Priorities for secoora for the next three years are to sustain, repair and expand critical observing infrastructure, and enhance data management, data sharing, and delivery of data products to…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded a $2,029,590 cooperative agreement to the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association (SECOORA) under the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) program (CFDA 11.012) for the three-year performance period from June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2028. The award supports critical ocean observing infrastructure development and data management services across the southeastern United States. SECOORA will sustain, repair, and expand regional observing infrastructure including water level sensors, ocean acidification monitoring equipment in the Florida Keys, wave buoys, and subsurface ocean temperature monitoring systems. The organization will also recapitalize aging glider systems, high-frequency radar (HFR) platforms, and soundscape monitoring equipment to enhance coastal observation capabilities.

In addition to infrastructure initiatives, SECOORA will develop and deliver data products and stakeholder services including a regional ocean data sharing website, marine mapping tools with associated training, and passive acoustic monitoring of North Atlantic Right Whales using autonomous gliders. The award supports surface elevation table monitoring data collection and coordination, researcher training on drone operations in support of coastal zone community of practice development, and enhanced data management and cyberinfrastructure improvements. SECOORA has established multiple sub-awards with regional academic and research institutions including the University of Georgia Foundation, Jacksonville University, University of Miami, Coastal Carolina University, Florida Institute of Technology, Mote Marine Laboratory, and University of South Carolina Beaufort to implement Phase 2 Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act initiatives, collectively advancing southeastern coastal resilience and marine resource management capabilities.

Priorities for secoora for the next three years are to sustain, repair and expand critical observing infrastructure, and enhance data management, data sharing, and delivery of data products to stakeholders throughout the southeast. Projects under topic 1 include: install and maintain water level sensors to help fill gaps in water level data needed for decision making; maintaining ocean acidification sensor in florida keys; maintain wave buoy installation; collect subsurface ocean temperature data to monitor sea surface temperature change; and recapitalize gliders, hfrs, and soundscape monitoring. Projects under topic 2 include: create a regional ocean data sharing website; utilize gliders for passive acoustic monitoring of north atlantic right whales; create a southeast marine mapping tool and conduct training; support surface elevation table monitoring data collection and data sharing; and support researchers to attend drone course in broader support of drones in the coastal zone community of practice.