On the need, development and operation of joint use commercial-scientific ocean observing systems

Abstract

Funding, and more specifically the lack thereof, continues to top the list of obstacles that must be overcome in order to enable the full realization of large scale, integrated ocean observing systems and networks. The development and implementation of ocean observatories has primarily been driven by the research community and academic institutions. Almost exclusively, government funding has been relied upon for both fostering the development of individual observatories (the National Science Foundation's OOI - Ocean Observatory Initiative) as well as for the consideration of linking these individual observatories together into national networks (the Ocean.US IOOS - Integrated Ocean Observing System). The IOOS, a multi-agency undertaking, strives to maximize the usefulness and effectiveness of the data generated by its member agencies and is, therefore, oriented toward the development of data products, services and operations. The OOI effort is oriented toward research and providing the instruments necessary to answer effectively the most important research questions facing society. Together, IOOS and OOI represent the United States' contribution to the international Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) which is in turn, the oceanic component of the Global Earth Observation System or Systems (GEOSS). Another recent development within GEOSS is EMSO (European Multidisciplinary Seafloor Observatories) research infrastructure, representing the launch of a pan-European seafloor observatory initiative. As with the U.S. IOOS, EMSO intends to tie together existing independent observatories into an integrated system. Essential to the EMSO concept is the synergic collaboration between the academic community and industry, striving for both the cost avoidance and potential for revenue generation that might result. Mutually beneficial consortia are actively being sought with both large industrial partners as well as with SMEs (Small and Medium sized Enterprises). As a subset of the international GEOSS initiative, EMSO will also coordinate closely with other similar efforts such as the French-led European Seas Observatory Network of Excellence (ESONET-NoE). Projected cost estimates for implementing EMSO and ESONET-NoE, including cable route surveys, procuring cables, seafloor junction boxes and deploying them is in line with the estimate for implementing the US IOOS. To date, the pace at which each of these major national and international ocean observing initiatives has been set is in large part based upon funding made available through government grants and contracts. This pace may well be accelerated through additional and more meaningful partnerships with industry. The role to be played by the private sector, both large and small companies, is now beginning to emerge. In particular, there appear to be immediate opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration between the offshore energy enterprise and ocean observing initiatives that have yet to be fully exploited. This paper explores some of the activities already undertaken by industry in ocean observing, both in the U.S. and abroad. Specific instances of industry partnerships are cited as examples of how development and operational costs might be reduced through a modularized approach to designing and deploying ocean observing systems that support both science and industry applications.