Mid-Atlantic Regional Association Coastal Ocean Observing System (MARACOOS): Preparing for a Changing Mid-Atlantic

The 5-year plan maintains and enhances existing subsystems, and broadens their integration through cross-cutting innovation projects. Sustaining the fulfillment of existing needs comprises the majority of the funding request and is spread across all MARACOOS subsystems. Continuing support will be used for coordination/facilitation of interactions with the U.S. IOOS Program Office, IOOS Association, government agencies, Board of Directors, and the membership community. For the observatory, funding will maintain the year-round operation of the (a) extensive High Frequency Radar network, (b) satellite imagery downlink stations, (c) underwater glider flights (seasonal at present) that all yield quality controlled datasets; and (d) data-assimilative forecast models and ensembles. For DMAC, funding will be used to maintain and expand the data management system to properly support MARACOOS data-acquisition and data-assimilation model activities at the core of our user-driven, product-centered environment.