Panel for Integrated Coastal Observations (PICO):Technical Subcommittee of GSSC

Proposed Terms of Reference

(1) Provide the GOOS Scientific Steering Committee (GSSC) with technical advice needed for scientifically sound implementation of the Implementation Strategy for the Coastal Module of GOOS (GOOS Report No. 148). To this end, collaborate with the GRAs, the OOPC and Coastal GTOS to formulate 5-year plans for building the GCN that are updated periodically.

(2) Liaise with relevant scientific and technical organizations to facilitate synergy between advances in science and technology and the development of operational capabilities, including coastal services.

(3) Provide expertise and advice to the GSSC on the development of operational elements of the Coastal module of GOOS including interoperability and the management and dissemination of non-physical, physical and socio-economic variables regarding:

- Observations and data telemetry
- Data management and communications
- Modelling and analysis, and
- Communication of data and information to user groups

(4) Advise the GSSC regarding capacity building needs of nations and regions and approaches to address such needs for sustained coastal observations, analysis and modeling.

(5) Using the Implementation Strategy for the Coastal Module of GOOS as a guide, prepare and periodically update Action Plans supporting implementation.

(6) Organize periodic assessments (every 5 years) of the status of implementation and performance of coastal GOOS and recommend improvements and enhancements.

Size and Membership: The PICO should not be larger than 8 members and should ideally include experts from both in situ and remote sensing communities, research and operational communities, industry, public health, ecosystem health, living marine resources, basin scale boundary conditions, land-based inputs, and data management. However, experts needed for specific topics may also be invited to particular meetings.

Term of office: 2 years. If a joint committee is formed with GTOS as planned (J-PICO), then membership will have to be reviewed, since it is envisaged that GOOS and GTOS would each contribute 6 members to the joint committee.

IGOS Coastal Report 2006 (PDF - 2.88 MB)

Design Plan for the Coastal Ocean Observations Module of GOOS (PDF - 1.14 MB)

Implementation Strategy for the Coastal Module of GOOS (PDF - 2.61 MB)