In this issue:  Host the 2012 Meeting | SECOORA Build Out Plan | SECOORA Data Management News | News and Workshop Announcements | Job Announcements | Coming Events

We are looking for a host for the SECOORA Annual Meeting, normally held in early May. Based on the feedback we have received from members, we are hoping to shift from a hotel setting for our Annual Meeting to a facility at one of our member institutions. This will provide a great opportunity for the host to showcase projects and capabilities at their home institution. Please contact Megan Treml if you are interested in hosting the next SECOORA Annual meeting, and helping us make it the best meeting yet.

SECOORA Build Out Plan

During the period of July through September 30, 2011, we undertook the process of developing a Build Out Plan to describe our observing system needs for the next 10 years. This plan will be coordinated with the other 10 Regional Associations to present a comprehensive national picture of the regional needs for observing assets.  These plans provide information necessary to meet the Integrated Coastal Ocean Observing System Act requirements for an independent cost estimate and annual regional gaps analyses, and support the National Ocean Policy goal "Strengthen and integrate Federal and non-Federal ocean observing systems, sensors, data collection platforms, data management, and mapping capabilities into a national system and integrate that system into international observation efforts." Moreover, the plans will provide the detailed information and rationale to support budget requests and to enumerate the impacts of budget decisions.  This plan is an extension of a document completed by SECOORA in 2010 titled "Changing Ecosystems, Economies, and Climate: Strategic Priorities for the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association" which outlines priorities for contributing to the understanding, management, and sustainment of ocean and coastal resources.

We submitted the current draft (Phase 2) of the plan to the IOOS office September 30, and it will be made available via our web site soon.  SECOORA will continue to work on the plan, and there will be further opportunity for input and revision in the future, so keep your eyes out for your chance to provide input on the future of observing in the Southeast. 

SECOORA Data Management News

UNC Chapel Hill recently completed an update to the SECOORA Vocabulary. This vocabulary, now expanded to nearly 200 terms, improves the accessibility and understanding of data and observations of winds, tides, currents, water quality, and chemistry of our coastal waters and oceans. The Vocabulary is based on the IOOS Parameter Vocabulary (130 terms).  However, terms on fish and zooplankton species and abundance were not included in this version.

The SECOORA Vocabulary and the IOOS Parameter Vocabulary are both registered with Marine Metadata Initiative's Ontology Registry and Repository. 

Center for the Inland Bays (CIB) Seeks Executive Director 
The Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, one of 28 National Estuary Programs, was established as a nonprofit organization in 1994 by the Delaware General Assembly. The Center is seeking a new Executive Director.  View position description.

Coming Events