This project proposes to renew the cooperative institute for marine and atmospheric research (CIMAR), a critical innovation and research partnership between national oceanic and atmospheric…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the University of Hawaii at Manoa a $178,208 cooperative agreement on October 1, 2026, under the NOAA Cooperative Institutes program (CFDA 11.432) to support ocean acidification monitoring in Fagatele Bay, National Marine Sanctuary of American samoa as part of the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research (CIMAR).

The award funds data serving, technical assistance, and local commercial diving contracting for refurbishment of the MAPCO2 buoy in American Samoa, with long-term observations of carbonate chemistry at U.S.-affiliated coral reef sites. This work supports CIMAR's Ecosystem Monitoring research theme and addresses NOAA's mission in understanding the impact of ocean acidification on coral ecosystems over time. The award supports a broader collaboration between CIMAR and the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa.

CIMAR itself conducts mission-critical research across eight focus areas—ecological forecasting, ecosystem monitoring, ecosystem-based management, protection and restoration of resources, oceanographic monitoring and forecasting, changing environments and impacts, air-sea interactions, and tsunamis and other long-period ocean waves—generating data that informs fisheries management decisions, tsunami warnings, storm surge forecasts, and compliance with statutes including the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, Endangered Species Act, and Marine Mammal Protection Act. The institute also develops data science and artificial intelligence tools to increase efficiency in fisheries stock assessments and enable early detection of invasive species.

The period of performance runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031. Place of performance is Honolulu, Hawaii. The total proposed cost was $350,000, with $178,208 obligated at award.

This project proposes to renew the cooperative institute for marine and atmospheric research (CIMAR), a critical innovation and research partnership between national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) and the university of hawaii that directly advances noaas mission in the pacific islands. CIMAR conducts mission critical research on marine resources and ocean systems across eight strategically aligned focus areas: (1) ecological forecasting (2) ecosystem monitoring (3) ecosystembased management (4) protection and restoration of resources (5) oceanographic monitoring and forecasting (6) changing environments and impacts (7) airsea interactions (8) tsunamis and other longperiod ocean waves. CIMAR researchers generate data that are used in management decisions to sustain pacific fisheries economies; are critical inputs for tsunami warnings, storm surge forecasts, marine navigation support, military operations, and satellite-altimeter calibration for commercial and defense users; and are integral to ensure compliance with statutes such as the magnuson-stevens fishery conservation and management act, endangered species act, and marine mammal protection act. CIMAR is advancing data science, AI, and developing advanced analytic tools and technologies to increase efficiency in fisheries stock assessments, offer early detection of invasive species that can hinder harbor operations, and enable near real-time visualization of fishing effort and catch to provide accurate and updated fisheries data. Without the work of CIMAR, state and regional resource managers would be flying blind and unable to make sound decisions to ensure that pacific island businesses that depend on sustainable marine resources continue to thrive. By integrating world-class academic expertise with noaas operational priorities, CIMAR delivers actionable data, cutting-edge technology, and timely research that directly supports resilient coastal economies, sustainable fisheries, and long-term environmental security in the U.S.-affiliated pacific islands.