The SOOS Asian Workshop: exploring possibilities for collaboration

Abstract

The first Southern Ocean Observing System (SOOS) Asian Workshop was successfully held in Shanghai, China inMay 2013, attracting over 40 participants from six Asian nations and widening exposure to the objectives and plans of SOOS. Theworkshop was organized to clarify Asian research activities currently taking place in the Southern Ocean and to discuss, amongstother items, the potential for collaborative efforts with and between Asian countries in SOOS-related activities. The workshop wasan important mechanism to initiate discussion, understanding and collaborative avenues in the Asian domain of SOOS beyondcurrent established efforts. Here we present some of the major outcomes of the workshop covering the principle themes of SOOSand attempt to provide a way forward to achieve a more integrated research community, enhance data collection and quality, andguide scientific strategy in the Southern Ocean.