A DBCP workshop, 4 – 7 May 2015, in Palau will increase awareness of ocean processes, ocean observing, and data applications and work towards conceptualization of a Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System.

Continuing the series of capacity building workshops, PANGEA, the JCOMM Data Buoy Cooperation Panel and partners will present a workshop in the Pacific Islands to develop expertise in using ocean and marine weather data to respond to the unique needs of these island states. The workshop will increase awareness of ocean processes, ocean observing, and data applications. An additional goal is to develop a conceptualization of a Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System, which will build on and expand the PI-GOOS regional association.

The Pacific Islands are a region of “Large Ocean States” 98% of which is ocean with the majority of the land area belonging to Papa New Guinea. The ocean is essential to Pacific Islander’s way of life, yet there is limited knowledge of the oceans in region and limited skill in using ocean data. Currently there is a growing awareness of the importance of the oceans, highlighted most recently at the 3rd UN SIDS conference in Samoa.

Oceanographic capacity is limited within the Pacific Islands region and generally resides within local meteorological services. However, there is a strong interest in increasing capacity to collect, analyze, and communicate oceanographic data across a number of sectors such as meteorology and climate services, fisheries, marine trade, and tourism. Increasing capacity in these sectors will increase the livelihoods of Pacific Islanders and will allow them to more effectively engage in the global ocean community.

The workshop is generously supported by the Republic of Palau Ministry of the Environment, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environmental Programme (SPREP), Pacific Islands Ocean Observing System” (PacIOOS), and the Pacific Island Global Ocean Observing System (PI-GOOS).

For more information, visit the JCOMM website.