 2017- Heslop, roundtable 4.3 7 n and next steps. This will be June- networks or provide discussed at next OCG feedback Roundtable in order to initiate further OCG actions to address these issues. Set up a scoping group to Delayed to after develop ideas on what role JCOMM-5 OCG-8 can play to support documentation cross-network new technology Emma complete development and adoption. Heslop, Decide on 2 Actio 2017- Secretariat to send out note networks, group 4.4 8 n June- describing scoping group to Matt members networks (based on discussion Mowlem elements), networks to identify if they will participate in the scoping group. Emma & Katy to revise format Underway of network specification sheets, Send Emma 2 Actio and send back to network reports & 2017- Heslop, 4 9 n chairs this summer to fill any gain August- Katy Hill remaining gaps. Aim to have all feedback complete for JCOMM-5 Discuss with GOOS Office Underway regarding digital access to Plan for existing network specification publishing, 3 Actio sheets, future digitisation and circulating 2017- Secretariat 4 0 n on-going access/updates. Plus and long August- identify appropriate newsletter term (JCOMM-5)/other methods to updates advertise their existence 3. Data Management and Integration: OCG secretariat to gain Feedback provided networks feedback on v0.32 of on calls and written Secretariat, the DMPA Strategy. Written Deliver Katy Hill, feedback required by June 5, comments 3 Actio Derrick 2017- Katy Hill to bring comments and 5.1 1 n Snowden, July- together for June 9 and to feedback Kevin participate on next DMPA call DMPA O’Brien on June 13. Derrick and Kevin to join this call if possible. Kevin Work with international animal O’Brien, 3 Actio Report back tagging community to bring Lars OCG-9 5.2 2 n to OCG instrument data into ERDDAP Boehme to coordinate JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 54
Demo of ‘open access GTS’ project for JCOMM-5 to make Reco clear the importance of this 3 mme Kevin development for users and 5.3 3 ndati O’Brien suppliers of data to GTS, and on represent some of discussion captured at OCG-8 Discuss future trajectory of Agree 3 Actio Kevin After Open GTS project on a forward 5.3 4 n O’Brien JCOMM-5 quarterly call work plan 4. Standards & Best Practice Names of Networks to identify contacts to 3 Actio Network contacts 2017- work with Juliet Hermes to 6.1 5 n chairs provided to June- identify key S&BP documents. Juliet Repository likely Secretariat to look at how to Emma Call to IODE new SBP - 3 Actio assist Juliet update/populate Heslop, 2017- discuss with JCOMM-5 6.1 6 n S&BP section on JCOMM Champika June- Juliet recommendation website Gallage DMPA (6.2) Juliet to contact Ken Johnson 3 Actio Juliet Input 2017- (BGC-Argo) to gain input on 6.2 7 n Hermes received June- BGC S&BP 5. JCOMMOPS Strategy & Development Secretariat put 1st ocean observers workshop (June, Emma Brochure on Early 3 Actio Brest) brochure on JCOMM & Heslop, JCOMM & June 7.1 8 n GOOS web site. Outreach - 1st Champika GOOS 2017 ocean observers workshop – Gallage websites June Brest Organize a specific individual calls, 1 JCOMMOPS budget call in the call not possible next 6 weeks (once networks with time zones and have the chance to digest holidays. Networks, information post OCG-8). Call resolve OCG exec, Purpose of call to a) review outstanding 3 Actio secretariat By mid budget and clarify any issues, 2017 7.2 9 n & July 2017 outstanding issues, b) budget, next JCOMMOP review/plan FY2017 budget, c) steps S identify actions moving forward (Emma to check access to all documentation – organise with JCOMMOPS) Add additional day to the next OCG Chair 4 Actio OCG meeting, to specifically Extra day & OCG-9 7.2 0 n focus on JCOMMOPS budget, organised secretariat planning and oversight. OCG Exec to develop the TORs for a JCOMMOPS review and future vision document (vision for post Chairs, OceanObs 19), one of the TOR’s and 2017- 4 Actio Secretariat fundamental topics to address timetable for November 7.2 1 n with WMO is the funding structure, looking review - and IOC. at methods/ideas to ensure greater stability in core funding levels and what is the value of securing this. Important to JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 55
engage stakeholders (WMO, IOC, GOOS) in the review and vision moving forward.
Network chairs to provide a single 2-dimensional indicator (status and trend) for the report card, with an accompanying description of what this indicator represents. Indicators End of 4 Actio Network Indicators should be defensible and June 7.3 2 n chairs provided repeatable. This background 2017 material will be used online to add detail and depth to the single indicator. Opportunity to show the more subtle variation in network status. Explanation of report card metric/indicator (see above) to be added to JCOMMOPS Context 4 Actio JCOMMOP Website, including higher website in JCOMM-5 7.3 3 n S granularity component metrics, place background etc. (recall the teaser role of the Report Card). Identify a small group of Report Card network representatives, IOC, content developed and WMO representatives to develop communications for OCG Chair 4 Actio Team in 2017- the Report Card ahead of & 7.3 4 n place June- JCOMM-5, e.g. develop talking secretariat points/headlines for circulation to communications teams on release Report card, etc. Chair/secretariat to provide Summary provided JCOMMOPS with a written in early July summary of changes to the OCG 4 Actio Written 2017- central page of the report card Chair, 7.3 5 n summary June- (page with map) that were secretariat discussed during item 7.3, for clarity and guidance 6. Future Vision Champika to work with David to Draft agenda 4 Actio Secretariat, 2017- annotate the draft agenda for Call completed 9.2 6 n David, Katy June- JCOMM-5 Develop draft JCOMM-5 OCG OCG Work Plan Forward Report and circulate to OCG Circulated in July, 4 Actio Secretariat, report & 2017- members by approx. mid June, reminder early Aug 9.2 7 n OCG exec gain June- for fast turnaround for JCOMM- feedback 5 June 30 deadlines
Based on input from networks, OCG-8 Reports 4 Actio List of 2017- identify the key decisions OCG Exec completed end July 9.2 8 n decisions June- required at JCOMM-5, for the JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 56
OCG-8 Report
Submit award Nominations for Forwarded July JCOMM-5 (OCG secretariat to Champika 4 Actio List of 2017- distribute guidance to OCG Gallage, 9.2 9 n nominees June- Exec: see award TORs – MAN- OCG Exec 13 report) Katy to clarify requests from Oceanobs’19 for info from networks: a) A POC for each observing network, provide Emma 5 Actio guidance on what required Clarification 2017- Heslop, 9.3 0 n here and b) type of information provided August- Katy Hill required from the requested links to key user groups & links to key developing country scientists
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 57
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 58
ANNEX 3:
OCG-7 decisions, actions and recommendations (Updated August 2017) Key: Green = Complete, Yellow = in progress, Red = due. Bold = for discussion at a round table [2]
No Action Lead Timeline Comments 1. JCOMM-5 JCOMM-5 Session, October Chairs MAN-13 (Oct Suggestion (from OCG/SFSPA 2017; Chairs will distill 2016) Waves telecon) that programme conversation, suggestions, and area chairs discuss with co identity input to be provided to presidents potential for focussed MAN-13. ; cross Programme area activities/ to improve connections. Programme area chairs to raise with co presidents. 2. Requirements
1 ACTION: Bob Weller to look at the Bob Weller, 2nd May In progress through OOPC Sensible and Latent Heat Fluxes Mark EOV Specification: should this Bourassa include radiative fluxes? (Shortwave/longwave). For discussion/agreement with Mark Bourassa 2 ACTION Nick Ashton, Bob Weller, Nick Ashton, MAN-13 Telecon complete and way forward Jon Turton to look at Swail et al. Bob Weller, identified (focussed activity on document on requirements for Jon Turton, observations and best practices Wave Observations. Draft Val Swail through DBCP, plus broader cross suggestions to scope a possible programme area discussion) Waves obs workshop to reconcile expressed wave requirements vs possible observations, and recommend OCG observing activities in OCG (proposal to be circulated for for discussion at upcoming Roundtable and presentation at JCOMM MAN, October 2016).[KH1] 3 ACTION: RRR and EOV Guimei Liu OOPC-20, Ongoing and addressed with new specifications should be as and OOPC OCG-8 action from OCG-8 - Action 5 consistent as possible; and, communications between OCG/OOPC and RRR is not ideal to encourage consistency. OOPC/OCG is updating requirements. RRR to be sent updated EOV specification sheets and asked to identify major differences for discussion by JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 59
OOPC/OCG (Guimei Liu). 4 RECOMMENDATION OOPC (OOPC/GOOS SC/OCG): Requirements setting and development activities need continued discussion to insure requirements reflect inputs from developmental projects such as. TPOS 2020, DOOS, OOPC planned BCs activity. Moreover, the requirements need constant attention and review by OOPC, OCG, WMO/RRR, etc. (Secretariats to encourage dialogue amongst groups, and further develop and document, improved transparent processes GOOS and OOPC and OCG are using regarding requirements) 3. Networks
Argo 5 RECOMMENDATION: OOPC to OOPC consider status of Argo pilot activities, role in multiplatform mix for key phenomena (this is being pursued through TPOS 2020, Boundary Currents/shelf seas activities). 6 RECOMMENDATION: Ensure Argo ST Ongoing planning for Argo pilots is informed by activities in TPOS 2020, EMODNET, AtlantOS, etc. 7 RECOMMENDATION: OCG to OCG Chairs. assess and encourage increased consistency of data parameters, conventions, and metadata standards across networks to enhance integration and interoperability.. (Address in part through Data Management interoperability pilot activity, best practices documentation, and through an agenda item at OCG- 8: chairs to monitor progress). DBCP/OceanSITES JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 60
8 DECISION: OCG accepts OceanSITES OceanSITES proposal that OceanSITES is a Chairs/OCG (April 2016) Community of Practice and are Chair welcomed to continue participating in OCG meetings and activities (chair to communicate). 9 ACTION: Clarify relationship DBCP, Ocean OceanSITES OceanSITES decided to be an between OceanSITES and DBCP SITES Co- (April 2016), activity independent from DBCP as overlapping activities, including Chairs DBCP (similar to Argo), while staying areas of (October 2016) connected to DBCP through OCG collaboration/commonality. and specific joint activities where OceanSITES are encouraged to relevant engage in DBCP to improve best practices and share technologies, etc. (OCG and DBCP Chairs and Oceansites Co-Chairs to discuss at upcoming meetings: OceanSITES April 2016, DBCP 32, October 2016). 10 RECOMMENDATION: In the OOPC, OceanSITES missions articulated absence of OceanSITES plans OCeanSITES as: Transport moored arrays (straits motivating time series Co-Chairs and boundaries, BOON), Air-sea observations, or identifying the flux reference sites (located in key requirements that sensors on locations, e.g. where cloud patterns moorings are addressing in EOV affect fluxes), Global Ocean Watch specs (e.g. air-sea fluxes and (long time series, regions that are ocean transports), OCG suggests representative for certain to OOPC (and other GOOS processes). KPIs being developed. Panels) that through evaluations activities, they engage the research community to develop and synthesize such plans to establish targets for OceanSITES (possibly organizing around air- sea fluxes; transport arrays, regional observing systems and developmental activities (e.g. SOOS, AtlantOS, TPOS, GRAs), and multidisciplinary time series stations)). GLOSS
11 ACTION: JCOMMOPS and Mathieu JCOMMOPS Should be reporting back at May GLOSS to discuss timeline for Belbeoch, Roundtable, Round table. connecting GLOSS metadata Gary Mitchum May 2016 information into JCOMMOPS infrastructure 12 DECISION: OCG endorses incremental expansion of high- quality GLOSS core network beyond initial slate of stations to JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 61
other stations that could be improved to meet the higher level of standards. 13 ACTION: GLOSS to write a 2- Gary Mitchum OCG-8 (noting The focus of this effort was to pager, explaining and justifying OOPC need support the update to the GLOSS the expansion, for approval from input this Implementation Plan. This 2 pager OCG and discussion with OOPC month for became redundant as a separate GCOS IP). entity, as it was incorporated into the updated Implementation Plan. The update to the GLOSS Implementation Plan was approved at the most recent GLOSS group meeting (07/2017) 14 ACTION: GLOSS to keep OCG Gary Mitchum OCG-8 OCG-8 Report delivered and OOPC apprised of changes to GLOSS (OCG-8 GLOSS report) GO-SHIP 15 RECOMMENDATION: OCG Bernadette OCG-8 encourages activities to broaden Sloyan, Rik capacity development in support Wanninkhof, of GO-SHIP, including Martin Kramp multinational collaborations for occupying GO-SHIP lines and training activities, leveraging and coordinating with similar programs like POGO. Ship Observations Team (SOT)
16 ACTION: Teleconference (SOT Chris 21 June 2016 Initial discussion between Chair and Chair, VOS/PMO Coordinators Marshall, OCG telecon Ships TC. Summarise and discuss and others) to flesh out issues Martin Kramp, to include next steps at May round table. Most regarding. coordinating shipboard Martin important tool for this is the activities to minimize disruption to JCOMMOPS ship list, now in place VOS crew and operators. and using ICES ship codes as unique ID for the (opportunity) ships. But it is important that ALL observing networks use as of now this list, which makes coordination and harmonization of ship contributions across all networks now possible. OCG please promote the use of the ship list. 17 ACTION: Multiple Networks are Chris Report to Martin engaging with networks to using/would like to use Marshall, OCG-8, SOT develop a survey on activities and commercial ships as observing Martin Kramp, (April 2017) engagement with Voluntary/Ships of platforms (Argo, Drifters, CPR, Opportunity. Surveys were SOOP-XBT, VOS, pCO2, presented to SOT-9 (see TT JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 62
radiation, etc). There is potential Recruiting report) however work on benefit to coordinating, packaging conclusions not finalized. Good up needs, and coordinating these response on VOS survey, but only plan and coordinating limited success of JCOMM wide engagement with potential ships. survey with only around 10 An initial telecon will focus on the participants. A panel discussion and scope/scale of this issue (Chris several side meetings were held at Marshall, Sarah North, Rik SOT-9 under what was termed a Wanninkhof, Martin Kramp, to Ship Forum. The team agreed to organize discussion during next formulate a working group (see JCOMMOPS round table, , and body of this OCG report) to possible actions to be taken up at establish a “shopping list” for SOT meeting (April 2017), and vessels and to outline short and recommendation to OCG-8) long term actions/goals. Gliders
18 Recommendation: OCG very Pierre Testor OCG-8 pleased with progress made by Glider group. The glider group to rename their group in response to concerns regarding current acronym. 19 ACTION: Distribute draft glider Secretariat JCOMMOPS Done group TOR and membership to Round Table OCG for feedback and approval May 2016 (OCG secretariat, complete by JCOMMOPS RoundTable call in May) 20 ACTION: OCG to consider and OCG June 2016 OceanGliders TT Boundary provide feedback on draft Members (ahead of Currents id 1/5 TTs - OceanGliders proposal for a global array of Glider meeting Boundary Ocean Observing gliders to observe Boundary in September Network document available Current regions. The proposal 2016) includes network specification re. role of Gliders in Global Sustained observing System (as input to OOPC Boundary Currents activity). IOCCP
21 ACTION: SOT to discuss/agree Chris JCOMMOPS YES, but new action on CO2 including SOOP-CO2 as a Marshall, Round Table community to work on component of SOT. Report on at Sarah North, (May 2016) corresponding metadata format next JCOMMOPS roundtable. Rik (Rik) Wanninkhof, Martin Kramp, Rebecca Cowley 22 ACTION: Request JCOMMOPS to JCOMMOPS work with IOCCP to scope and possible IOCCP support at IOCCP/Rik JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 63
JCOMMOPS, in particular for and Maciej tracking of observation implementation. Estimates of resources at JCOMMOPS, and potential impacts of proposed IOCCP actions on outstanding activities also needs to be articulated TPOS 2020
23 ACTION: OCG members to Secretariat to Around July participate in public review of circulate 2016 interim plan, mid 2016 (Katy to circulate opportunity later this year). 24 ACTION: OCG members to be Chair, TPOS OCG will be updated. T&I TT kept informed regarding potential 2020 Co- formed under JCOMM. role of JCOMM OCG in TPOS Chairs, 2020 transition activities, including Secretariat. any possible Transition Team task team COASTAL: GRA Connection
26 ACTION: Discuss EuroGOOS can Gary Discussed at last GLOSS meeting, assist in release of Data from Mitchum, but no progress made, issue European Tide Gauges (Gary Glenn Nolan ongoing but action completed. Mitchum, Glenn Nolan). 27 Recommendation: OOPC to Bernadette Take reference of RRR engage GRAs re. Open Ocean- Sloyan, John Shelf (Boundary Currents) Wilkin to evaluation activity contact GRF Chair 28 Recommendation: OOPC to John Wilkin, present Boundary Currents Tim Moltmann activities to GRAs (e.g. Webinar, through a GRA telecom, attendance at a GRF meeting? (action TBD for John)) COASTAL: HF Radar
29 ACTION: DBCP to consider Jon Turton DBCP-32, The Task Team on Wave whether the HF Radar should be October 2016 Measurement (TT-WM) looks to considered as part of the DBCP coordinate intercomparisons of Waves pilot project in part to wave measurements from different address questions regarding platforms, including satellites. it validation of HF Radar wave does not specifically mention HF information Radar, however the community is welcome to participate if they wish to. 30 RECOMMENDATION: OCG Exec OCG Chair, OCG-8 revisit HF Radar in November. and GEO-HF Radar COP to Hugh Roarty explore potential for HF Radar to JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 64
engage in OCG work plan (and related) activities such as: · Standards and best practices (drawing on existing best practices experience and documentation, and potential for OCG to review/approve HF Radar guides) · Calibration/ validation, and quality control by EOV (i.e. DBCP Waves: PP-WET) (see Action 29) · Engaging in the OOPC boundary current activity (action to be discussed with OOPC) · Connection with Services Area (ETWCH/ETOOFS) (action to be discussed with SFPA/Nick) 31 ACTION: GEO HF Radar COP OCG Chair, Proposed as JCOMM OCG partner and JCOMM OCG exec to Hugh Roarty network - JCOMM-5 consider whether JCOMM HF Radar to be proposed as a Joint JCOMM/GEO group. 32 ACTION: Review ocean Guimei Liu, Timeline? Ongoing and addressed with new applications part on HF radar in Hugh Roarty action from OCG-8 - Action 5 WMO Statement of Guidance 7. Engaging new networks.
33 ACTION: Initiate dialogue with Sam OCG-8 Call in March 2017 animal tracking community to Simmons discuss potential for JCOMM OCG engagement. 34 ACTION: Consider invitation to Secretariat OCG-8 Completed, invited to OCG-8 and the animal tracking community supported as an emerging network (sensor data collection) to discuss coordination activities, standards/best practices, data and QC, EEZ issues and other areas of potential intersection with OCG. (secretariat) 8. JCOMMOPS
35 ACTION: JCOMMOPS web tool JCOMMOPS needs an easier-to-find front page description/introduction to JCOMMOPS (JCOMMOPS) 36 ACTION: Develop and distribute a JCOMMOPS, JCOMM-5 Work in progress with the JCOMM regular update on status of the Secretariat to Report card, will be released and JCOMM observing system by the solicit promoted at JCOMM-5 start of 2017: representative s from networks JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 65
o Identify a team from OCG to develop draft design/focus of the report (each network to nominate a representative; Secretariat to solicit for representatives o Secretariat to develop a proposed mailing list to IOC members and WMO JCOMM members 37 RECOMMENDATION: OCG JCOMMOPS Prepared for SOT, see SOT report Urges registration/adoption of to OCG8 Unique IDs for platforms and requests JCOMMOPS to work with networks to make a formal change request to JCOMM V (JCOMMOPS) 38 ACTION: Networks to decide JCOMMOPS JCOMM-5 Network Specification Sheets whether they want network produced to be updated fro brochures in consultation with JCOMM-5 JCOMMOPS, and as appropriate, develop brochures for distribution. 39 ACTION: Advance development Secretariat Ahead of a KPI Metrics under development for of Risk Assessment metrics. JCOMMOPS all partner networks Secretariat to distribute latest draft Round Table of white paper to OCG exec for further revision 40 ACTION: Start tracking progress JCOMMOPS, Ongoing. SOT migration not terminated, by all OCG networks towards use Jon Turton Report to monthly maps issued for TDC and of BUFR in reporting real-time OCG-8 TAC on monthly basis, but tracking data on the GTS (JCOMMOPS to difficult because of present non- solicit/compile info, and unique / masking ID schemes. This impediments including lack of will be change with new scheme appropriate template) adopted SOT-9 and to be confirmed at JCOMM-5 9. Best Practices.
41 ACTION: OCG Representatives to Secretariat 1st May done provide feedback on RMIC Proposal for a Framework of the Global Ocean Observations Standard System (including Guides for calibration seawater dissolved oxygen and nutrients).
42 ACTION: OCG to consider OCG Ahead of a Contact with RMICs will be request for RMIC Coordination Chair/Vice JCOMMOPS coordinated through the OCG Vice Committee and communicate Chair Roundtable Chair for Standards and Best decision to JCOMM-Man (during Practice JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 66
upcoming OCG call)
43 ACTION: IOCCP to provide links Maciej, Rik: Recommended to coordinate to Best Practices Documentation RMIC/AP with SCOR WG147: "The SCOR and development activities; i.e. Working Group 147 “Towards SCOR Working Group on comparability of global oceanic Nutrients: nutrient data (COMPONUT)“ announced that the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) will start to provide Nutrient Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) with the new SCOR-JAMSTEC logo, with a new cost structure making them more accessible for the global science and research community. These will be available for sale in early summer 2016, based on the framework objectives of SCOR WG#147 (http://www.scor- int.org/SCOR_WGs_WG147.htm). Contact points: Michio Aoyama ([email protected], Malcolm Woodward ([email protected])
Maciej: SCOR WG 142 has been funded to review and improve oxygen data standards from mobile platforms. ToRs, composition (which includes most of the senior people who work on oxygen data from mobile platforms) and work plan can be accessed here: http://www.scor- int.org/SCOR_WGs_WG142.htm 44 ACTION: Secretariat to collate list Secretariat : of Standards and Best Practices (Katy) with documentation used within the guidance from community from the Bob Weller, Network/Element Specifications. Bernadette Sloyan. 45 ACTION: Secretariat to identify Secretariat Work in progress with OCG Vice- list/links to relevant IOC/WMO (Long) Chair for S&BP & RE-ADDRESSED level best practices/regulatory WITH NEW ACTION OCG-8 - documentation. Action 35 46 ACTION: Schedule further OCG Ahead of a See S&BP plan, under the discussion of accepting non Chair/Vice JCOMMOPS management of the Vice Chair JCOMM standards manuals as Chair Round Table JCOMM Technical Reports during upcoming JCOMM quarterly telecom JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 67
47 ACTION: Discuss/respond to OCG Ahead of a See S&BP plan, under the request to accept QARTOD Chair/Vice JCOMMOPS management of the Vice Chair manuals as JCOMM Technical Chair Round Table Reports, during upcoming JCOMM quarterly telecom 48 RECOMMENDATION to JCOMM- OCG Chair, MAN-13 MAN: Input is sought on identification and focus of RMICs, and JCOMM OCG requests consultation when RMICs are proposed. 10. Data Management.
49 ACTION: Refine the vision for Steve Worley, OCG-9 Moving toward EOVs is already a Data Integration EOV activity in a Kevin O'Brien current DM concept and ongoing few pages (max) and distribute to work is related to the OCG-8 Action OCG members 10 - EOV mapping pilot with JCOMMOPS, Kevin O'Brien and Jon Turton 50 ACTION: Networks to nominate a OCG when Data Networks have nominated people to representative to become part of a Members to Vice Chair become contacts for S&BP, maybe small team to further scope the nominate appointed - a data nomination is still useful but proposed EOV-focused Data post JCOMM-5 need Vice-Chair Data to coordinate. Integration Activity. This team to work with OCG Exec in development of initial proposal to be reviewed by Networks. 51 ACTION: Report on Data Kevin O'Brien, DMPA Kevin O'Brien attended the JCOMM Integration EOV activity to DMPA Steve Worley Meeting, June DMCG meeting in Oostende in meeting (June) by Webex (Kevin 2016 June, 2016 O’Brien, Steve Worley) 52 ACTION: Report on Data OCG Chair, OCG-9 Ongoing related to the OCG-8 Integration EOV activity to US Secretariat Action10 - EOV mapping pilot with IOOC (Interagency Ocean JCOMMOPS, Kevin O'Brien and Observation Committee), and Jon Turton GOOS GRA Chair 53 ACTION: Seek interest from OCG OCG Chair, Engagement from a number of networks in Open access GTS JCOMM Co- partners in the Open Access GTS activity (David to distribute President project and IOOS interest in using description; Networks to contact the system post-pilot, broader Nadia/David, cc Secretariat). support to be sought at JCOMM-5 when pilot is presented
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 68
ANNEX 4:
LIST OF ACRONYMS
AOML Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (NOAA) ASAP Automated Shipboard Aerological Programme (SOT) ATN national Animal Tracking Network (ATN), US IOOS AWS Automatic Weather Station (SOT) BGC Biogeochemical BOON Boundary Ocean Observing Network (OceanGliders) BUFR Binary Universal Form for Representation of meteorological data CCHDO CLIVAR and Carbon Hydrographic Data Office (NOAA, NSF) Chl-a Chlorophyll-a CLS Collecte Localisation Satellites (France) CO2 Carbon Dioxide COP 22 22nd annual Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC). CTD Conductivity, Temperature and Pressure CMA China Meteorological Administration CMIP Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (WCRP) DBCP Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (WMO-IOC) DC Data Centre DCPC Data Collection and Production Centres (WMO WIS) DM Delayed Mode (data) DMCG Data Management Coordination Group (JCOMM) DMPA Data Management Programme Area (DMPA) DOOS Deep Ocean Observing Strategy (GOOS) EB Executive Board (DBCP) EC Executive Council (WMO) or Executive Committee (SOT) EC-PHORS EC Panel of Experts on Polar & High Mountain Observations, Research & Services ECV Essential Climate Variable EEZ Exclusive Economic Zone EOV Essential Ocean Variable EuroGOOS European GOOS RA FixO3 Fixed-point Open Ocean Observatories GCOS Global Climate Observing System GDAC Global Data Assembly / Acquisition Centre GDP Global Drifter Programme GEO Group on Earth Observations GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel GLOSS Global Sea-level Observing System (JCOMM) GOA-ON Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network GODAE Global Ocean Data Assimilation Experiment (GOOS) GOOS Global Ocean Observing System (IOC, WMO, UNEP, ICSU) GOOS BioEco GOOS Biology & Ecosystem Panel GRA GOOS Regional Alliance GTS Global Telecommunication System (WWW) GTSPP Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Programme (NOAA) HF Radar High Frequency Radar ICES International Council for the Exploration of the Sea ICOADS International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (USA) JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 69
ICS Institute of Commercial Shipping ID Identification Number IGMETS International Group for Marine Ecological Time Series IHO International Hydrographic Organization IMO International Maritime Organization IMOS Integrated Marine Observing System (Australia) IMarEST Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology IOC Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO) IOCCP International Ocean Carbon Coordination Project IODE International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IOC) IOGOOS Global Ocean Observing System in the Indian Ocean JAMSTEC Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology JCOMM Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology JCOMM-5 Fifth Session of JCOMM (Indonesia, October 2017) JCOMMOPS JCOMM in situ Observations Programme Support Centre JCOMM-MAN JCOMM Management Committee JMA-MRI Japan Meteorological Agency - Meteorological Research Institute KPI Key Performance Indicator MAN-13 13th Session of JCOMM Management Committee, January 2017, Geneva MEDS Marine Environmental Data Service (Canada, now ISDM) MEOP Marine mammals Exploring the Ocean Pole-to-pole MSC Circular IMO Circulars NC National Centres (WMO WIS) NDBC National Data Buoy Center (NOAA, USA) NMHS National Meteorological and Hydrological Service NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (USA) NOC National Oceanographic Centre (UK) NODC National Oceanographic Data Centre NSF National Science Foundation (USA) OceanSITES OCEAN Sustained Interdisciplinary Timeseries Environment Observation System OCG Observations Coordination Group (JCOMM) OCG-7 JCOMM OCG Seventh Session, Esporles, Mallorca, April 2016 OCG-8 JCOMM OCG Eighth Session, Qingdao, China, May 2017 OCG-9 JCOMM OCG Ninth Session, Brest France, May 2018 ODIP Ocean Data Interoperability Platform OOPC Ocean Observations Panel for Climate (GCOS-GOOS-WCRP) OPA Observations Programme Area (JCOMM OCG) OSCAR Observing Systems Capabilities Analysis and Review (WMO) OSMC Observing System Monitoring Center (NOAA, USA) OTN Ocean Tracking Network PA Programme Area (JCOMM) PI Principal Investigator PMO Port Meteorological Officer POGO Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans PP-WET JCOMM Pilot Project on Wave Measurement Evaluation and Test moored buoys QA Quality Control QC Quality Control QUARTOD QA/QC of Real-Time Oceanographic Data (US IOOS) RMIC WMO-IOC Regional Marine Instrument Centre RRR Rolling Review of Requirements JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1, p. 70
RT Real-time (data) RV Research Vessel S&BP Standards & Best Practice SC Steering Committee SCG Services Coordination Group (JCOMM) SCOR Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research SeaDataNET Pan-European infrastructure for Ocean & Marine Data Management SFSPA Services and Forecasting Systems Programme Area (JCOMM) SLA Sea Level Anomaly SOA State Oceanographic Administration (China) SOCAT Surface Ocean CO2 Atlas SOOP Ship-Of-Opportunity Programme SOOPIP SOOP Implementation Panel (JCOMM) SOT Ship Observations Team (JCOMM) SSG Scientific Steering Group (IOCCP) SST Sea-Surface Temperature TAO Tropical Atmosphere Ocean Array TC Technical Co-ordinator TOR Terms of Reference TPOS 2020 Tropical Pacific Observing System (to 2020) project T&I TT Transition & Implementation Task Team (TPOS 2020) TT Task Team TT-KPI Task Team for Key Performance Indicators (SOT) TT-MOWIS Task Team for Integrated Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services (WIS) TT-WM Task Team on Wave Measurement TRL Technology Readiness Level UK United Kingdom UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNFCCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change USA United States of America US IOOS U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System VOS Voluntary Observing Ship (JCOMM) WCRP World Climate Research Programme WIGOS WMO Integrated Global Observing System WIS WMO Information System WMO World Meteorological Organization (UN) WOC World Ocean Council WOD World Ocean Database (NOAA) WWW World Weather Watch (WMO) XBT Expendable Bathy Thermograph
______
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 7.1(2) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 4.X.2017
TPOS 2020 First Report, 2016
TPOS 2020 First Report Executive Summary
The outcomes of the TPOS 2020 Project to oversee the redesign of the Tropical Pacific Observing System will be delivered in three reports. The first report was published at the end of 2016 following experts and public reviews, and provides the rationale for the observing system design, recommendations and actions for the Backbone observing system including their staged implementation, plus recommended pilots and process studies to refine the observing system design for fluxes, boundary regions and biogeochemistry and improve model parameterisation.
The full first report is available at www.tpos2020.org/first-report. Chinese, French, Japanese, Korean and Spanish versions of the Executive Summary are also available.
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 11.X.2017
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH STRATEGY FOR BUOY VANDALISM
Forty-ninth Session of the IOC Executive Council adopted a decision requesting IOC and WMO, working through the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) and the Working Group on Tsunami and Other Hazards Related to Sea-level Warning and Mitigation Systems, to develop a regionally relevant education and outreach strategy (for discussion in 2017), that could be jointly implemented by IOC and WMO and their Member States, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the fisheries sector and other relevant organizations in order to substantially reduce damage through vandalism or interference with ocean data buoys. It should be noted that the FAO and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations were positive in their interest to support and assist the outreach and education for minimising buoy vandalism (see JCOMM-5/Doc 8.4).
DBCP Working Group on Data Buoy Vandalism under the guidance of JCOMM address the issue of data buoy vandalism and, additionally, recommend how to strengthen capacity development on all marine-related aspects, including observations, data management and services. Below provide the DRAFT Outreach Strategy to Reduce Damage to Ocean Data Buoys From Vandalism developed by the DBCP Working Group on Data Buoy Vandalism.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 2
Outreach Strategy to Reduce Damage to Ocean Data Buoys From Vandalism
August 2017
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 3
PREFACE On June 7, 2016, the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) both requested development of a regionally relevant education and outreach strategy in order to substantially reduce damage to ocean buoys through vandalism or interference. The IOC and WMO, working through the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) and the IOC Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards Related to Sea-Level Warning and Mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG), prepared a draft strategy for discussion at the May 2017 WMO Executive Council and June 2017 IOC Assembly. The strategy is intended to be jointly implemented by the IOC, WMO, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs), Member states, the commercial fisheries sector and other relevant organizations in order to mitigate damage to ocean data buoys.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. Executive Summary 2. Introduction 3. Purpose of the Strategy 4. Current Education and Outreach Efforts 5. Strategy Goals and Objectives 6. Next Steps
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Ocean data buoys collect in-situ oceanographic and meteorological data that are critical to a wide user community of government, academic, military, public health, and emergency response stakeholders and the marine transportation, tourism, and fisheries industries. These observations are used in multiple applications including strengthening the quality and accuracy of severe and routine weather forecasting, improved coastal ocean circulation models, environmental and ecosystem monitoring and research, and tsunami warning capability. Monitoring ocean health can only be done through long-term multi-disciplinary observations, many of which are sourced from data buoys that are uniquely suited for this task. Failure to maintain a sustainable network of data buoys puts the health of our oceans and estuaries at risk.
Data buoy vandalism refers to the intentional interference with, damage to, or theft of observing platforms by human action. The purpose of this strategy is to create a framework that will guide the development of outreach and education resources to raise public awareness of the critical value of the services provided by ocean observation networks and warning systems, and of the related disaster risk-reduction benefits. It will help promote education and outreach, especially to recreational, artisanal, and commercial fishers. It will also broaden support of community stakeholders, and enable proactive engagement at regional and local scales through the development of new partnerships to share lessons learned and generate new ideas for addressing vandalism issues.
JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 4
2. INTRODUCTION
Ocean data buoys (Fig. 1) collect in-situ oceanographic and meteorological data that are critical to a wide user community of government, academic, industry, and public stakeholders. Data buoys are located in every ocean, and international cooperation is implemented via the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel (DBCP) under the WMO-IOC Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) (Fig. 2). Data buoy observations are used in multiple applications including strengthening the quality and accuracy of severe and routine weather forecasting, improved coastal ocean circulation models, environmental and ecosystem monitoring and research, tsunami warning capability, commercial and recreational marine transportation and fishing. Ocean observations and the improved knowledge they provide, Figure 1. Diagram of an ocean data buoy. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric together with socioeconomic data describing the Administration human dimensions in the global environment, can help solve problems, address and mitigate risks, and deliver skillful forecasts of the future behavior of Earth systems. Sustaining the network that supports these observations is of critical importance to the user community and global society.
The loss of lives and property from natural disasters such as the tsunami events in Sumatra (2004), Chile (2007), Samoa (2009), Haiti (2010), Tonga (2010), and Japan (2011) reinforced the need for robust and reliable ocean observing systems. In response to these types of disasters, the world’s ocean observing systems have been expanding since 2004. Increasing the coverage of ocean observing systems provides for more robust information on ocean and atmospheric processes. This information provides many benefits including: Figure 2. Map representing the extent of the international moored data buoy network Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration CLIMATE: UNDERSTANDING, National Data Buoy Center ASSESSING, PREDICTING, MITIGATING, AND ADAPTING TO CLIMATE VARIABILITY AND CHANGE. COASTAL AND MARINE HAZARDS AND DISASTERS: REDUCING LOSS OF LIFE, PROPERTY, AND ECOSYSTEM DAMAGE FROM NATURAL AND HUMAN-INDUCED DISASTERS. OCEAN AND COASTAL ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES: IMPROVING THE IDENTIFICATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ENERGY AND MINERAL RESOURCES. HUMAN HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AFFECTING HUMAN HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCES AND ECOSYSTEMS: UNDERSTANDING AND PROTECTING OCEAN AND COASTAL POPULATIONS AND RESOURCES AND SUPPORTING JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 5
COASTAL ECONOMIES, INCLUDING FISHERIES, AQUACULTURE, AND OTHER MARINE ECOSYSTEM SERVICES. MARINE TRANSPORTATION: IMPROVING THE SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY OF ALL FORMS OF MARINE TRANSPORTATION. WATER RESOURCES: IMPROVING WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT THROUGH BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND MONITORING OF THE WATER CYCLE. COASTAL AND MARINE WEATHER: IMPROVING WEATHER INFORMATION, FORECASTING, AND WARNINGS. REFERENCE MEASUREMENTS: IMPROVING REFERENCE MEASUREMENTS AND THE FUNDAMENTAL MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS AND STANDARDS SUPPORTING THEM.
Unfortunately, these ocean observing systems are at risk due to intentional or unintentional impacts. It is estimated that over half of these systems have been damaged at least once since deployment (some multiple times), which increases the programs’ operating costs and jeopardizes the valuable data the systems provide. In order to address data buoy vandalism, a 3-pronged approach has been used (Fig. 3). This approach includes: (1) regulatory policy and enforcement; (2) engineering and technical modifications to buoy systems to enhance situational awareness and impede third party interference; and (3) the development and distribution of outreach and education materials Figure 3. The three-pronged approach on the value of ocean data buoys and the impacts to addressing data buoy vandalism of vandalism. For a detailed overview of data includes: engineering, education and buoy vandalism impacts and responses, see outreach, and enforcement and Ocean Data Buoy Vandalism- Incidence, Impact compliance. and Responses (DBCP Technical Document No. 41).
2.1. DATA BUOY VANDALISM DEFINED
Data buoy vandalism refers to the intentional interference with, damage to, or theft of observing platforms by human action. Data buoy vandalism has many forms, including: Ø Fouling of mooring lines or damage to underwater cables or sensors from fishing lines or nets; Ø Using the buoy as a temporary anchor which can overstress mooring lines and damage the buoy superstructure; Ø Deliberately dragging the buoy from its moored location; Ø Cutting mooring lines or cables; and/or Ø Removing physical infrastructure, cables, or sensors, or other hardware.
Fishing activities are the primary cause of damage to data buoys because the buoys act as fish aggregating devices (FADs) which fishing vessels exploit in pursuit of fish. This increases the incidence of direct contact between the buoys and fishing vessels. There are also rare incidences of damage from unintentional impacts such as inadvertent collision with a buoy.
There is direct and indirect proof of vandalism. Physical examination of recovered buoys provides evidence of structural damage, fishing gear entanglement, theft of equipment, mooring and cable cuts, and vessel mooring (as exhibited by remnants of tow or attachment JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 6 lines) (Fig. 4). In many cases photographic evidence taken from the buoy has confirmed vandalism of the buoy. In other cases, especially when the buoy goes adrift or is lost, there is evidence of abnormal mooring stress, stretching or anchor displacement, or patterns of station data stream failure. Lastly, some stolen buoys have been tracked by their GPS location reports as they are transported across oceans - presumably on the deck of the vandalizing vessel.
Figure 4. Examples of damage to data buoys: fouling of mooring lines and removing physical infrastructure. Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
2.2. GLOBAL PROBLEM/REGIONAL IMPACTS
These major tropical moored buoy arrays and expanded tsunameter networks are key components of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the internationally networked marine observations coordinated by the JCOMM. These mechanisms provide for international coordination of oceanographic and marine meteorological observing, data management, and services. For the most part, these networks are placed outside Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) on the high seas. This means the response to vandalism events requires both national and international efforts.
Buoy vandalism has been a problem since the establishment of ocean observing networks in the late 1980s. The issue has garnered international attention because many platforms such as the tropical Pacific, eastern tropical Indian Ocean, and equatorial Atlantic Ocean are internationally supported and provide data used by the international community.
Incidences of data buoy vandalism are apparent in both ocean and coastal networks. However, only a few highly-impacted networks have consolidated records of vandalism events. These arrays include the tropical moored buoy arrays (TAO/TRITON, PIRATA, and RAMA), the tsunameter networks supporting the tsunami warning systems in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the tsunameter networks in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic.
The TAO/TRITON array is a major component of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Observing System located in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. The array provides data for coastal weather information, forecasting the ENSO, and the assessment and advance warning of tsunamis. It also has the longest experience with and records of vandalism, which are significant in both operational cost and the loss of scientific data. As an example, estimates of vandalism costs can be about US$1 million annually for equipment restoration- not including costs of lost data and other indirect costs. For the period of January 2013-May 2016, there were 66 confirmed vandalism events involving TAO buoys. In some cases, newly deployed TAO buoys have been lost within days – or even hours – following their deployment.
The tsunameter networks in the Indian Ocean also have a consistent multi-national record of vandalism events. India’s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has reported serious losses through vandalism to their moored buoys in the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal. From 2006-2010 there were 31 vandalism events, which has resulted in some sites being abandoned as locations for buoy deployment because of the high frequency of damage resulting from vandalism. Using conservative assumptions, the total direct cost of Indian Ocean Tsunami JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 7
Warning System vandalism between 2006 and 2010 is estimated to be around US$3.4 million (US$110,000 per event).
Vandalism erodes a system’s cost-benefit proposition. The substantial costs of upgrading equipment to deter vandalism and restoring vandalized stations add to the costs of establishing and sustaining networks. At the same time, unless networks are fully resilient to equipment outages, the consequential data losses and the degradation of derived services reduce the societal benefits provided to communities from data buoys.
3. PURPOSE OF THE STRATEGY
The purpose of this strategy is to create a framework that will guide the development of outreach and education resources to raise public awareness of the critical value of the services provided by ocean observation networks and warning systems, and of the related disaster risk- reduction benefits. It will help promote education and outreach, especially to recreational, artisanal, and commercial fishers. It will also broaden support of community stakeholders, and enable proactive engagement at regional and local scales through the development of new partnerships to share lessons learned and generate new ideas for addressing vandalism issues.
3.1. KEY REGIONALLY- RELEVANT STAKEHOLDER GROUPS
Multiple stakeholders have an interest in reducing intentional and incidental impacts to ocean data buoys. These stakeholders include national and local governments, intergovernmental organizations (e.g., IOC, WMO), communities, emergency managers, ocean industry sectors (e.g., fishing and navigation), and scientists. In order to effectively address data buoy vandalism, more stakeholders, willing to serve as buoy advocates, are needed from the commercial fishing and shipping sectors, nongovernmental organizations, local communities, educators, media, and emergency managers. This strategy is the first step in identifying and engaging those stakeholders to develop education and outreach materials to increase sector and public awareness of buoy vandalism along with the social benefits enabled by sustained networks of ocean observations.
3.2. TIMELINE FOR STRATEGY
The DBCP will use this strategy to guide its efforts to address vandalism for the next five years (2018-2023)1. The DBCP Task Team on Buoy Vandalism will provide an annual report during the DBCP annual session to include updates and/or recommendations identified at the IOC Assembly and WMO Executive Council meetings. Additionally, outreach and education recommendations will be submitted to the IOC Working Group on Tsunamis and Other Hazards Related to Sea-Level Warning and Mitigation Systems (TOWS-WG), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), regional fishery management organizations (RFMOs), Member states, the commercial fisheries sector and other relevant stakeholder organizations as identified.
4. CURRENT EDUCATION AND OUTREACH EFFORTS
Numerous local, national and international efforts have been made to educate and inform people, in particular the fishing community, about the negative consequences of data buoy losses for research; weather, climate and ocean forecasting; and tsunami warnings. These observing losses have direct impact on loss of human life and property. Examples of existing efforts include:
1 Upon adoption by the IOC and WMO. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 8
Ø The TAO and TRITON Project Offices have issued leaflets in several languages to fishing organisations and fishing boats, and have produced educational materials for local dissemination or promulgation via the internet. Ø The DBCP has produced a leaflet on the value of ocean data buoys, translated in multiple languages, for circulation to fishermen and mariners. The leaflet provides advice with respect to interference with data buoys. Its content has been promulgated in full or in part by a number of national agencies, by port authorities, and by the International Hydrographic Organisation. Ø The DBCP also developed technical documents to describe and document data buoy vandalism issues and presented findings at various ocean observation technical and intergovernmental meetings. Ø The German-led GITEWS project was proactive in coastal community education in Indonesia during the deployment of its tsunameter network, including distributing shirts with GITEWS tsunami buoy images to promote their recognition. Ø The Jakarta Tsunami Information Centre in Indonesia has produced community education materials including a poster on tsunami buoys. Ø India has mounted public information campaigns for coastal communities, using public television broadcasts in local languages across a number of coastal states. Ø Some ocean platforms carry signage in multiple languages. This is in addition to prominent graphical signage, such as the tsunami warning (wave) symbol. Ø RFMOs including the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission, Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission, and Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission have adopted resolutions (conservation and management measures) to protect moored ocean observing systems, which promote regional and local awareness of the issue.
These efforts are ongoing, but have met only limited success. While these efforts help to draw awareness to the impacts of data buoy vandalism, they are not adequate to stem the continued, documented vulnerability and loss of essential, multi-purpose ocean observing systems. Rather, these efforts provide the foundation that this strategy will build upon to increase education and outreach efforts.
5. STRATEGY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
5.1. GOAL I: DEVELOP REGIONALLY AND NATIONALLY RELEVANT EDUCATION MATERIALS
Outcome: A tool kit of regionally-relevant print and web-based resources for targeted stakeholder groups to improve the effectiveness of strategies for reducing the impacts of data buoy vandalism. OBJECTIVE: INVENTORY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH RESOURCES TO KNOW WHAT TYPES OF MATERIALS ALREADY EXIST. There are a variety of materials and resources on data buoy vandalism that already exist (Section 4). Therefore, to inform the other activities in this strategy, the DBCP will lead an effort to reach out to TOWS, FAO, and RFMOs to identify regional, national, and/or local education and outreach materials that already exist. Based on this inventory, the DBCP will lead a gap analysis to determine the specific areas (e.g., format [print, web-based], topic, language) where materials are needed. This will also inform the identification of one or more areas (e.g., geography, language, topic) to conduct a needs analysis with key stakeholders. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 9
OBJECTIVE: DEVELOP GUIDELINES FOR REGIONAL AND NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO USE TO DEVELOP EDUCATION MATERIALS FOR PROTECTION OF OCEAN DATA BUOYS. In order to help regions, nations, or localities to develop education and outreach materials and, as appropriate, provide consistent messages, the DBCP will coordinate with relevant groups to create a set of guidelines that can be used to develop these educational and outreach materials. OBJECTIVE: DEVELOP EDUCATION AND OUTREACH MATERIALS FOR STAKEHOLDER USE. Based on the inventory of resources, national, regional, or international groups could develop new materials or modify existing materials to meet specific regional or national needs for outreach. This could also include exploring the development of a web-based toolkit on data buoy vandalism that can serve as a central repository of these resources for stakeholders and the public. Promoting existing data buoy resources such as the JCOMMOPS website2 could help stakeholders see the distribution and types of services that ocean data buoys around the world provide. Developing materials could also include coordinating on the translation of web pages and select materials.
5.2. GOAL II: ENHANCE NATIONAL, REGIONAL, AND GLOBAL COORDINATION AND COOPERATION TO PROTECT DATA BUOYS
Outcome: Increase visibility of the problem of data buoy vandalism by working with and through national, regional, and global partners.
OBJECTIVE: PROMOTE AND DEVELOP NEW RESOURCE AND OUTREACH MATERIALS FOR RAISING AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF DATA BUOYS AND THE CONSEQUENCES OF VANDALISM AND INTERFERENCE. Encourage national and local governments and their partners to help develop nationally and regionally relevant educational materials and implement outreach programs. Explore opportunities for promoting, developing and utilizing new resources and outreach materials to raise awareness of data buoy vandalism. Increasing visibility could facilitate new and innovative funding mechanisms to help support improving the understanding of the strategic role of data buoys for coastal communities. This effort could include developing web-based platforms and/or using social media for engaging with stakeholders more directly and regularly. Increasing the role of the media could help to improve public understanding of the role of data buoys by helping to communicate technical information in an easy to understand way. This could also include increasing information sharing (as appropriate) between and among data buoy operators, fishery managers, navigation managers, and other relevant stakeholders.
Objective: Explore opportunities for increasing the ability for rapid response to data buoy incidences.
Establish relationships between DBCP and key stakeholders to facilitate information exchange and increase awareness and allow for rapid response to data buoy incidences. This could include hosting a series of webinars on data buoy vandalism or participating in capacity building efforts in target areas to share and promote the resources available. This could also include conducting a pilot study on an alert network for reporting data buoy incidences (observed intentional or unintentional) to allow for rapid response.
2 www.jcommops.org JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 10
5.3. GOAL III: IDENTIFY KEY STAKEHOLDER GROUPS AND ENHANCE EDUCATION AND OUTREACH EFFORTS TO THOSE STAKEHOLDERS
Outcome: Increase awareness of data buoy vandalism issues among key stakeholders through strategic and effective partnerships. OBJECTIVE: IDENTIFY STAKEHOLDER GROUPS THAT HAVE AN INTEREST IN DATA BUOY VANDALISM ISSUES. There are multiple stakeholders that have already engaged in activities to address data buoy vandalism. However, there are opportunities for re-engaging with those partners and/or identifying new partners with a particular focus on regions with the highest incidences of vandalism. This will inform the development of education and outreach materials that are most relevant to the communities in that region. There could also be opportunities to engage in other existing efforts or campaigns to integrate data buoy vandalism issues. These partnerships could encourage increasing awareness, but also encourage funding support and new policy mechanisms to support regional and local efforts. OBJECTIVE: PROMOTE COOPERATION BETWEEN AND AMONG DATA BUOY OPERATORS, FISHERY MANAGERS, NAVIGATION MANAGERS, AND OTHER RELEVANT STAKEHOLDERS Promote educational and outreach cooperation regionally and internationally which could include developing specific initiatives with governmental or intergovernmental partners (i.e., RFMOs, ICGs, TOWS, International Hydrographic Organization (IHO), International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA)) to help educate stakeholders on the benefits of data buoys and the impact of data buoy vandalism on coastal communities. This could also include increasing the outreach efforts related to existing governmental or intergovernmental initiatives. OBJECTIVE: EXPLORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENGAGING WITH NEW PARTNERS TO ADDRESS DATA BUOY VANDALISM Data buoy operators and fishery managers are actively working to raise awareness of data buoy vandalism. There could also be opportunities for working with non-governmental partners and/or local community leaders to incorporate new perspectives and to increase engagement with new stakeholders and the public.
5.4. Implement education and awareness strategies to build compliance and support enforcement
Outcome: Increase compliance with data buoy resolutions through effective education and awareness activities.
Objective: Explore compliance issues with existing data buoy resolutions
Since the IOC, WMO, RFMOs, and individual countries have adopted both voluntary and binding measures and recommendations on intergovernmental collaboration, these organizations could consider information sharing to address data buoy vandalism. There could be a discussion and information sharing on the successes and challenges with those various efforts. This could also identify specific gaps or facilitate leveraging ideas or resources among interested stakeholders. Consistent reporting on data buoy incidences would enable collection of more consistent data across regions and nations. There could be opportunities for establishing new incentive and/or recognition programs for local fishermen or other stakeholders, particularly those who report the incidences or that contributes to increasing awareness of the importance of data buoys in their communities.
Objective: Explore opportunities for increasing and/or improving data collection on vandalism incidents. JCOMM-5/INF. 7.2, p. 11
There are a variety of ocean activities that that may contribute to data buoy vandalism. More information and consistent information about vandalism incidents could increase awareness and improve understanding of the relationship between data buoy vandalism and other ocean activities. More information could also allow for improved cost estimates to understand the economic impact of vandalism.
6. NEXT STEPS
This education and outreach strategy will guide the continued engagement with regional, national, and local stakeholders to strengthen their efforts to reduce data buoy vandalism. It will facilitate creation of new educational materials, expanded national and international collaboration, innovative stakeholder partnerships and information sharing to support compliance. It will also help to identify needs and gaps in order to increase the effectiveness of these efforts. This strategy enhances the international approach to reduce damage to observing systems through engineering and technological modifications to buoys, regulatory policy and enforcement. The DBCP will continue to lead this effort with the goal of engaging additional and new stakeholders that can also champion efforts to reduce data buoy vandalism. This strategy will be reviewed by JCOMM, subsequently proposed for adoption by the IOC and WMO in 2018 and would be implemented 2018-2023. Annual reporting will track progress toward implementation during that period.
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF.8.1 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 Secretariats General 26.IX.2017
CONSOLIDATED SUMMARY OF CAPACITY-DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES SINCE JCOMM-4
Introduction and Background
Capacity development (CD) is a high priority for both WMO and IOC; JCOMM activities related to specialized education and training in marine meteorology, physical oceanography and data management, have been focusing on programme support and implementation/delivery through the Programme Areas (PAs).
JCOMM agreed that this general direction and these principles should be kept for the next intersessional period, and requested its Management Committee to assign one member to oversee the overall activities in this area. At JCOMM-4, the Commission noted that workshops and training undertaken under the Programme Areas (PAs) during the past intersessional period have been successful, which should assist developing countries – particularly least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS) – to enhance capabilities for marine meteorological and oceanographic services and delivery. The Commission also further expressed appreciation: 1) that both UNESCO/IOC and WMO had made continued efforts to facilitate access to a wide range of training materials through OceanTeacher (http://www.oceanteacher.org) developed by the IODE of UNESCO/IOC, and WMOLearn (https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/training/wmolearn) managed by the WMO Education and Training Programme (ETRP); 2) welcomed the OceanTeacher Global Academy initiative, being developed by IODE, which allows training courses to take place simultaneously in multiple locations through the use of video conferencing technology.
Furthermore, the Commission requested the Management Committee to carry out an assessment of the effectiveness of training courses, workshops and capacity building efforts undertaken by JCOMM and its associated bodies in order to better understand the success and impacts of these initiatives, gaps, evaluate the sustainability of the learning, and make proposals for future work.
This paper aims to respond to the Commission’s request to carry out an assessment of JCOMM capacity development efforts to better understand the success and impacts of these initiatives, gaps, challenges, and sustainability; as well as recommendations for future capacity development. Firstly, it provides a brief background and an intercomparison analysis of the WMO and IOC Capacity Development Strategy. Some of the JCOMM capacity building activities (DBCP, CIFDP, as well as the ones under OceanTeacher) in the 2012-2017 intersessional period are presented to highlight JCOMM initiatives. It draws on the recent JCOMM Performance Assessment: Stakeholder Survey carried out in 2016 in order to have an understanding of the success, influence, and impacts of these JCOMM initiatives on national meteorological and oceanographic organizations and institutions. It highlights JCOMM stakeholders’ perspective of gaps, challenges and recommendations of how to improve capacity development in the next five years. A rating/gap analysis based on Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) Secretariat oversight and perspective is provided on JCOMM
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 2 capacity-development activities1 carried out in conjunction with GOOS. To conclude, the paper outlines a JCOMM CD vision, structure and workplan for the next intersessional period.
JCOMM Capacity Development Strategy
JCOMM is jointly sponsored by WMO and UNESCO/IOC and therefore its capacity-development (CD) activities operate within, and draw upon, the overall principles of its governing bodies (See Table 1). The primary objective of JCOMM CD is to enhance the implementation of the overall JCOMM Programme through enhancing capacity in all Members/Member States to contribute to and benefit from JCOMM. Specific JCOMM-focused CD activities are implemented by the respective PAs and included in their respective workplans. The JCOMM PAs are:
1. Observation 2. Services and Forecasting 3. Data Management
JCOMM decided, at its fourth session in May 2012, to make further efforts for the following types of activities:
JCOMM Capacity Development Principles (Revised at JCOMM-4, 2012)
Preparation and management of technical guidance material, in conjunction with the regular
review and update of the Guides and Manuals;
Strengthened liaison and contacts with wider WMO-IOC capacity development programmes,
particularly for the application of developed marine meteorological and oceanographic
training material and for the development of training programmes – for example
OceanTeacher (http://www.oceanteacher.org) developed by the IODE of UNESCO/IOC, and
Met e-learning (http://www.met-elearning.org) managed by the WMO Education and Training
Programme (ETRP);
Development of a web-based tool to document/consolidate/visualize overall capacity
development activities of the Commission, particularly those initiated and directly supported
by the Members / Member States. Partnerships among distance learning programmes, such as the USA Cooperative Programme for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training
(COMET, http://www.meted.ucar.edu/), are strongly encouraged;
Enhanced support for time-bound projects with clear objectives and plans for delivery, which serve for Members’ / Member States’ capacity development and technology transfer needs,
with a view to leveraging other potential funding sources and responding to expressed priorities of Members / Member States;
Enhanced collaboration through the Partnership for New GEOSS Applications (PANGEA), a
concept developed by JCOMM with the goal of developing resource sharing partnerships to realize the socioeconomic benefits of ocean observing systems at global and regional scales.
IOC Capacity Development Strategy
The IOC Capacity Development Strategy (2015-2021) was adopted by the IOC Assembly at its twenty-eighth session (Paris, 18–25 June 2015) in Resolution XXVIII-2.
1 Based on the IOC CD Strategy (Output and Actvities)
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 3
The vision of the IOC Capacity Development Strategy is derived from the IOC Vision and High-Level Objectives for 2014–2021 (IOC Medium-Term Strategy, IOC/INF-1314) and also from risks and opportunities related to ocean and coasts.
The vision statement of IOC’s Capacity Development Strategy:
Through international cooperation, IOC assists its Member States to collectively achieve the IOC’S high-level objectives (HLOs), with particular attention to ensuring that all Member States have the capacity to meet them.
In 2014, the UN General Assembly adopted the Oceans and the Law of the Sea Resolution (A/RES/69/245) which reiterated the essential need for cooperation, including through capacity building and transfer of marine technology, “to ensure that States, especially developing countries, in particular the least developed countries and small island developing States, as well as coastal African States, are able both to implement the Convention and to benefit from the sustainable development of the oceans and seas, as well as to participate fully in global and regional forums and processes dealing with oceans and law of the sea issues.” 2015 will mark the establishment of the Post-2015 Development Agenda, which is expected to be integrated as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Very recently at the twenty-ninth IOC Assembly, 21-29 June 2017, Member States recalled the cross-cutting role of ocean science in SDG 14 and particularly target SDG 14.a. - that, inter alia, calls for Member States to “increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer of marine technology taking into account the IOC Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology [IOC CGTMT] ( … )”, and the IOC custodianship role for SDG 14, particularly under targets 14.3 and 14.a. As such, Member States recognized the need to address existing gaps in ocean scientific knowledge, and that a global and multi-stakeholder framework of concerted and cooperative actions is needed to support ocean research, its applications and links to policy-making, sustained observations and services, with related capacity development and in accordance with the IOC CGTMT, in order to meet the 2030 Agenda. In this context, the Assembly endorsed the proposal (Resolution XXIX -1) for an International (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development to be established for the period 2021–2030. IOC has a unique international position and increasing leadership in ocean science, services and capacity development through:
(a) Fostering international cooperation for sustained observations of the oceans; (b) Generating oceanographic data and information products and services and interaction between research, operational, user communities and decision-makers in order to derive maximum societal benefit from new knowledge to achieve the High Level Objectives of the IOC. The IOC will mainstream its natural and social science approach to capacity development in its Member States and, in particular, in Priority Africa, SIDS and Gender Equality.
This CD strategic framework provides six outputs and numerous activities that are outlined below. These outputs call for investing in people and the institutions of which they are a part, enhancing access to scientific tools and methodologies, reinforcing IOC capabilities to provide services to Member States, enhancing the communication between scientific and policy makers communities, expanding ocean literacy in civil society and mobilising resources to accomplish these goals.
While this framework provides general guidance on elements of an implementation plan yet to be fully developed, elevating the impact of IOC to the scale required is contingent on:
• Reinforcing and valuing IOC staff at global and regional levels and, where necessary, participating national ocean scientific and governance institutions;
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 4
• Integrating IOC global and regional mechanisms to rapidly expand Member State participation in IOC programmes:
- Empowering IOC regional sub-commissions and other subsidiary bodies to engage with Member States, expanding collaboration and capacity development (including transfer of marine technology) on their coastal and marine affairs priorities;
- Strengthening global science programmes to increase scientific engagement with Member State coastal and marine priorities;
• Recommitting to partnerships through the IOC with its Member States, UN organizations and other agencies, scientific community and civil society;
• Mobilizing resources, e.g., personnel, funds, knowledge, and observing networks, to deliver the capacity development on which science, services and human communities depend;
• Continued attention to “enabling institutional conditions” as identified in discussions on “The Future of IOC”.
The conclusions identify elements of a draft workplan including conducting needs assessments to establish CD workplans, mobilizing associated resources and enhanced communication and collaboration. During 2015–2021, this strategy proposes a framework of outputs and activities summarized in Table 1 (a) below.
WMO Capacity Development Strategy
Capacity Development Vision
Stronger NMHSs to meet society’s need for information on weather, climate and water for the safety and well-being of people throughout the world.
Capacity Development Mission
To facilitate a holistic and integrated approach to sustainable capacity development of NMHSs especially in developing countries, LDCs and SIDSs through: advocacy, education and training, outreach, partnerships and resource mobilization, demonstration and pilot projects, service delivery and research.
The need for WMO capacity development assistance is grounded on the Convention of WMO which recognizes that Members need to work with each other and with other organizations to coordinate, standardize, improve and encourage efficiencies in the exchange of information to further their application to the needs of society. The Convention further notes the vital mission of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in the provision of weather, climate and water observations and services, and their contributions to addressing societal needs. WMO implements its Programmes through the NMHSs of its Members and utilizes the capabilities of NMHSs to provide effective services for the safety and well-being of society. The scope of services provided by NMHSs has increased as the need for environmental information has grown. Increasing vulnerability of many societies to natural hazards and extreme weather events, and sensitivity of national economies to climate variability and change, have exposed gaps in the existing capabilities of NMHSs, particularly those of developing countries, least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing States (SIDS). The World Meteorological Congress at its sixteenth session (Cg-XVI), considered that the collaborative work of WMO depends on observations and technical contributions from developing and developed country NMHSs alike, and therefore assisting the NMHSs in developing countries to fill these gaps is necessary to the work of WMO, and benefits all WMO Members.
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 5
Cg-XVI adopted the WMO Strategic Plan which recognizes “capacity building for the developing and least developed countries” as one of the five strategic priority areas expected to make a significant contribution to the achievement of the Expected Results”. To further elaborate how capacity building as a cross-cutting priority will be addressed and, in light of the factors discussed above, Cg-XVI adopted Resolution 49 (Cg-XVI) - WMO Strategy for Capacity Development (CDS).
The purpose of the CDS is to provide a coordinated and cohesive approach to capacity- development activities by WMO in assisting Members to meet their mandates and contribute to the goals of the WMO. The overall objective of the CDS is to foster effective capacity- development assistance to WMO Members and facilitate sustainable development of their National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), particularly in developing countries, LDCs and SIDS. The CDS seeks to build upon existing capacities in NMHSs, reduce duplication and utilize opportunities to leverage investments in strategic partnerships and synergies, while integrating the roles and requirements of regional associations, technical commissions, WMO co-sponsored Programmes as well as WMO Programmes within the strategic priority areas in the provision of development assistance to Members.
While the CDS requires a collaborative approach to what is a common goal, particular emphasis is given to the role of the national governments, especially in planning and sustaining the capabilities of the NMHSs in partnership with regional and global community, and in recognition of the importance of the NMHSs to public safety, security, national development and general social and economic benefits which flow from weather, climate and hydrological services. Correspondingly, the CDS is designed to have its greatest impact at country level. WMO in its facilitator role will focus on strengthening NMHSs, enhancing sub- regional, regional and global cooperation while providing a framework for NMHSs to advocate services which further national policies, strategies and plans.
Distinction is made between “capacity building” and “capacity development”. The former approaches development as if no capacity currently exists, and the latter considers existing capacities with an emphasis on a more holistic approach and national ownership of the development process. WMO use of the term “capacity development” is to recognize that, in most cases, WMO assistance to NMHSs must be informed by existing and planned capacities. The CDS recognizes that there are four types of NMHS capacity: institutional, infrastructural, procedural and human resources. These four dimensions of capacities are distinct yet inter-related and must be considered holistically to achieve sustainable capacity development. The CDS also recognizes that WMO capacity-development activities should be monitored and results evaluated for sustainability over time. The WMO Capacity Development Strategy, (https://www.wmo.int/pages/prog/dra/documents/WMO_Capacity_Development_Strategy.doc), identifies six strategic objectives and corresponding Strategic Approaches summarized as indicated in Table 1 (b).
Intercomparison between IOC and WMO Capacity Development Strategies
Both the IOC and WMO CD Strategies have six strategic outcomes and or objectives and corresponding activities or strategic approaches. There are several similarities and few differences between the IOC and WMO Capacity Development strategies. Similarities in the two strategies include increase education, research, human resources, visibility, awareness, strengthening of global, regional and sub-regional mechanisms and sustained resource mobilization for CD. Apparent differences is that the IOC Capacity Development Strategy includes access to physical infrastructure established or improved while the WMO strategy starts by explicitly defining the required capacities and deficiencies; emphasizes on ownership; as well as optimizing knowledge management. Overall, it can be concluded that there are no substantive differences between the two strategies.
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 6
IOC (2015-2021)
Outputs Activities 1. Human resources developed 1.1 Academic (higher) education 1.2 Continuous professional development 1.3 Sharing of knowledge and expertise/ community building 1.4 Gender balance 2. Access to physical infrastructure established or improved 2.1 Facilitating access to infrastructure (facilities, instruments, vessels)
3. Global, regional and sub-regional mechanisms strengthened 3.1 Further strengthening and supporting secretariats of regional commissions 3.2 Enhance effective communication between regional sub-commission secretariats and global programmes as well as other communities of practice (incl. other organizations) 4. Development of ocean research policies in support of 4.1 Sharing of information on ocean research priorities sustainable development objectives promoted 4.2 Developing national marine science management procedures and national policies 5. Visibility and awareness increased 5.1 Public Information 5.2 Ocean Literacy 6. Sustained (long-term) resource mobilization reinforced 6.1 In-kind opportunities 6.2 Financial support by Member States to IOC activities
Table 1 (a): IOC CD Strategy
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 7
WMO
Objectives Strategic Approaches 1. Define required capacities and identify deficiencies 1.A: Emphasize compliance with WMO technical requirements to address priorities 1.B: Assist countries in identifying deficiencies of the NMHSs 1.C: Encourage development of services to address specific user needs 1.D: Establish modalities for partner and stakeholder engagement 2. Increase visibility and national ownership 2.A: Emphasize socio-economic benefits of services provided by NMHSs to decision makers 2.B: Assist NMHSs to incorporate requirements into national policy, legislative frameworks and national development plans 2.C: Enhance outreach to end users and decision makers 2.D: Develop leadership and management capacities 2.E: Reinforce national support to meet societal needs for weather, climate and hydrology services 3. Optimize knowledge management 3.A: Enhance mechanisms for collecting and sharing of up-to-date information relating to NMHSs development 3.B: Share best practices and success stories relating to the development of NMHSs 3.C: Enhance communities of practice dealing with the development of NMHSs 4. Reinforce resource mobilization and project management 4.A: Enhance coordination and actively explore new funding opportunities and develop proposals through dialogue with stakeholders and development partners 4.B: Enhance capacity to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate projects 4.C. Encourage innovative voluntary and bilateral cooperation
5. Strengthen global, regional and sub-regional mechanisms 5.A: Strengthen the work of global and regional centres 5.B: Strengthen global, regional and sub-regional mechanisms to provide support for weather, climate and hydrological services 6. Increase education and research opportunities 6.A: Improve access to and provision of fellowships 6.B: Strengthen applications of research findings
Table 1 (b): WMO CD Strategy
______
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 8
JCOMM CAPACITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN THE 2012-2017 INTERSESSIONAL PERIOD
DBCP Activities
Table 2. provides a complete list of DBCP’s Capacity Building Task Team (TT-CB) Workshops since the Task Team was officially established ten years ago during DBCP-23 in Jeju, South Korea, October 2007:
Meeting Place Month/Year 1. North Pacific Ocean and Marginal Seas (NPOMS): "Application of Regional Ocean Observations for Increasing Society's Understanding and Forecasting of Typhoons" NPOMS-1 Host: Jeju National University Jeju, July 2012 South Korea NPOMS-2 Host: SOA Second Institute Hangzhou, China October 2013 Oceanography NPOMS-3 Host: Disaster Prevention Research Kyoto, Japan October 2014 Institute, Kyoto University NPOMS-4 Host: Korea Maritime and Ocean Busan, November 2015 University South Korea NPOMS-5 Host: SOA National Marine Data Tianjin, China July 2017 Information Service 2. Western Indian Ocean (WIO): "Implementation and Operation of Indian Ocean Data Buoy Networks and their Societal-economic Applications for Enhancing Regional Predictive Capability" WIO-1 Host: South African Weather Service Capetown, April 2010 South Africa WIO-2 Host: Mauritius Oceanography Mauritius May 2011 Institute WIO-3 Host: Kenya Meteorological Mombasa, Kenya April 2012 Department WIO-4 Host: Tanzania Meteorological Zanzibar, May 2013 Agency (TMA) Tanzania WIO-5 Host : South African Weather Service Port Elizabeth, May 2014 South Africa 3. In Region Capacity Building Workshop for Asian Countries: Asia-1 National Institute of Ocean Chenna, India November 2012 Technology 4. Pacific Islands (PI) Training Workshops on Ocean Observations and Data Applications PI-1 Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Palau May 2015 Environment Programme PI-2 Host: Institut de Recherche pour le Noumea, May 2016 Développement (IRD) New Caledonia
Table 2: DBCP Capacity Building Task Team (TT-CB) Workshops
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 9
In addition, a Video, produced by Dr. Gary Brassington (BoM) during the 4th Western Indian Ocean Capacity Building Workshop in Zanzibar, Tanzania, (WIO-4), May 2013, captures the essence of DBCP Capacity Building aspirations to empower developing States by providing expert training on the applications of ocean observation data for understanding and predicting regional weather, ocean and climate. The Partnership for new GEOSS Applications (PANGEA) is a concept developed by the Joint WMO-IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) with the goal of developing partnership between developed and developing countries to realize the socioeconomical benefits of ocean observing systems at global and regional scales. Several PANGEA "Resource-Sharing" partnerships between developing and developed states have been spawned from DBCP Capacity Building Workshops to implement the Global Ocean Observing System.
Several workshop Report Summaries capture the scope and depth of the disparate training requirements of the different regions thus far supported by DBCP Capacity Building Workshops.
The First Pacific (PI-1) workshop in Palau was hosted by the office of the president and attended by 35 participants, including representatives from American Samoa, Fiji, FSM, New Caledonia, Palau, RMI and Samoa. Over the course of the four-day workshop, a range of topics addressing issues such as ocean acidification, coastal inundation and monitoring needs for the region were discussed. Priority areas identified include the need for better coastal inundation forecasting, support for marine meteorology, training and capacity building, and the need for international and local support for ocean observing and marine forecasting.
The following goals and associated actions were realized during the 4th Western Indian Ocean (WIO-4) Workshop in Zanzibar Tanzania and towards enhancing the long-term Ocean Monitoring Capacity for the Western Indian Ocean Region:
1. Review and advance resolutions and recommendations from the 3rd DBCP Workshop in Mombasa, including national and project updates, and any relevant action items of the African Ministerial Conference on Meteorology (AMCOMET-2);
2. Demonstrate the crucial role of Indian ocean observations, such as the Indian Ocean Observing System (IndOOS) and The Research Moored Array for African-Asian- Australian Monsoon Analysis and Prediction (RAMA) (www.pmel.noaa.gov/tao/rama/), for understanding and predicting regional weather, ocean and climate using the Climate Forecast System (CFS), SINTEX and other Models;
3. Build regional and national human (mentoring network), institutional and infrastructure capacity needed to acquire, process and deliver socioeconomic benefits from ocean observations;
4. Continue to learn practical implementation skills for the deployment of operational data buoys at sea, the collection of buoy data, and related data management;
5. Coordinate regional institutes for increasing in situ Western Indian Ocean observations to include closer coordination with DBCP International Buoy Programme for the Indian Ocean (IBPIO);
6. Explore ways to mitigate deployment constraints, due to piracy, to include potential recommendations from AMCOMET-2, and by using gliders;
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 10
7. Continue to align with objectives of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) to deliver ocean data to the end user;
8. Provide an update on regional new research vessels entering into service;
9. Utilize advances in information and communication technology (ICT), such as webinar, to facilitate more effective outreach and capacity-building activities on a larger scale;
10. Enhance coordination and cooperation between the DBCP Task Team for Capacity Building (TT-CB), WMO Regional Associations I/II, and the IOC sub-commission for Africa.
Thirty three participants from nine countries participated at the 5th North Pacific Ocean and Marginal Seas (NPOMS-5) workshop in Tianjin China. A round-table discussion was organized during the session on designing the optimal Ocean Observing System for NPOMS Cyclogenesis Forecasting - Continuation from NPOMS-4.
All the participants agreed that the quality of the presentations and information at NPOMS-5 is growing, with diverse participation from many subject areas; forecasting, modelling, research, data management and impact studies. Opportunities for collaboration were identified in all areas of work, i.e. research and operation etc. Presentations on tropical cyclone (TC) rapid intensification and de-intensification changes and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) influences by the Indian Ocean, are some of the new areas discussed at this year’s workshop. Site visits to Tianjin University and the SOA National Ocean Technology Center (NOTC) were very informative for all participants. Following these discussions, the workshop made 28 Recommendations and 13 Actions, which are listed in the Final Workshop Report.
The First In-Region Capacity Building Workshop for Asian countries (Asia-1) Workshop aim was achieved by capacity building of scientists, researchers, engineers and managers on best of practices on calibration and testing instruments for ocean observation systems. This Workshop acted as a platform and unveiled insight to new meteorological and oceanographic observational systems, moorings, subsea cables, batteries, telemetry; and brought together scientists, engineers, technicians and key manufacturers of marine instruments and prospective vendors who utilize / work on ocean observational systems. This Workshop provided an opportunity to understand the perennial, design and development issues faced by the user community. Experts from relevant industries were invited to provide solutions on technical issues and interacted with the participants.
Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project (CIFDP) Activities
The Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project (CIFDP) is a multi-hazard warning system that promotes an integrated approach in the enhancement and delivery of early warnings, no matter what the causes for coastal inundations are, in line with the concept of impact-based forecasting and the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR). Implementation will demonstrate how integrated coastal inundation forecasting and warnings can be improved and effectively coordinated by the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs). The CIFDP is led by WMO, jointly coordinated by the WMO-IOC Joint WMO- IOC Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) and the WMO Commission for Hydrology (CHy) with support from the WMO Secretariat. The strategic approach for the CIFDP was formally adopted by JCOMM-4 (2012) and, since then, four sub- projects have commenced with expected completion by Cg-18 (2019). For details see http://www.jcomm.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=167. The very essence of CIFDP - to strengthen the capacity of NMHSs to improve warnings and forecasting of coastal flooding is, in itself, a capacity-development initiative. Therefore, the ongoing work of the four sub-projects during the intersessional period has demonstrated the development of JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 11 a ground-breaking initiative in multi-hazard early warning - combining both oceanographic and hydrological methods and expertise. As the projects draw to conclusion, simulation exercises and training will be conducted, as is the case for CIFDP-Bangladesh (conducted in 2016) and for the CIFDP-Caribbean in the Dominican Republic (July 2017).
JCOMM CD Activities at the OceanTeacher e-Learning Platform
Below is a list of training resources related to JCOMM that are available on the OceanTeacher e-Learning Platform.
• JCOMM-TCP Workshops on Storm Surge and Wave Forecasting (SSW) o 8th JCOMM-TCP Workshop on Storm Surge and Wave Forecasting (SSW-8) (2012) o 9th JCOMM-TCP Workshop on Storm Surge and Wave Forecasting (SSW-9) [note: no contents available] • In-region Training Workshop on Marine Forecasting o Gulf of Guinea and North Atlantic Region (2014, Dakar-Yoff, Senegal)
Training resources were provided by JCOMM; IODE OceanTeacher provided the support to upload the training resources in its OceanTeacher e-Learning Platform.
Capacity Development in GOOS with Relevance to JCOMM
JCOMM capacity-development activities carried out in conjunction with GOOS are reported in Table 4. below based on GOOS Secretariat oversight and perspective of output, activities and actions. For further information refer to IOC Capacity Development Strategy, 2015–2021, and its Implementation Plan: Status Report.
Key: Color coding indicates whether the programme is implementing the required actions to respond/fulfill the need.
Output Activity Action Relevant actions taken by GOOS 1. Human 1.1 Academic 1.1.1 Promote and assist with the Minor, through joint resources (higher) establishment of consortia of engagement with POGO developed education higher education at the appropriate geographical scale 1.1.2 Promote collaboration — between UNESCO Chairs and IOC 1.2 Continuous 1.2.1 Promote and assist with the Yes: professional organization of training - recent summer schools development courses, workshops and have included one in and knowledge “summer schools” relevant to cooperation with management the IOC mandate IOCAFRICA and IODE, optimized focused on the development of local services from globally-available data and forecast products; and a summer school in biogeochemical sensor technology - ongoing CD workshops in the framework of the Data Buoy Cooperation Panel, which are likely too focused JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 12
Output Activity Action Relevant actions taken by GOOS 1.2.2 Establish, or collaborate with No: scope to improve other organizations on an cooperation with POGO internship/fellowship programme (including on- board training) 1.2.3 Establish and collaborate No: scope to improve with other organisations on a cooperation with POGO visiting lecturer programme 1.2.4 Promote and assist with the Yes, JCOMM has establishment of regional established two Regional training (and research) Marine Instrumentation centres relevant to the IOC Centres (RMIC) in China and mandate in the USA, both of which have held intercomparison exercises and/or training courses 1.2.5 Promote the sharing of Yes: the establishment of training materials and standards and promotion of knowledge best practices for ocean observation techniques is a major observing network activity organized under the JCOMM Observations Coordination Group. A Vice- Chair for this activity (J. Hermes, S. Africa) will bring new activity to this area. The specific development of training connected to standards and best practices is an area of opportunity. 1.3 Sharing of 1.3.1 Establish a travel grant — knowledge and “fund” expertise/comm 1.3.2 Establish or collaborate with unity building other organizations on a mentoring programme 1.3.3 Promote and assist with the — development of IOC alumni networks 1.3.4 Promote and support “young — scientist” awards 1.4 Gender 1.4.1 Promoting participation of YES: both gender and balance women in ocean research geographic diversity considered in the appointment of expert teams. Specific gender committee in regional GOOS AtlantOS project, focused on outreach, as well as some activity through JCOMM (led by WMO). 2. Access to 2.1 Facilitating 2.1.1 Establishing and maintaining YES: The JCOMM physical access to a register of infrastructure to Observations Coordination infrastructure infrastructure facilitate access Group maintains observing established or (facilities, networks specification improved instruments, sheets with information vessels) about technique, standards, best practice, and contact points for each observing
network under its mandate. The GOOS BioEco Panel has started the development of a similar mechanism with JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 13
Output Activity Action Relevant actions taken by GOOS a survey of ongoing sustained observing effort. One aim of these efforts is to provide 'new entrants' the contact points for expertise in ocean observing techniques. Thus far these have largely focused on open ocean observing activities, but there is increasing connection to and information on coastal observing networks. 2.1.2 Promoting the development YES: This is the main of, and expand access to, purpose of the GOOS regional sustainable scientific Regional Alliances. The infrastructure GRAs are developing cross- region projects to build capacity, but these remain in concept stage at the moment. 3. Global, regional 3.1 Further 3.1.1 Improve staffing of — and sub- strengthening secretariat of regional sub- regional and supporting commissions mechanisms secretariats of 3.1.2 Reinforcing budgeting of CD activity in cooperation strengthened regional regional sub-commissions with IOCAFRICA (EXB). commissions Specific RP budget lines for GOOS activities in IOCAFRICA, for IOGOOS, and for PI-GOOS (the latter two through the Perth Office) 3.2 Enhance 3.2.1 Establishing an effective effective coordination and communication communication mechanism between between the secretariats of regional sub- the regional sub- commission commissions and the global secretariats and programmes global programmes as well as other communities of practice (incl. other organisations) 4. Development of 4.1 Sharing of 4.1.1 Compare and compile YES: major activity of the ocean research information on information on existing ocean GOOS Panels and the policies in ocean research research priorities among GOOS Regional Alliances, support of priorities government and other with a particular attention to sustainable organizations the MS responsibilities under development global conventions and legal objectives instruments. promoted 4.2 Developing 4.2.1 Assist Member States with No, an area of potential national marine the development of marine improvement by better science science management linking GOOS with LME, management procedures and national MSP, and other IOC procedures and policies programmes focused on national policies management and policy.
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 14
Output Activity Action Relevant actions taken by GOOS 5. Visibility and 5.1 Public 5.1.1 Promote the development of No, although this has been a awareness Information public information request of GRAs and an increased (communication) area of opportunity. departments in ocean research institutions 5.2 Ocean Literacy 5.2.1 Foster development of an Limited to involvement of IOC ocean literacy staff members working on programme as a community GOOS communications. of practice to share experience within and across regions 6. Sustained 6.1 In-kind 6.1.1 Fostering partnerships to YES: The GOOS Project (long-term) opportunities increase in-kind support Office is now distributed and resource opportunities working in majority with in mobilization kind contributions. The reinforced GRAs are a major vehicle for the development of cross- regional projects, for which both in kind and external funding is being sought. 6.2 Financial 6.2.1 Resource mobilisation from YES: about 15 Member support by Member States, Institutional States contribute to Member States and Private Sector Partners JCOMMOPS for observing to IOC activities network technical coordination. Table 4.: CD actions GOOS/JCOMM (based in IOC CD Strategy Framework Source: IOC Capacity Development Strategy, 2015–2021 and its Implementation Plan: Status Report, 2017
Emerging Gaps Analysis
JCOMM CD gap analysis and rating based on GOOS Secretariat Global oversight (based in IOC’s CD Strategy Framework) Action
1.1.1 Promote and assist with the establishment of consortia of higher education at the appropriate geographical scale √ 1.1.2 Promote collaboration between UNESCO Chairs and IOC □ 1.2.1 Promote and assist with the organization of training courses, workshops and “summer schools” relevant to the IOC mandate √ 1.2.2 Establish, or collaborate with other organizations on an □ internship/fellowship programme (including on-board training) 1.2.3 Establish and collaborate with other organisations on a visiting □ lecturer programme 1.2.4 Promote and assist with the establishment of regional training (and research) centres relevant to the IOC mandate √ 1.2.5 Promote the sharing of training materials √ 1.3.1 Establish a travel grant “fund” □ 1.3.2 Establish or collaborate with other organizations on a mentoring programme √ 1.3.3 Promote and assist with the development of IOC alumni networks □ 1.3.4 Promote and support “young scientist” awards □ 1.4.1 Promoting participation of women in ocean research √ 2.1.1 Establishing and maintaining a register of infrastructure to facilitate access √ 2.1.2 Promoting the development of, and expand access to, regional sustainable scientific infrastructure √ JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 15
3.1.1 Improve staffing of secretariat of regional sub-commissions □ 3.1.2 Reinforcing budgeting of regional sub-commissions √ 3.2.1 Establishing an effective coordination and communication mechanism between the secretariats of the regional sub- √ commissions and the global programmes 4.1.1 Compare and compile information on existing ocean research priorities among government and other organizations √ 4.2.1 Assist Member States with the development of marine science □ management procedures and national policies 5.1.1 Promote the development of public information (communication) □ departments in ocean research institutions 5.2.1 Foster development of an IOC ocean literacy programme as a community of practice to share experience within and across regions √ 6.1.1 Fostering partnerships to increase in-kind support opportunities √ 6.2.1 Resource mobilisation from Member States, Institutional and Private Sector Partners √ 9 gaps Table 5: JCOMM CD gap analysis from July –December 2016 (based on GOOS Secretariat oversight rating) (based in IOC CD Strategy Framework) Source: IOC Capacity Development Strategy, 2015–2021 and its Implementation Plan: Status Report, 2017
Note: “partially” is considered as Yes (√ ) and does not result in counting as “gap” (n). Similarly “starting” is not counted as “gap”.
The nine gaps identified in Table 5 need to be addressed as an integral part of the JCOMM CD strategy and activities.
JCOMM Performance Assessment: Stakeholder Survey
Recalling agenda item 12.2 at JCOMM-4 on JCOMM Programme and Planning; the Commission noted that a full external review of JCOMM had not been undertaken within the previous intersessional period, nevertheless saw value in providing the opportunity for Member States to provide feedback on the past performance and its future. The Commission noted that analysis of information from its past performance would assist in the preparation for meetings of JCOMM governing bodies. The Commission requested the Management Committee and the Secretariats to establish a mechanism for undertaking this task. At JCOMM MAN 12, action 3.2.1 was tabled in order to carry out a JCOMM self-evaluation and review. The aim is to use the survey results for inclusion in the revision of the JCOMM strategy.
A JCOMM Performance Assessment: Stakeholder Survey (JCOMM-5/INF.2.3) was carried out for a period of five weeks from April-May 2016, and a report was prepared and reviewed by several JCOMM experts. It should be noted that several questions focused on JCOMM training and capacity development. The JCOMM Performance Assessment survey received 84 responses from a sample size of 1518 JCOMM listed stakeholders on the Mail Chimp platform (based on actual successful delivery). However, a total of 270 clicks have been recorded for the campaigns. We assume the representativeness of the survey should be based on 270 clicks (active JCOMM stakeholders). The JCOMM subscribed stakeholders list is seemingly outdated. Based on the 270 click rate, we find that the survey is representative of the active JCOMM stakeholders. The top country locations of the campaign were mainly from the traditional western countries (USA, Canada, Japan, Australia etc.), however other participating countries are from South America, Asia and Africa. One small island developing State also participated in JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 16 the survey. There were 49 responses from the northern countries2 and 20 from the southern countries3. Figure 1 shows the level of importance stakeholders assigned to capacity development. 75 % of the stakeholders perceived it was moderate to high priority and 25 % said it was low or not an applicable priority. Stakeholders also highlighted several gaps and challenges in JCOMM including capacity development.
Fig 1: Level of importance on access to data, reviewing regulatory materials. Standards and best practices, capacity development and marine competency
Impact and Influence of JCOMM on Met-Ocean Organizations
In order to have an understanding of the success, influence and impacts of these JCOMM initiatives on meteorological and oceanographic organizations and institutions, stakeholders were asked the following questions:
1. What impact do JCOMM activities have on your organization and its activities? 2. To what degree do they believe JCOMM has influenced the relationship between meteorological offices and oceanographic institutions?
35.7% believed there was positive impact-a key driver for the ongoing development of their marine weather and oceans services, while 46.4% said it varies from activity to activity. On the other hand, 17.9% perceived that JCOMM activities have limited to no impact on their organization and its activities (Fig 2).
Fig 2: Impact of JCOMM activities on organization and activities
2 Northern Countries: United States, Canada, Western Europe, and developed parts of Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand 3 Southern Countries: Africa, Latin America, and developing Asia including the Middle East & SIDS. JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 17
Similarly, 36.9% perceiving positive influence, 50% varies from activity to activity and 13.1% limited to no influence (Fig 3).
Fig 3: JCOMM influence on Met and Oceanographic institutions
Moreover, most stakeholders (>85%) perceived JCOMM had an overall positive impact and influence on respective organizations. It should be emphasized that 50.9% of JCOMM stakeholders perceived that the provision of relevant training is of moderate and high benefit to them [22% of responses from Northern countries, 80% of responses from Southern countries]. Additionally, most stakeholders (83.1%) affirmed they benefit from participating in the JCOMM workshops. However, it was highlighted that JCOMM was not effective in facilitating and sharing new technology.
Table 3 summarizes the perceived impacts of JCOMM activities on organization and activities, including on capacity development.
Data Involved with VOS, Argo floats, DBCP, RMIC Observations Data exchange Part of the organizing fabric for global ocean observing Involved in SOT meetings, VOS activities and deployments of drifting buoys Through the JCOMM workshops, the participants are encouraged to be involved in different programmes, for example participate in the VOS programme. JCOMM directly supports and assists NOAA's Voluntary Observing Ship program through its coordination with the WMO and providing the international coordination necessary to collect ship observations globally. As a manufacturer, our technology development is driven by the needs of the government agencies who are active in JCOMM. Our focus is to assist the mandates of these organizations to improve marine meteorological and oceanographic measurements. Long term involvement in CMM and JCOMM observations area (SOT / VOS) , as well as in services area (ETMSS). Serve as GDAC for oceanSITES, serve as JCOMM rep on WIGOS Metadata Task Team. Storm surge forecasting and warning, ocean wave forecasting, marine Modeling, weather forecasting etc. Operational The numerical model requires many different types of data maritime Forecasting forecast and monitoring. & Services
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 18
We are making efforts to take responsibility for the METAREA XVI: Weather forecast. I am a member of PSG of CIFDP of WMO. I do coastal inundation modeling using JCOMM facilitated database. In addition to providing guidelines and disseminate new technologies related to our activities, JCOMM gives us the interaction with other Marine Meteorological Services (MMS). Our organization provides operational forecasts to various stakeholders of maritime environment. Interaction with JCOMM activities helped us to update our knowledge about international standards followed in various operational centers. We enhanced our knowledge about forecast verification; observational platforms used for Data assimilation and forecast validation. Allows for cooperation and collaboration between NWS and other ocean/marine operational centres across the world. Concerning the meteorological branch, JCOMM provides links with other meteorological services. In addition, our service uses GTS data on a daily basis for weather and wave forecast. Further DHN coordinates at national level activities concerned with JCOMM such as GOOS, GLOSS, DBCP/ISABP. The Bureau is involved across the whole JCOMM programme. However, the greatest impact is in areas such as maritime safety services, ocean services, climate, and coastal hazards. Improvement in routine work of "Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre" of PMD. Developing Ocean OBS standards; capacity building as a RMIC Capacity Participate in seminars. Development Participate in all training activities offered by JCOMM. Draw data from data buoys and obtained training on data management. Membership in ETWCH, participation in Wave Model Comparison Project. Playing key role in capacity development, ocean modelling and improving ocean observation and generation of customer tailored products. Attended the eighth Workshop on Storm Surge and Wave Forecasting, which improved marine weather services in our region. As a member of an Ad- hoc Task Team on Marine Competency Requirements, I participated in preparation of WMO Marine Weather Forecaster Competence Framework. Development of our MarineMet Services by enabling us to install a MarineMet Station at the Port of Banjul. Training of Technicians to maintain the Station. Training of Forecasters to utilized Data and information obtained from the Station including other Marine data and NWP Products for the provision and issuance of Marine Forecasts and Warnings. However, inability to recruit Ocean going Vessels as an autonomous VOS to enhance our observational capability and data collection. The current second Indian Ocean Expedition, JCOMM partners in collaboration with KMD are carrying out joint deployment of drifting buoys in the Western Indian Ocean; Capacity development programmes between JCOMM and WMO-RMTC Nairobi. Metadata guidelines. Guidelines Guides international engagement. Quality Management pilot in Australia. Marine observation program. High Seas survey results.
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 19
As part of JCOMM SOT, our VOS program adheres to WMO and the JCOMM Ship Observation Team on global standardization efforts in the collection of quality environmental data. As responsible for METAREA XIX and a long tradition of marine forecasting, the JCOMM activities give guidelines and ideas for further development. Development of S-100 base Product Specifications, engagement with Others WWNWS-SC and ETMSS and ETSI activities, joint work with NAV and MET AREA Coordinators, GMDSS issues.
It depends on the topic - we are mostly interested in the closed small sea problems. The largest influence is coming from federal and EU-Regulations. In the international context, some activities are more IHO or IMO related. Table 3: Stakeholders feedback on the impacts of JCOMM activities on their own organization and activities
Improving Capacity Development
In order to address some of the key challenges, stakeholders, particularly from southern countries suggested that there should be further opportunities for capacity development [75% of responses from northern countries, 95% of responses from southern countries]. JCOMM stakeholders suggested the following in order to improve the situation focused on capacity development, networking and synergistic activities:
• Developing countries to be given more priorities, facilities and opportunities for training and capacity-building in different places rather than at the same place;
• Need for training in how to use equipment;
• Include more topics on marine meteorology;
• JCOMM should organize/schedule more activities/initiatives at national/local level e.g. swell and flooding forecasts, Antarctic ice drift or melting, global warming monitoring stations;
• Joint capacity-development activities between staff from the two institutions could enhance stronger networks and synergistic activities
JCOMM Stakeholders Perspective for the next 5 years
JCOMM stakeholders suggested the following on capacity development for the next 5 years structured around: 1) Training; 2) Met-Ocean Services; 3) Meetings and Information; 4) Observations, Research and Forecasting; 5) Data Management; 6) Linkage, Dialogue and Cooperation; 7) Place and Technology; 8) Standards and Quality Control; as detailed below.
1) Training
• Assist developing states with equipment, training and establishment of marine network observing systems;
• Implement WMO Marine Weather Forecaster Competence Framework;
• Training on wave surge forecasting;
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 20
• Training on wave and storm surge forecasting application of satellite information;
• Enhanced METAREA-NAVAREA coordination;
• MetArea Coordinator training, Quality Management, WMO roles, User applications of marine information, Sea-ice;
• Basic training and best practices (updated at least every 10 years) as E-learning for larger and broader access in several languages;
• Training (data management, forecasting) and the installation of more Marine-Met instruments and facilities such as moored buoys, AWS and remote tide gauges along the African coast;
• Use of operational ocean data products and services; and training on wave and storm surge forecasting;
• Facilitate cross network capacity-building activities;
• Roll out of marine and oceanographic competencies.
2) JCOMM Delivery of Met-Ocean Services
The survey found that 20.2% of stakeholders perceived a low or non-applicable benefit to them from JCOMM sharing of met-ocean products and services. 28.1% and 21% of stakeholders said it was low not applicable benefit to them to access 1) metadata, data and 2) documents and publications respectively from JCOMM [44% of responses from northern countries, 95% of responses from southern countries]. It is important to point out that many southern countries perceived low benefit to them because of lack of national participation and knowledge in JCOMM activities.
3) Meetings
• Organize workshops to map out strategies;
• Organize more training and seminars.
Information
• Focus on delivering hazard information for the surf zone because the surf zone is an important interface between the land (coast) and the ocean and there are millions of people across the world who routinely participate in activities in the surf zone;
• Forecasting and services products on surge, wave and marine weather;
• Increase the awareness of JCOMM at different levels including the lower hierarchy of the institutions involved with JCOMM.
4) Observations, Research and Forecasting
• Ship Observation Reporting. By changing current regulations and requiring vessels to report their weather at noon and/or midnight each day while underway to a WMO agency. In many cases, this valuable weather information is already being provided to the ship's operations department at least once a day and is only available to their JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 21
weather/routing company and not to WMO agency forecasters. Basically, under the current practices, an enormous amount of valuable weather data is being collected, but greatly underutilized;
• Need to focus sustainable observation of and impact from air-sea interactions;
• Wave surge forecasting is the area that we need more training;
• Ocean modelling;
• Promotion of the voluntary ship recruitment by highlighting their special reports (storm surfing, whale observing, ice crossing, buoy deployments);
• Encourage "Research Activities" in the underdeveloped/developing countries.
5) Data Management
A common repository of all operationally available products and data would benefit users across the world.
6) Linkage, Dialogue and Cooperation
• A facilitation of relationships and dialogue between developing nations affected by natural disasters, funding organizations and service providers who can help these developing nations implement a programme to enhance monitoring networks;
• JCOMM to establish a close working relationship with IMO, FAO, IHO etc. so as to develop a charging policy and legal framework for marine meteorological services. This will facilitate the provision of guidance material for cost recovery in marine meteorological services which will cater for sustainability;
• Bridging the gap between meteorological and hydrological institutions.
7) Standards and Quality Control
• Implementation of forecasters competence and QMS for marine services;
• Quality control methods for the verification of the data obtained from buoy systems located in shallow coastal waters; further support for Data Rescue of marine observations;
• Complete the development of S-412; along with S-411, S-124, S-104, S-111 and S-112, these are the most desired S-100 base PS by the maritime community and will drive the desire for S-101 ENCs to replace S-57 ENCs.
An interesting observation to highlight is that up to 80.7% of stakeholders perceived the need for promoting the development of local use of ocean analysis and forecast to support local economies (Fig 4) [77% of responses from northern countries, 100% of responses from southern countries].
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 22
Fig 4: Development and local use of ocean analysis and forecast support local economic activities
JCOMM CD VISION
The JCOMM capacity building activities (DBCP, CIFDP activities) in the 2012-2017 intersessional period, the recent JCOMM stakeholder survey, and the Secretariat oversight/gap analysis (Tables 3 and 4) have provided some important information regarding CD initiatives and efforts, JCOMM influence and impacts on meteorological and oceanographic institutions, as well as gaps, challenges and needs. In general, JCOMM has contributed and has had a positive impact and influence-a key driver for the ongoing development of their marine weather and oceans services. However, it is important to take note that only 41.7% reported that they are very familiar with JCOMM activities and its five major objectives. In order to address capacity- development issues, it is equally important to raise awareness regarding JCOMM major objectives, activities and benefits/positive impacts to stakeholders/institutions.
Stakeholders suggestions of CD needs include, for example, supporting Member States implement the WMO Marine Weather Forecaster Competence Framework; training on wave surge forecasting, application of satellite information, training (data management, forecasting) and the installation of more Marine-Met instruments and facilities such as moored buoys, AWS and remote tide gauges etc.
One of the important gaps pointed out by the stakeholder survey is the training on the ocean analyses and forecasts already available from international oceanographic and meteorological centres in order to develop products that are useful for the local economies. The new ocean analysis and forecasting systems (coordinated by JCOMM ETOOFS and ETWCH expert teams) make available today global products and relocatable models that are important for each nation to advance their monitoring and forecasting capacity.
The JCOMM CD strategy for the next intersessional will build upon the IOC and WMO CD Strategies and activities, and will need to be framed, structured and integrated across the JCOMM PAs and projects. There are no major differences between the two strategies (as shown in Table 1 (a) and 1 (b)) even if the presence of the strong WMO infrastructure of operational meteorological centres makes it easier to define specific targets and priorities for meteo-marine than met-ocean activities.
Met-ocean services and products will grow at a fast pace in the next ten years due to the growing ocean economy (http://www.oecd.org/futures/oceaneconomy.htm). JCOMM has to serve the means of nations to develop their own capacity and help to coordinate efforts for teaching and capacity development across nations. The emergent operational oceanographic JCOMM-5/INF. 8.1, p. 23 services and their networking with WIS and ODIS will help the structuring of JCOMM capacity building in the future. The JCOMM CD vision can be synthesized into six points:
1) Improve the collaboration between IOC/CD and WMO/ETR to leverage the CD expertise and experience in both organizations and to advise the PAs in developing and implementing their CD workplans making use of existing mechanisms, facilities (WMO global campus and regional training centres, IOC regions, IODE OTGA, IODE RTCs, WESTPAC RTRCs, etc.,);
2) Activate a process that will identify capacity that is required at the national level to effectively participate in the JCOMM Programme Area projects and activities. Interested Member States could then identify national CD needs based on these ”minimum requirements” and JCOMM could then develop CD workplans based on these needs. Existing IOC and WMO mechanisms (GRAs, RTCs, RTRCs) can then develop and implement the necessary CD actions;
3) Increase the activity to raise awareness on the new met-ocean observations, monitoring and forecasting services and build connections between oceanographic and meteorological institutions to sustain the observing system;
4) Promote the availability, re-use and downscaling of global ocean analyses and forecasts to support local economies, train Member States on the usage of operational oceanographic services and show their use for large socioeconomic sectors;
5) Facilitate the uptake of data management practices for real-time and delayed-mode data following IOC-WMO standards;
6) Facilitate the transition of research systems into operational monitoring and forecasting systems.
CD STRUCTURE AND WORK PLAN
The JCOMM vision needs to be implemented by a cross-cutting CD Team composed of a chairperson and vice-chairperson under the supervision of whom a new workplan will be defined. Such document should be made in coordination with the Programme Areas (PAs) chairpersons and vice-chairpersons and should contain:
(i) A comprehensive needs assessment (including a global as well a regional assessment) for Member and Member States in terms of met-ocean operational services and products;
(ii) A workplan to develop, together with the PA chairperson as well as IOC and WMO regional entities, CD activities that take into account the needs assessments as well as existing CD mechanisms and tools (IOC OTGA and RTCs, IOC RTRCs, WMO global campus and WMO regional training centres, etc.);
(iii) The design of an evaluation system for the CD activities and their effectiveness to satisfy the needs of Member and Member States;
(iv) Report to JCOMM MAN on the progress and to JCOMM-6 session.
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 8.2 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 20.X.2017
TT-MOWIS REPORT
Integrating Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services within the WMO and IOC Information Systems
Introduction
Referring to draft Decision 8.2/1 (JCOMM-5/Doc. 8.2), the JCOMM Management Committee (JCOMM MAN) decided at its eleventh session in October 2014 to establish a JCOMM Cross- cutting Task Team for Integrated Marine Meteorology and Oceanographic services within WIS (TT-MOWIS) with the task to: “Building on existing systems and strategies, TT-MOWIS shall take all steps within its powers to suggest a JCOMM strategy (including technology and governance) to building and activating the interfaces between Marine Meteorology and Oceanographic services and the WMO Information System (WIS)”.
TT-MOWIS members, vision and goals were presented and approved by the Twelfth Session of JCOMM MAN in November 2015, and included the following tasks:
• To get the full picture of the WMO WIS system – structure, strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (many TT members are from marine organizations not familiar with the WMO world);
• Clarify the approach to be followed by marine datacentres to become a WIS Data Collection or Production Centre (DCPC), as well as the approval process through JCOMM;
• Put emphasis on the successful story of the Mediterranean DCPC for marine meteorology and oceanography and to summarize the lessons learned;
• Present the motivations for marine centres to become DCPCs;
• Prepare a Workplan for 2017 that will identify the immediate tasks to be undertaken in response to the above mentioned guidelines.
Achievements and proposal
A first face-to-face meeting of TT-MOWIS took place in Geneva in early April 2016 which offered to members the opportunity to take note of TT-MOWIS vision, goals and missions for the short period of its mandate, to be informed about WIS and to define an agreed workplan for 2017.
The main focus of the work of TT-MOWIS has been the establishment of a guidance document presenting the process to be followed for the appliance, assessment and endorsement of JCOMM centres as WIS registered centres (see Annex). The document was presented to the Thirteenth Session of JCOMM MAN (January 2017), who approved the document, including its recommendations, after making some suggested changes (mainly re-ordering parts of the text JCOMM-5/INF. 8.2, p. 2 and taking into consideration remarks provided by CBS). Additionally TT-MOWIS prepared a list of potential marine meteorological and oceanographic centres that could candidate as WIS National Centres (NCs) or Data Collection and Production Centres (DCPCs).
Following up from the development of the draft Joint WMO and IOC Strategy for Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Data Management (2018-2021) (also called JCOMM Data Management Strategy; see JCOMM-5/Doc. 6.1, and JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1), it was proposed to also consider how interfaces between marine meteorology and oceanographic services could also be realized with the future Ocean Data Information System (ODIS).
To take the TT-MOWIS recommendations as well as the draft JCOMM Data Management Strategy into account, it is proposed to establish a JCOMM Expert Team for Integrated Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services within WMO and IOC Information Systems (ET-MOIS) that is requested to take charge of all technical aspects related to the registration within WIS of marine candidate centres. The Terms of Reference of this expert team are presented in Resolution 12.2/(3) of this session (JCOMM-5/Doc. 12.2).
CBS congress at its sixteenth session (CBS-16), in November 2016, welcomed the initiative of JCOMM to nominate experts that could take part in the CBS-WIS expert teams. The JCOMM contribution to the CBS expert teams on WIS will include the following benefits:
• Allow JCOMM registered WIS centres to be informed in advance of all novelties concerning technical aspects related to WIS centres;
• Discussion and report of the constraints with which JCOMM registered WIS centres are faced during their implementation or during their normal functioning;
• Taking part in the development of new versions of the WIS metadata core profile;
• Participation in the definition of the new vision of WIS (Vision 2030);
• Taking part in the technical commissions in charge of the certification of candidate centres to WIS;
• Proposal of new administrative procedures for the certification of WIS candidate centres,
• Gaining experience while discussing and contributing with other members evolving in WIS matters.
References:
1. Report of the Eleventh Session of the JCOMM Management Committee (Geneva, Switzerland, 20-23 October 2014)
2. Report of the Twelfth Session of the JCOMM Management Committee (Bologna, Italy, 17-20 November 2015)
3. Report of the Thirteenth Session of the JCOMM Management Committee (Geneva, Switzerland, 18-21 January 2017)
4. Kick-off meeting of Cross-cutting Task Team for Integrated Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services within WIS (Geneva, Switzerland, 12-14 April 2016)
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.2, p. 3
5. JCOMM-5/Doc. 6.1 and JCOMM-5/INF. 6.1
6. JCOMM-5/Doc. 8.2
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Annexes: 1
JCOMM-5/INF. 8.2, p. 4
ANNEX
Guidance Document for Integrating Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services within WIS
Link to Guidance document
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 9.1 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 27.X.2017
WMO MANUAL ON MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES (WMO-NO. 558)
Overview of main changes to WMO-No. 558
Purpose To provide an overview on the key changes related to the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 558). The Expert Team on Maritime Safety Services (ETMSS) provides this overview to support WMO Members when reviewing the decision document 9.1 and the revised version of the manual.
Strategic drivers
• New Guidelines on the Preparation and Promulgation of the WMO Technical Regulations (WMO-No. 1127);
• Improved recognition of WMO-No. 558 in determining the service level requirements for the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)/WMO Worldwide Met-Ocean Information and Warning Service (WWMIWS).
• Removal of content that is duplicated in other documentation that forms part of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) or WMO frameworks.
• Improved focus on defining requirements for marine service information elements, to support the anticipation of new digital and graphical capabilities (e-nav) on the GMDSS.
• WMO strategies related to Global Data Processing and Forecasting System, Marine Forecaster Competency Framework, Quality Management Framework, Service Delivery Framework, and the workplan outcomes of JCOMM.
Specific changes
New chapter structure to provide clearer guidance on specific regulated service areas such as High Seas for the WWMIWS, and on Met-Ocean support services for internationally coordinated activities such as Search and Rescue (IMO and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)), Marine Environment Emergency Response (IMO and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)), and support to the IMO/International Hydrographic (IHO) Worldwide Navigation Warning Service (WWNWS).
Part I now solely focuses on the requirements to support the WWMIWS for High Seas. Therefore, Part II will now focus on services provided for national purposes.
JCOMM-5/INF. 9.1, p. 2
For each chapter, there was strong consideration of standard section headings to improve the structure of the document for readers.
2012 edition 2016 edition Introduction Introduction Part I – High Seas Part I – Services for the High Seas Part II – Coastal and Offshore Part II – Services for Coastal, Offshore and Local Areas Part III – Harbour and Port Part III – Marine Meteorological Support Services for Search and Rescue Part IV – Training Part IV – Services in support of the Worldwide Navigation Warning Service Part V - Services in support of Marine Environment Emergency Response Part VI - Training Part VII – Services for Marine Climatology
More specific additions/changes
• Taking WMO 1127 into account, there has been strong consideration to clarify the “shall” vs “should” requirements of WMO Members for marine meteorological services;
• New abbreviation terms added for international NAVTEX services;
• New decision process to determine applications by Members to become an Issuing or Preparation Service of the WWMIWS;
• Removal of example product templates. The availability of products on the internet provides an easy way to assess product options that may satisfy national user requirements;
• New description of the WWMIWS included in the Introduction;
• The Expert Team on Marine Climatology has also undertaken a comprehensive review of the Marine Climatology chapter;
• The Expert Team on Sea Ice (ETSI) has provided new input related to sea-ice service standards;
• Some material was moved to the Guide to Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 471).
The above list is not an exhaustive description of every change to the 2012 version. Due to the large re-structure of the document, it was not feasible to provide a coherent tracked changes version. Members of the ETMSS are available to provide further background on specific aspects of the changes to WMO-No. 558.
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 9.2 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 27.X.2017
WMO GUIDE TO MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SERVICES (WMO-NO. 471)
Overview of main changes to WMO-No.471
Purpose
To provide an overview on the key changes related to the Guide to Marine Meteorological Services (WMO-No. 471). The Expert Team on Maritime Safety Services (ETMSS) provides this overview to support WMO Members when reviewing the decision document 9.2 and the revised version of the guide.
Strategic drivers
• To support the WMO Quality Management Framework, it is important to recognise that defining user requirements is critical in supporting service delivery. Therefore, a decision was made to change the focus of the Guide from the previous version, which was 80% focused on products, and 20% on user requirements, to now being 80% focused on user requirements, and 20% on products.
• As a result, there is now much less duplication of content between the Guide (WMO-No. 471) and the Manual (WMO-No. 558).
• The Guide is now positioned as a resource for WMO Members to reference when designing or reviewing their marine meteorological services to meet user requirements.
Specific changes
The chapter structure is very similar to the Manual on Marine Meteorological Services (WMO- No. 558). The Introduction chapter provides user requirements through a number of perspectives. These include by:
• Element - such as waves, winds, storms, sea-ice, etc.
• Vessel type – such as cargo ships, ferries, recreational boaters, etc.
• Communication type – such as radio, internet, graphics, etc.
There are additional guidelines for WMO Members in supporting all aspects of the WMO Service Delivery Framework such as stakeholder engagement, verification, education of users, aspects of service design and provision for national requirements. All content related to procedures or product formats have been removed if they have already been described in the Manual on Marine Meteorology, to comply with WMO No. 1127. JCOMM-5/INF. 9.2, p. 2
More specific additions/changes
• New multi-lingual terms added.
• Removal of example product templates. The availability of products on the internet provides an easy way to assess product options that may satisfy national user requirements.
• The Expert Team on Marine Climatology has also undertaken a comprehensive review of the Marine Climatology chapter.
The above list is not an exhaustive description of every change to the 2012 version. Due to the large re-structure of the document, it was not feasible to provide a coherent tracked changes version. Members of the ETMSS are available to provide further background on specific aspects of the changes to WMO-No. 471.
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 9.4 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 General 1.IX.2017
GUIDE TO OPERATIONAL OCEAN FORECASTING SYSTEMS
Executive Summary
There are a growing list of users relying on the products and services from operational ocean forecasting systems. These forecast systems produce routine analyses and forecasts of the ocean state in near-real time. This Guide brings together information about the ocean forecasting products and the systems that produce these products. The Guide provides practical information on the development, organization, implementation and operation of an Operational Ocean Forecasting System (OOFS) to enhance the ability and capacity of individual Members/Member States in developing such systems thereby achieving associated benefits. The Guide explains and describes OOFS practices, procedures and specifications and is aimed at assisting the technical and administrative staff of Members/Member States for such systems.
An OOFS has four essential components:
• Data and Information Acquisition • Data Management and Analysis • Prediction System • Products and Services
An OOFS has extensive data and information requirements. An OOFS system needs to retrieve data observations (oceanography, biological, atmospheric) from a wide variety of observing platforms and systems over the domain of interest for prediction. Satellite based observing systems provide a large source of observational data for an OOFS as well. The OOFS requires access to information from a numerical weather prediction system in order to provide surface boundary forcing information. The OOFS will require information on other parameters that influence the ocean including river outflows etc. Depending on the domain of interest, the OOFS may also require information about sea ice.
With the extended set of data and information, an OOFS requires a robust data management system to enable the management of the diverse set of data (including many different data formats) and enable effective and efficient data access and retrieval by the prediction system as well as, potentially, a wide variety of end users. The data management system will provide a system for the quality assurance of data when received. The data management system will effectively manage the metadata of all data and information stored, enabling the OOFS and other users to know the necessary information to enable effective use of the data. The system will provide tools to conduct analysis of the data and may provide the facility for re-analysis of data in the historical record.
The prediction system begins with a data assimilation component – the assimilation of the data obtained previously in order to provide a complete dataset that can be used by the JCOMM-5/INF. 9.4, p. 2 oceanographic model. The guide presents details about the elements that make up the oceanographic model and provides links to some of the available open-source models that may be implemented as part of an OOFS. An essential part of operating a model is conducting the necessary validation and verification programmes to maintain continuing quality control and relevance for the model outputs.
Products and services are the ultimate purpose for operating an OOFS – the production, preparation and delivery of operational ocean forecasts to users in forms that meet their needs. These products and services are typically very closely linked with the data management system as it should manage not only all observational data and information (current and historical) but also manage the model outputs and the general products prepared. The services component will typically enable users to access customized products and services through access to the extended information managed by the data management system.
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Annex: 1
JCOMM-5/INF. 9.4, p. 3
ANNEX
DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS OF THE
GUIDE TO OPERATIONAL OCEAN FORECASTING SYSTEMS
JCOMM-5/INF. 9.4, p. 4
JCOMM-5/INF. 9.4, p. 5
JCOMM-5/INF. 9.4, p. 6
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 9.5(2) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats
Denpasar, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 18.X.2017
MARINE RELATED RSMC DESIGNATION
A recommendation for designation of marine-related Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS) centres will be considered in JCOMM-5/Doc. 9.5(2), available in this website.
The sixteenth World Meteorological Congress (Cg-XVI) agreed that the Manual on the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (WMO-No. 485) is the single source of technical regulations for all operational data-processing and forecasting systems operated by WMO Members, including its designated centres; and the seventeenth World Meteorological Congress (Cg-17) requested the WMO Secretary-General to arrange for coordination among WMO Programmes and relevant technical commissions to ensure that all WMO relevant operational centres that provide weather, climate, water and environmental products and services are included in this Manual. It is therefore important to note the collaboration and coordination between JCOMM and the Open Program Area Group on Data Processing and Forecasting System (OPAG-DPFS) under the Commission of Basic System (CBS), in relation to the introduction of the criteria for designation of marine-related GDPFS centres into the Manual on the GDPFS (WMO-No. 485), as per Resolution 18 (EC-69), namely the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres for:
(a) Numerical ocean wave prediction; (b) Global numerical ocean prediction; (c) Marine meteorological services; (d) Marine environmental emergencies; (e) Coordination of wave forecast verification.
This is aligned with WMO Resolution 11 (Cg-17) –Towards a future enhanced integrated and seamless WMO Data-processing and Forecasting System (DPFS), and constitutes a major contribution by JCOMM to its development. Seamless Global Data Processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS) is one of the strategic objectives in the WMO Strategic Planning 2020-2023.
Noting that the Metarea Issuing Services, and Preparatory Services, have already a SafetyNet certificate, based on recognition and recommendation from WMO, which demonstrates evidence of compliance and engagement from WMO Members who operate such services, JCOMM-5, will consider recommending (see JCOMM-5/Doc. 9.5(2))to EC-70 that all these Metarea Issuing Services and Preparatory Services be formally designated as RSMCs for marine meteorological services and contributing centres, respectively, and their inclusion in the revised Manual on the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (WMO-No. 485).
In addition, noting that all Services that contribute to the operational wave forecast verification meet the criteria for designation as RSMCs for numerical ocean wave prediction and therefore are eligible for formal designation, JCOMM-5 will consider recommending to EC-70 the formal designation of RSMC ECMWF for coordination of wave forecast verification, and that any further requests from Services which contribute to the operational wave forecast verification to JCOMM-5/INF. 9.5(2), p. 2
be designated also as RSMCs for numerical ocean wave prediction, and be included in the revised Manual on the Global Data-processing and Forecasting System (WMO-No. 485).
WMO Members/IOC Member States are, therefore, invited to consider applying for such designation by expressing their interest and formal commitment to serve as a marine related RSMC to WMO Secretary General with copy to Director Weather and Disaster Risk Reduction Service (D/WDS), together with a very brief summary of the capabilities that align with the mandatory functions. The interest for designation can also be expressed at JCOMM-5 Session and be able to present on the capabilities.
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 10.1 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 27.X.2017
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE MARINE TECHNICAL CONFERENCE (TECO)
Integrated Metocean Monitoring, Forecasting and Service System
On October 23 and 24, 2017 the JCOMM Technical Conference (TECO) was held at the kind invitation of the Indonesian Meteorological, Climatological and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) at WMO Headquarters in Geneva. The selection committee received 123 abstracts, 50 of which were presented as posters and 28 as oral presentations, covering all areas of JCOMM’s activities.
The presentation of “A 10-year JCOMM Vision” draft White Paper by the JCOMM Co-Presidents and the Management Committee, encapsulating 10-year overall goals, was discussed. Considerable progress has been made by all programme areas during the last intersessional period. The frameworks of the WMO Strategic Plan 2016-2019 and the IOC Medium-Term- Term Strategy 2014-2021 were considered.
The 10-year vision was discussed and two round Tables were held, the first titled: “The Global Integrated Met-Ocean observation, data management and forecasting system” and the second: “Impact forecasting, Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy and Capacity Development”;
TECO recommended to:
(1) Submit the draft JCOMM 10-Year Vision White paper to JCOMM-5 for approval;
(2) Adapt the JCOMM work plan of activities towards the JCOMM 10-Year Goals, and in particular:
For the Observation Programme Area:
(a) To address integration aspects related to (i) the use of multiple technologies, including in situ and satellites (e.g. wave data), (ii) working across global and coastal scales (e.g. requirements of regional and coastal applications will have to be considered, e.g. coastal data assimilation and nesting with global models which will provide initial and boundary conditions), (iii) assessing effectiveness and designing the observing systems in a multiple application context; (iv) new observing networks and technologies. The Framework for Ocean Observing is a key guide to address these integration challenges;
(b) While some challenges remain, in particular with regard to the need to sustain the observing system, the JCOMM current direction is good and we need to build on observing systems that are working well and are fit for purpose. For example, Argo is fundamental and must be sustained;
(c) JCOMMOPS is providing a key function in support of the implementation and monitoring of the ocean observing networks and assuring its sustainability is JCOMM-5/INF. 10.1, p. 2
important. In particular, JCOMMOPS allows to mapping the national commitments, and deployment plans and metadata must be made available by Members/Member States via JCOMMOPS. Moreover, JCOMMOPS is expanding its role for providing observational information to WIGOS that should enhance a wide range of global and regional services. Members and Member States should consider supporting JCOMMOPS;
(d) Access to EEZs observations need to be facilitated, respecting UNCLOS;
(e) Capacity development is critical for expanding ocean observing; instrument (e.g. Argo) donation can be a mechanism to facilitate improving deployments in EEZs;
(f) Need to find new ways to enhance collection and data exchange mechanisms for bathymetry and DTM at high resolution, connect to the IHO data rescue activities and find new means to collect historical bathymetric data.
For the Data Management Programme Area
(a) There must be clear mandate and expected result, and the draft JCOMM Data Management Strategy for 2018-2021 is providing it. We need to build on existing infrastructure, use data inside and outside of JCOMM, and work on and promote best practices and standards;
(b) Data management needs to be more interoperable, including data rescue. The different groups in the world doing ocean data management must be talking to each other. The National Data Centres must engage in JCOMM and contribute to its activities. In particular, they can share their practices and help standardizing them. Metadata need to be shared and exchanged (standards will have to be proposed and maintained);
(c) We need to work on concrete projects, and for example the OpenGTS and ERDDAP appear as a very promising and useful projects. JCOMM should eventually be promoting training on their use;
(d) The training facilities of IODE should be used in the field of data management;
(e) There is a need to strengthen and to promote MCDS by filling the identified gaps and by encouraging real commitment of Metocean data providers in the data flow;
(f) JCOMM is requested to play a major role in building the interface between respectively IOC and WMO information systems. It should contribute massively, through its specialized and expert teams, in defining the shape of the new WMO information strategy, the new GTS infrastructure, new data representation format and in the evolution of the WIS and IODE.
For the Services and Forecasting Services Programme Area
(a) There is a need to better identify and document all the different components contributing to metocean services, and highlight the whole value chain. Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threat analysis could be used for that purpose;
(b) SFSPA needs to organize itself at identifying and developing its observational user needs, including spatial and temporal considerations. In doing so, additional target user communities should be identified and specific activities carried out to support improved met-ocean services. For example, the maritime transport, sea ice services, coastal hazard forecasts, and fishery management are major user communities to be addressed by JCOMM; JCOMM-5/INF. 10.1, p. 3
(c) Impact studies and tools must be made available and better show the impact of various ocean observing systems on end use applications. For example, SFSPA should promote connection with GODAE OceanView the standardization of impact studies such as Observing System Experiments (OSEs) and Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) or other Sensitivity of Forecast to Observations (FSO) tools. GODAE practices could be promoted as standard practices. We should be able to plan Impact Studies, and for this JCOMM should be working with partners in developing and maintaining a list of key science questions to be addressed, with a call to operational forecasting centres to contribute to addressing some of the questions;
(d) Invest more to address coastal application requirements, for example in biogeochemistry;
(e) Help IMO achieve its targets to reduce the carbon footprint of shipping by 1) having route optimization so ship paths and speeds are better managed, especially when approaching port, through an IMO E-navigation initiative and 2) providing better bathymetry, tidal, currents and wave observational and forecast data;
(f) JCOMM contributions to CIFDP for multi-hazard early warning system demonstrations especially in vulnerable coastal zones should continue, in cooperation with CHy;
(g) JCOMM to work closely with CBS with regards to implementation of impact-based metocean forecasting services for coastal communities.
Cross-cutting areas
(a) Integration across all JCOMM programme areas is needed, in particular on some key topics, e.g. short term seasonal forecast, freash water storage, improved weather forecasts (incl. tropical cyclones), sea level, coastal phenomena, etc;
(b) JCOMM must improve its outreach efforts, become better known, and communicate how simple what it is doing is. For this, we need to be able to adapt our message to the targeted audience; and reach out with decision makers and the end users interested in socio-economic benefits of JCOMM products, information and data. JCOMM (and its partners) should focus communication stories around key areas of societal relevance, e.g. (i) marine transportation and safety, (ii) marine pollution (plastic debris), (iii) ocean, weather, climate forecasting, (iv) sea-ice services, and (v) support to fisheries to highlight JCOMM contribution to addressing important socio-economic benefits. We also need to reach out with the satellite users, and the industry. In order to inform decision makers, and with the help of WMO and IOC experts, we need to improve and assemble the good stories that makes JCOMM successful;
(c) Capacity Build efforts of OPA are recognized. However, challenges remain to scale these efforts globally (e.g. least developed countries and SIDS) where particular assistance is needed to develop and sustain their ocean observing networks marine services. Some existing basic services from developed countries could be promoted for use by the developing countries;
(d) Encourages WMO and IOC to explore having a dialogue with commercial intermediate and end users of oceanographic and meteorological services, including industry, e.g. Ocean Obs ’19, Cg-18.
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 11.1 OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session Secretary-General Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 25.IX.2017
STATISTICS ON THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN AND MEN IN JCOMM STRUCTURES AND ACTIVITIES
Delegates at JCOMM Meetings
1. Table 1 presents the gender composition of delegates to the four JCOMM sessions. Having started from a very low base (10% women at JCOMM-1 in 2001), female representation doubled to 20% in 2009. It then dropped to 17% at the latest JCOMM session in 2012.
JCOMM Session Women % Men % 1 (2001) 10% 90% 2 (2005) 16% 84% 3 (2009) 20% 80% 4 (2012) 17% 83%
Table 1: Proportion of female and male delegates at JCOMM sessions
2. Figure 1 compares the representation of women and men in delegations to sessions of the eight WMO technical commissions (TCs). At 17%, the share of female delegates at the latest JCOMM session was among the lowest across the WMO TCs. It exceeded only that of CIMO-XVI (11%) and was comparable to that of the sixteenth session of the WMO Commission for Basic Systems (CBS-16) (18%). At its latest session in December 2016, the WMO Commission for Hydrology (CHy) achieved the largest female representation among TCs so far (36%), followed by WMO Commission for Climatology (CCl) (30%) and the WMO Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology (CAeM) (25%).
JCOMM-5/INF. 11.1, p. 2
Figure 1: Proportion of Delegation Members to TC Meetings (as of March 2017)
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0% 1999 2002 2006 2010 1999 2002 2006 2010 1998 2002 2006 2009 2013 1996 2000 2005 2009 2012 2016 1997 2001 2005 2010 1996 2000 2008 2012 2016 1998 2002 2006 2010 1997 2001 2005 2009 2012 2014 2014 2014 2004 2014 CAeM CAgM CAS CBS CCl CHy CIMO JCOMM
Women % Men %
3. The share of female principal delegates at JCOMM sessions has remained roughly the same (20%) between 2005 and 2012, including a slight decrease at JCOMM-3 (see Figure 2). Whereas this proportion is similar to the one registered at the latest CBS-16 meeting, it is considerably lower than the share of female principal delegates at CHy-15 (34%) and CCl-16 (27%).
Figure 2: Proportion of Male and Female Principal Delegates to TC Meetings (as of March 2017)
100%
80%
60%
40%
20%
0% 1999 1999 1998 1996 1997 1996 1998 1997 2002 2006 2010 2014 2002 2006 2010 2014 2002 2006 2009 2013 2000 2005 2009 2012 2016 2001 2005 2010 2014 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016 2002 2006 2010 2014 2001 2005 2009 2012 CAeM CAgM CAS CBS CCl CHy CIMO JCOMM
Women % Men %
JCOMM-5/INF. 11.1, p. 3
JCOMM Management Committee
4. The JCOMM Management Committee consists of 2 female and 7 male members, which represents the average proportion of women (22%) in TC management groups (MGs). The MG of CCl has the largest female representation at 36%.
Women Men Total Women % Men % 2 7 9 22% 78% Table 2: Proportion of women and men on JCOMM Management Committee in 2017
Working Groups Expert Teams
5. Females represented 26% of the membership of JCOMM expert teams and working groups, which is close to the average of 24% across the technical commissions. As evident from Figure 3, the share is comparable to that of the WMO Commission for Agricultural Meteorology (CAgM). Women are best represented in the working groups and expert teams of CAeM and CCl (31%), followed by the Open Panel of CHy Experts (OPACHEs) of which they comprise a third. The JCOMM Expert Team on Marine Climatology is the only one with gender parity in membership.
Figure 3: Proportion of women and men in working groups/task teams (as of March 2017)
100%
80%
60%
40%
20% 31% 31% 25% 23% 30% 26% 19% 14% 0% CAeM CAgM CAS CBS CCl CHy CIMO JCOMM
Women Men
*CIMO: WMO Commission for Instruments and Methods of Observation; CAS: WMO Commission for Atmospheric Sciences
Progress Report and Global Survey on Gender Mainstreaming in WMO
6. More statistical information, including on the gender balance among National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS) staff, is available in the Progress Report on Implementation of the WMO Policy on Gender Mainstreaming (March 2015) and the Results of the 2013 Global Survey on Gender Mainstreaming in WMO.
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World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 12.1(1) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 26.X.2017
JCOMM STRATEGY 2012-2017
The current Strategy for JCOMM (2012-2017) was published in 2014, and available at:
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002336/233630e.pdf
Delegates are encouraged to read this as background to the discussions for the updated Strategy and Vision for JCOMM in Document 12.1.
World Meteorological Organization & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO)
JOINT WMO/IOC TECHNICAL COMMISSION FOR JCOMM-5/INF. 12.1(2) OCEANOGRAPHY AND MARINE METEOROLOGY Submitted by: Fifth Session WMO and IOC Secretariats Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, 25 to 29 October 2017 26.X.2017
THE JCOMM 10-YEAR VISION
What is JCOMM: Building Bridges, Increasing Coordination
The Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) was established by its parent organizations, the World Meteorological Organization and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (of UNESCO) in 1999. Its main aim was to coordinate worldwide marine meteorological and oceanographic services as well as their supporting observational, data management, forecasting, analysis and capacity building programmes.
Oceanography and marine meteorology have traditionally evolved separately due to the different levels in observing and modeling technologies used to monitor and forecast the different environmental conditions at the ocean-atmosphere interface and in the surface and deep ocean. For example, wave and storm surge forecasting, which are the essential components of marine meteorology were developed to an operational level in the 1970s and 1980s, while ocean forecasting, from the short to the seasonal scales, started in the 1990s and matured in the first decade of the 2000s.
JCOMM aims to build bridges between the meteorological and oceanographic communities in order to advance the effectiveness of the technology and to satisfy the growing needs of the ocean economy and of a range of services such as weather/ocean/climate monitoring and forecasting. The basic meteorological and oceanographic stakeholder community, represented by UNESCO IOC and WMO, has called for innovations in the monitoring and forecasting systems, which produce the essential marine environmental data for a myriad of applications, from disaster risk reduction to renewable energy.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in its “Ocean economy in 2030” (http://www.oecd.org/environment/the-ocean-economy-in-2030-9789264251724- en.htm) documented the rapid expansion of industrial and societal maritime sectors such as world ocean trade, oil and gas exploration, fisheries, coastal urban developments and tourism. At the same time it highlighted the serious deterioration in the health of the ocean due to the increased human activities at sea and their unsustainable initial development. The 21th century will be stigmatized as the century when the negative impacts of climate change will reach maturity, thus affecting human well-being, ocean ecosystem health and the marine environmental status. Most of these impacts will derive from nonlinear interactions between the sub-components of the climate system, in particular the atmosphere, the oceans and the water cycle.
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These are the main reasons why strengthened coordination of JCOMM is needed in order to develop new capabilities with the potential of breaking down infrastructural, technological and methodological barriers between meteorology and oceanography and hydrology; increasing coordination of national, regional, and global systems; and improving the coordination of wide variety of ocean systems (in-situ, satellite, moored, autonomous) and services. Such coordination is critical for development of innovation to meet the challenges of the Sustainable Development goals for the Ocean (SDG 14), and Climate (SDG 13); including weather extremes.
Users’ Needs
Users of JCOMM are fundamentally Members of the WMO and Member States of the IOC of UNESCO. In order to comply with policy decisions regarding maritime space, the marine environment and the increasing need for better and more accurate monitoring and forecasting of changes for disaster risk reduction and mitigation/adaptation plans, WMO and IOC Members have instituted research and operational infrastructures that organize services for the provision of high quality data and the education of professionals. More specifically, the met-ocean research and operational community is an important user of JCOMM, thus benefiting in terms of global data availability and coordination, and at the same time providing the technological innovation and the sustained capability for efficient long term monitoring and forecasting of met-ocean conditions.
A JCOMM Stakeholder survey carried out in 2016 produced an important initial assessment of user needs, which are summarized in Fig. 1.
Fig 1: Level of importance regarding access to data, reviewing regulatory materials, standards and best practices, capacity development and marine competency (period of survey: April-May 2016; 1600 users asked to contribute, with about 82 replies).
JCOMM aims to maximize the benefits for its Members/Member States in the projects, programs and activities that it undertakes in their interest and to improve the global met- ocean observing and forecasting community standards in general.
JCOMM users have requested improvements in weather, climate, water, oceanic and related environmental information and services. Natural and man-induced hazards and risks associated with climate variability and extreme environmental events require new meteorological, hydrological, oceanographic and climate services in order to ensure the safety and security of populations and the development of flexible economic strategies. Responding to JCOMM-5/INF. 12.1(2), p. 3 these multiple hazards is critical given that social, environmental and economic vulnerability is increasing particularly in Small Island States and continental low-lying coastlines.
An improved coordination of met-ocean global and regional-specific observing and forecasting systems can support the challenge of monitoring and predicting the weather and the changing climate with a view towards addressing the growing risks and needs, particularly to favor the growth of a sustainable ocean economy.
JCOMM TODAY AND ITS SUCCESS CASES
JCOMM is organized into three different Programme Areas which involve Expert Teams in specific fields. It also organizes the JCOMMOPS In Situ Observing Platform Support Center and other cross-cutting activities or specific Task team groups. The scheme in Fig. 2 was approved in May 2012 at the JCOMM-4 Assembly and was the way JCOMM worked in the 2012-2017 inter-sessional period.
Fig. 2 The JCOMM organizational structure after JCOMM-4 session in May 2012
The 2012-2017 inter-sessional period continued to strengthen the coordination of the integrated met-ocean global system. An overview of the success cases for JCOMM is shown in Fig. 3. JCOMM-5/INF. 12.1(2), p. 4
JCOMMOPS OPEN GTS
Marine Climate Data System Integrated Marine Meteorological and Oceanographic Services within WIS
Updated best practice manuals Waves and Coastal Hazards
Fig. 3 The JCOMM inter-sessional period exemplary success cases
JCOMM’S 10-Year Vision
It is clear that JCOMM has made progress in the past 20 years in interfacing the meteorological and oceanographic community. However there are challenges which involve:
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1. coordinating the development of a fully integrated met-hydro-ocean system, end-to- end from observations to services, and improving data management best practices;
2. moving forward in Science and Technology to improve the integrated met-hydro-ocean system to comply with user needs in a more fit-for-purpose way, ensuring efficient transitions from research to operations and applications;
3. building the international network and the global data sharing infrastructure between WMO, IOC and their hydrological commissions, the Commission for Hydrology (CHy) and the International Hydrological Programme (IHP), and other technical commissions;
4. developing an efficient platform in order to build equitable capacity in Marine Meteorology and Oceanography in support of Members/Member States;
5. developing marine competencies and cost-recovery services taking national policies into account;
6. ensuring collaboration with UN bodies such as IHO, IMO, UNISDR and others, strengthening met-ocean service inputs for United Nations Conventions and Sustainable Development Goals.
JCOMM’s main actors and stakeholders are, and will continue to be, the WMO Members and IOC Member State services and organizations. However it is recommended that new stakeholders, such as private companies and NGOs, should also be involved in defining requirements. It is also essential in future phases to interface more consistently with other large programs, such as GEO and WCRP. Moreover, stronger coordination with the satellite community is critical for improving knowledge, products, and met-ocean services.
The long-term objectives of JCOMM are thus to:
I. Ensure that the main strategic objectives of the WMO and IOC are recognized and considered in all JCOMM activities;
II. Enhance the standardized provision of high accuracy met-ocean data, information, products and marine meteorological and oceanographic services in support of:
a. the safety of life and property at sea and in coastal areas;
b. the enhancement of resilience and preparedness for coastal natural and man made hazards, including tsunami;
c. the development of risk management practices for ocean-based commercial and industrial activities with a view to disaster risk reduction (DRR) at all levels in a more cooperative, cost-effective, systematic and sustainable manner.;
d. climate research and services;
e. the enhancement of the operational services required to reach the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals; JCOMM-5/INF. 12.1(2), p. 6
III. Coordinate the enhancement and long-term maintenance of an integrated global marine meteorological and oceanographic observing and data management system as part of the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), the Global Climate Observing System (GCOS), the World Weather Watch (WWW), other operational programmes, and in collaboration with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems (CBS), the Committee for International Oceanographic Data and information Exchange (IODE), the WMO Hydrological Observing System (WHOS) and other appropriate bodies and or related technical commissions;
IV. Manage the selective incorporation of advances in meteorological and oceanographic science and technology; adapt this evolution to the growing needs of the ocean economy and its sustainable development; and work to ensure that all countries have the capacity to benefit from, and contribute to, these advances;
V. Encourage the provision of advanced marine safety services using modern communication and dissemination platforms where messages can be provided more frequently and state of the art products are used;
VI. Promote and facilitate the equitable participation of all WMO Members and IOC Member States in all activities of, and benefit from all products and services provided by JCOMM.
Ten-Year Strategic Goals
Given the great diversity of users and uses of JCOMM within the met-ocean community, the vision and goals are clearly composite. There will always be gaps and needs for improved observations, infrastructure, data management and services, but how they should be managed to the full advantage of Members/Member States is the goal of JCOMM. The JCOMM solution lies in meeting the user requirements through international cooperation.
To reach the JCOMM Vision, several key strategic goals need to be achieved:
Observations
1. contribute towards a fit-for-purpose, integrated, technically advanced and coherent ocean observing system which supports a rapidly expanding set of weather, climate, marine and ocean services targeting stakeholders across the globe;
Data Management
2. ensure the collection, processing, integration, dissemination and eventual archiving of as much fit-for-purpose relevant data of a known quality to meet the current demands for integrated oceanographic and marine meteorological information by the research and operational communities;
3. enhance the data exchange capacity of Member/Member States by setting standards and best practices for both observational and model data and information;
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Services, Forecasting System
4. improve the met-ocean reanalysis, analysis and forecasting capacity (including air-sea fluxes, waves, sea level, storm surges and currents) of Member/Members States by developing best practices and enhancing intercomparison of products;
5. take a more focused approach to services related to disasters in the marine and coastal zone, guided by the Sendai Framework and other relevant frameworks such as the SOLAS Convention, and with links to other bodies and Technical Commissions working on DRR activities, for example UN-Oceans, the IOC’s Tsunami Programme, and the WMO’s Coastal Inundation Forecasting Demonstration Project, jointly supported with technical expertise from WMO Commission for Hydrology (CHy) and JCOMM.
Standards and Best Practices
6. develop and make available best practice manuals for the recently developed operational ocean forecasting systems and collaborate with marine focused Global Data Processing and Forecasting System (GDPFS) centres, within the context of the seamless GDPFS; 7. encourage the development of best practices and new products for Member States/Members fisheries/aquaculture services;
Coordination, Collaboration and Strategy
8. coordinate the uptake of new data management schemes, including big data processing by the Met-Ocean services; 9. enhance the coordination between the satellite and in situ components of the observing system, together with the efficient research to operation transitions, in order to plan and evolve a fully sustainable system; 10. improve the collaboration between IOC/CD and WMO/ETR to leverage the Capacity Development (CD) expertise and experience in both organizations and to advise the Programme Area’s in developing and implementing their CD work plans by making use of existing mechanisms and facilities (WMO global campus and regional training centres, IOC regional sub-commissions, GOOS Regional Alliances, IODE OceanTeacher Global Academy, IODE Regional Training Centres, WESTPAC Regional Training and Research Centres,, etc.) 11. define a collaboration strategy between WMO Regional Associations and IOC GOOS Regional Alliances to enhance the provision of services in the regions of interest; 12. coordinate JCOMM activities with a seamless numerical prediction process to progress from weather to climate predictions; 13. develop a JCOMM strategy to further the understanding of the stakeholder needs for met- ocean observations and services; 14. provide a more stable framework in Marine Environmental Emergency Response, favouring a more integrated approach, and working with the Commission for Basic Systems concerning the Emergency Response Activities (ERA) programme, and other agencies, such as IAEA and IMO as appropriate. 15. coordinate the work of the Maritime Safety Services with the Sea Ice services and with the National Marine Service Focal Points within each Member/Member States ensuring state-of- the-art products particularly given changing ocean and polar regions; 16. Coordinate implementation activities of the TPOS-2020 WIGOS regional pilot activity advancing the regional integration of observing systems and services.
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Capacity Development and Performance Assessment
17. help to widen and strengthen the user base of Member/Member States met-ocean services in support of the ocean economy; 18. offer basic and advanced training for professionals, scientists and academics in all countries with a particular emphasis on developing countries. 19. define a methodological framework to assess the performance of the different Expert Teams, Pilot Projects and Task Teams to address the Vision and the implementing strategy.