ALBERT

Beschreibung: The 6th International XBT (Expendable bathythermograph) Science team workshop took place at the IODE Project Office of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, in Ostend, Belgium from 18 to 20 April 2018 following on from the 5th IODE Steering Group for the International Quality Controlled Ocean Database (SG-IquOD) meeting at the same venue. The workshop was divided in oral presentations and plenary discussions, held with the objective of exchanging ideas on how to proceed with the implementation, maintenance, and enhancement of the XBT network. A total of 19 scientists participated (4 remotely) from Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Africa, UK, and the USA. XBTs represent the largest fraction of the temperature profile observations since 1970s until the full implementation of Argo profiling floats in approximately 2005. These historical XBT profiles comprise most of the temperature data base that is used to compute time series of ocean heat content. One focus of the XBT Science team (along with IQuOD) is to improve and understand the accuracy of these historical data so that we can understand the uncertainties in this climatically important time series. The global XBT network is logistically complex and so requires strong collaboration between many organizations and countries (Figure 1). Many of these transects have now been in place for multiple-decades. Today, XBT transects mainly operate in High Density (also referred as High Resolution) and Frequently Repeated modes. High Density transects are occupied at least 4 times per year XBT deployed at approximately 25 km intervals along the ship track. Frequently repeated tracks are occupied at around 18 times per year with XBT deployments at 100 km intervals. The repeat sampling nature of XBT transects along fixed transects makes the XBT profiles our best present observing system for the important boundary current systems (including the Antarctic Circumpolar Current) that convey heat, freshwater and nutrients around the global ocean. XBT observations are currently used mainly to: (i) Monitor the variability of location and transport of key surface and subsurface ocean currents and boundary currents, (ii) Monitor the variability of the meridional heat transport and the Meridional Overturning Circulation across ocean basins, (iii) Provide a significant amount of upper ocean thermal observations, particularly in areas undersampled by other observational platforms, used for global ocean heat content estimates, and (iv) Initialization and validation of numerical ocean forecast models. A strong synergy exists between XBT observations and observations from other platforms, such as altimetry, surface drifters, Argo, etc. the enables more robust scientific analysis.

Beschreibung: OpenASFA input

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: Non Refereed

Beschreibung: The establishment of Regional Education and Research Centre on Oceanography for West Asia (RCOWA) was approved by 37th UNESCO General Conference as a Category 2 under the Auspices of UNESCO in the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science (INIOAS) in November 2013 (37 C/18 Part XVII) and the agreement was signed in 2015. The center aims to achieve the objectives of the agreement which are as follows: (a)ensure the harmonious and mutually reinforcing involvement of the members of the region in Ocean studies by organizing joint projects, conferences and training/educational courses; (b)define regional problems, the solution of which requires regional and international cooperation, assist in the identification of training, education, and mutual assistance needs, particularly those related to the Centre programs; (c)assist in identification and meeting national and regional priorities by sharing knowledge and experience through organizing training courses and symposiums; (d)engage the academic and research community, experts from governmental and non-governmental organizations, industry, and decision-makers from the region and abroad in finding ways to solve the challenging economic and social problems facing the region by organizing exchange visits, consultations, etc. This objective will be achieved through the organization of regional forum/network to address the challenges, explore scientific understanding of the impacts and to discuss policies on the use and protection of the sea and coasts in supporting economic development of each country of the region, and the region as the whole;(e)supervise and coordinate the implementation of joint projects in consultation with national and international institutions of the Member States concerned in order to avoid duplication and overlap of efforts by organizing regular meetings with regional partners; (f)promote the standardization of data collection and data analysis methods based on existing protocols and agreements. Advocate open access and free exchange of oceanographic data along the guidelines specified in the IOC/IODE data exchange policy to facilitate scientific progress and improve education and training results. Reanimate IOC/IODE ODIN type program for the region; (g)advice on the application of new knowledge on science and technology to various priority areas at the local/national/regional levels by organizing workshops and briefings; (h)provide general guidance and recommendations, as well as serve as a mechanism for Member States, to formulate, evaluate, and follow-up on proposals for projects aimed at strengthening national and regional capabilities in marine scientific research, education and the establishment of common services and facilities; (i)make the operations of the Centre open and transparent by producing regular newsletters/bulletins to describe the progress of the Canter’s operations, developing the Centre’s web-site and increasing communication flow/exchange of information on activities, in order to discuss common issues and explore opportunities for further collaboration; (j)promote activities of the Centre and UNESCO as well as UNESCO/IOC role in marine and coastal matters; raise public awareness concerning the need for the sustainable management of the sea and coastal areas; and introduce the benefits of national and regional cooperation approach and of the importance of the operation of the sea and coasts by supporting establishment of Marine Protected Areas, through active participation in World Ocean Day and other awareness raising efforts; (k)collect information on the state of the art technology required for the implementation of the maritime program activities, develop an inventory of regional institutions and experts working on marine related issues, as well as catalogues of regional oceanographic data and make this information available to decision-makers and regional/international partners; (l)organize assistance in mobilizing human, financial, and material resources to respond to the needs of the coastal countries of the region in dealing with emergency situations triggered by marine natural disasters; and, (m)make recommendations to the governing bodies of the region on policy matters, and submit proposals on the budgetary and other forms of support required for the successful work of the Centre. Geographical Coverage of the Centre17 countries of the West Asia region are covered by the Centre activities: (Pakistan, Iraq, Oman, Turkey, India, Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Yemen, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Palestine, Jordan and Iran). On case to case basis, neighboring countries to the region are invited to take part in the activities of the Centre.

Beschreibung: OpenASFA input

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: Non Refereed

Beschreibung: This document has been prepared in pursuance of Decision IOC-XXVIII/4 of the IOC Assembly at its 28th session (18-25 June 2015), which decided that the inter-sessional work on this subject should continue under the leadership of the IOC Officers with a view of providing a fully developed document with recommendation to the IOC Executive Council at its 49th session in 2016. Consistent with the decision, the document proposed for the review by the Executive Council results from the discussions at the Joint ‘Think Tank’ Retreat of the IOC Officers and the IOC Management Team, held from 5 to 8 January 2016 in Gilleleje, Denmark. The appendices to the document contain: (i) the draft messages adapted to specific audiences about the societal benefits of IOCs mission, programmes and activities based on the input from the sessional working group and the discussions in plenary; and (ii) a Concept note: A Second International Decade of (Integrated) Ocean Exploration, 2021-2030. Document IOC/INF-1337, ‘Synthesis of IOC development, work and results: opportunities and coincidences 1960–2015’ by Gunnar Kullenberg (past Executive Secretary) completes the documentation for this agenda item. Decision proposed: Full draft decision is presented in para. 173. The Executive Council will be requested to provide its recommendations on the proposed documentation to be used by the Officers in the intersessional period with a view of presenting the final proposal to the IOC Assembly at its 29th session in 2017.

Beschreibung: OpenASFA input

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: Non Refereed

Beschreibung: OpenASFA input

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: Non Refereed

Beschreibung: The present Communication and Outreach Strategy for Data and Information Management, also referred to in this document as the “Communication Strategy” was prepared by the International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE), an intergovernmental programme of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCOestablished in 1961. The purpose of the IODE programme is to enhance marine research, exploitation and development, by facilitating the exchange of ocean data and information between participating Member States, and by meeting the needs of users for data and information products. The IODE vision is informed by the IOC Strategic Plan for Oceanographic Data and Information Management, 2017–2021, which identifies that: To ensure its success, the IOC Strategic Plan for Data and Information Management must achieve strong awareness, involvement, acceptance and recognition within and between IOC programmes, and with IOC partners. Efficient communication and outreach remain key elements of the Strategic Plan.'The recent IODE restructuring exercise has also highlighted that the number of international marine science related organizations is growing and there is often a perception that they have similar or overlapping objectives to IODE. It is therefore increasingly important to state clearly what IODE’s unique role is, how it differs from other organizations, who its stakeholders are and how to prioritize and optimize its communication methods with each of these. IODE must work with Member States, governments, partner organizations, academia and industry, to articulate the global benefits to society and required funding to build and sustain the ocean observing data and information system. IODE must capitalize on the networks, communication outreach, and global visibility of UNESCO’s IOC as its parent organization. IODE has a strong mandate for communication and outreach with a variety of stakeholders, including the general public. IODE needs to communicate regularly with its community as well as having a strategy on how to be engaged in ocean community activities, cooperate and expand its membership. This strategy document outlines a framework for communication and outreach activities for the IODE to address these needs and underpin its ability to achieve its strategic objectives; to ensure that there is recognition of its role as a lead provider in marine data and information management, training and information products; and further enhance both the IOC and IODE profiles. The IOCCommunication and Outreach Strategy for Data and Information was proposed by the IOC Committee on International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange at its 24thsession, 24–28 March 2017, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and endorsed by the IOC Assembly at its 29th session, 21–29 June 2017.

Beschreibung: Published

Beschreibung: Refereed