Integrated Framework for Sustained Ocean Observations Task Team
IFSOO-TT
(post-OceanObs'09 working group)
Second teleconference
25 March 2010, 20:00 UTC
Report
For further information please contact
Albert Fischer, a.fischer@unesco.org
secretariat to the task team
1. Opening
The co-chair of the group, John Gunn, opened the meeting, which took place by
teleconference.
Present were: Keith Alverson, Barbara Berx, Francisco Chavez, Dave Checkley,
Candyce Clark, Vicki Fabry, John Gunn, Julie Hall, Eric Lindstrom, David Meldrum,
Carolin Richter, Martin Visbeck, and Albert Fischer (secretariat).
Not present were: Peter Burkill, Stan Wilson, Mike Meredith, Pedro Monteiro and
José Muelbert, who had all previously sent their regrets at not being available to call
in.
2. Clarity on the concept of a framework, draft framework outline
Gunn introduced the first document for the meeting (Annex 1), a revised version of
the ‘Further ideas’ document he and co-chair Eric Lindstrom drafted for the previous
teleconference, focusing on the preamble “What a framework is / a framework is not”.
The task team members generally had a positive reaction to this clarification.
Discussion centered on:
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Would the observing framework include variables/information from outside
the ocean, including for example socioeconomic information important to
answering questions about fisheries? On this point the co-chairs’ first
reactions were different from each other, and Visbeck suggested the
framework would have to define the scope of what it was trying to organize,
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and that socioeconomic information would have to be addressed either in a
parallel framework or directly in ours.
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How would the task team deal with the governance of the ocean observing
system? This was flagged as a tricky area by some task team members.
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The framework should make it clear that its priority is to build an integrated
system that allowed for scientific research and the development of
information pulling together physical, chemical, biological, and other
information as needed. This was a different direction than the original system
proposed at OceanObs’99 which focused on climate, and therefore on
physics but also on ocean carbon.
ACTION for all team members - to review the document in Annex 1 and provide
Fischer with suggestions on how to clarify the principles.
3. The audience for the framework
The discussion of the definition of a framework and the draft outline drew the
question from a number of the participants: who is the intended audience for the
team’s recommended framework?
Formally it is the international science or observing system coordination bodies that
are the sponsors of the task team (see oceanobs09.net/wg/sponsors.php). The team
would ask these bodies for action to implement the framework they recommend.
Alverson noted that the IOC Executive Council in June 2010 was expected to
formally ask for the recommendations of the team so it could consider implications
for IOC-related programmes, including GOOS, GCOS, WCRP, and IODE.
Team members suggested that the framework should also speak to national entities
that are stakeholders in an ocean observing system. It would make clearer how they
contribute in an international context, and could help clarify the already complex and
tough-to-penetrate international set of organizing and coordinating activities. It could
also provide national programs with guiding principles, and potentially an entry into
finding funding to help develop a national program.
The framework as it is fleshed out would also have to make it clear how it added
value to participants, and this would have to be made explicit.
ACTION for Fischer - to revise the outline of the framework (Annex 2) to include
these ideas.
4. Building on existing structures
The mandate of the task team (see oceanobs09.net/wg/tor.php) asks for
consideration of how to best take advantage of existing structures. Annex 4 is a
preliminary catalogues of the international and intergovernmental organizational
structures with interest in ocean observations (coordination or use), and Annex 5 a
preliminary catalogue of sustained ocean observing networks, both compiled by the
secretariat. Fischer noted that at this point there was sure to be gaps.
Gunn hoped that the framework would suggest a governance model that was simpler
and more cost-effective for the many organizations involved, to recognize that
overlaps are inefficient.
Team members discussed the need to describe or map the structures that are
already in place, in order to build a framework that includes them, and adds value to
existing structures. This was thought by many to be a challenge, but a key one for
the team to face. Key questions to be answered:
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Who is doing what currently in observations?
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What are the structures needs for observations?
What is working? What is not working? What are the comparative advantages
and disadvantages of each structure?
Lindstrom suggested as a first step that each team member collect some basic
information about their primary sponsor (see oceanobs09.net/wg/sponsors.php).
ACTION for all team members - fill in a template to be sent out by the secretariat
that describes they key attributes of their primary sponsor, one of the structures that
will be a part of an overall framework to integrate sustained ocean observations.
5. Focus on first face-to-face meeting
Questions about the logistics of travel support for the first meeting and how to
ACTION for all team members - to make contact with the leadership of their primary
sponsoring organization (see oceanobs09.net/wg/members.php) ahead of the first
face-to-face meeting to inform them of progress and discuss their key priorities for
the framework.
ACTION for Fischer with team members - make contact with sponsoring
organizations reminding them of their commitment to support team members travel,
and to identify the procedures for doing so.
ACTION for co-chairs and Fischer - prepare a draft agenda of the face-to-face
meeting.
6. Closing
Gunn thanked all the participants and closed the teleconference about one hour after
it had begun.
The next teleconference was later set for 27 April 2010, early evening GMT time (to
be announced).
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Annex 1
Further ideas on the framework and its principles
draft 24 March 2010
What a framework is:
A definition from the business world:
It is a basic conceptual structure to allow homogenous handling of different business
objects. I.e. business units (BU). It also increases Management discipline. It predefines common deliverables to and from each Business Object. A framework is a
well defined tactic to, with simplicity, master the complex environment of an
organization.
The framework:
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should have guiding principles that provide the structure to hang specifics on
has to be governable
should be appealing to join
has to add up to more than the sum of its parts
A framework is not:
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the exact variables that will be addressed
a prescriptive plan for the next 10 years
technical detail of what will be observed
Guiding Principles
(continued from the 'Initial Ideas' document with further input from the co-chairs and
task team members)
1. We would like the organization to gain strength and international buy-in by being
aligned and responsive to International Framework Conventions and Treaties.
2. Our priority for the organizing (high-level international management) effort and our
framework development will be sustained, global observation systems.
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From the OceanObs'09 conference statement: "Core principles of
participation in the sustained observing system include recognition
that users require rapid access to all relevant data, free of charge. An
integrated system, making use of remotely sensed and in-situ
observations is essential. Observations are openly shared in near-realtime when technically feasible. They are collected, analyzed, archived,
and distributed to internationally agreed standards with agreed best
practices"
Observation systems include: observing, data management,
services/applications, where research is a major application
In observing: plans should maintain a focus on variables - this allows
management against requirements with a long shelf life and allows for
technology changes (within the climate monitoring principle framework)
The human impact on the ocean should be included
Coordination should center on major stakeholders (including financial
'patrons') while working to increase the number of stakeholders - these
stakeholders can include NGOs and private foundations
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A small number of plans with a large number of advocates (a multi-purpose
system, integrated across local and global needs and across disciplines) will
gain the greatest traction
 The framework should seek to provide societal benefit, but not forget that
science sometimes delivers surprising benefit; it will need to include outreach
and community engagement
 The framework needs a feedback loop between the services coming out of
the observing system and the requirements expressed on it
 The framework should actively encourage technology development and
infusion, and pilot projects
 The framework should consider feasibility and impact when encouraging
investment
 The global framework encourages nations and institutions to participate in a
system larger than any one nation or institution can build
 The framework has to allow progress within small communities
3. We should take advantage of existing organization and build a new framework for
management/development of ocean observing by encouraging new alliances,
partnerships, and expanded coordination. New bodies and working groups should
be created only to fill uncovered essential functions in the new framework.
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Annex 2
Strawman outline for an
Integrated International Framework for Sustained Ocean Observations
24 March 2010
areas highlighted (items 3, 4, 5) are the core of the task team’s work
1. Value of the ocean and ocean observations
 weather, climate variability and change
 conservation of marine biodiversity and ecosystem services
 sustainable management of living marine resources
 delivery of ocean services and support of coastal zone management
 security and safety of life at sea
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International conventions requiring ocean observations
2. Opportunities and challenges for ocean observations
 Building on existing efforts: wealth of material from OceanObs'09
 The vision of OceanObs'09
 Numerous international coordinating efforts already
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bridging research and sustained observing systems
pulling together observing networks (in situ and satellite), data
management, products, information and assessment
incorporating innovation (in technology, in the assessments needed,
etc.)
Why is a framework needed? Who is asking for it?
3. What is the framework?
 What does it need to deliver?
 What capabilities are needed?
 What skills and infrastructure are needed?
 How will it be implemented?
4. Governance / coordination
 How can we build multiple supporting voices for a small number of
global plans?
 When implementation action is primarily at the national level, what is
needed at the international and/or intergovernmental level?
5. Relationship to other frameworks
 GEOSS framework for an earth observing system of systems
 regional and national frameworks for marine policy, ocean research,
etc.
 future UN framework for Global Marine Assessments
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Annex 3
Potential top-level governing conventions that need ocean observations
Weather and climate
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UNFCCC UN Framework Convention on Climate Change - the ocean
observations written into the GCOS Implementation Plan by the GCOSGOOS-WCRP Ocean Observations Panel for Climate (OOPC) are in
response to a direct request by the UNFCCC
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change - the assessment of
scientific knowledge on climate change depends on studies and projections
that draw on ocean observations. The Panel does not formally identify its
ocean observing needs, but has participated in a workshop with GCOS and
WCRP to do so. It has identified a lack of research in the impacts and
vulnerability of natural and human systems to climate change, which reflect a
lack of both observations and research.
WMO convention for meteorological observations (1947)
Ocean ecosystems / biology
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CBD Convention on Biological Diversity - Focuses on: the conservation of
biological diversity; the sustainable use of the components of biological
diversity; and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the
utilization of genetic resources
o COP decision V/6 – guiding and operating principles for Ecosystem
Approach “The ecosystem approach is a strategy for the integrated
management of land, water and living resources that promotes
conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way. Thus, the
application of the ecosystem approach will help to reach a balance of
the three objectives of the Convention"
UN Commission for sustainable development CSD /Agenda 21 will focus on
Oceans and Seas in 2014-2015
World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
Fisheries
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FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
(http://www.fao.org/docrep/005/v9878e/v9878e00.HTM) scientifically
highlights need for muli-disciplinarity
“This Code sets out principles and international standards of behaviour for
responsible practices with a view to ensuring the effective conservation,
management and development of living aquatic resources, with due respect
for the ecosystem and biodiversity. The Code recognises the nutritional,
economic, social, environmental and cultural importance of fisheries, and the
interests of all those concerned with the fishery sector. The Code takes into
account the biological characteristics of the resources and their environment
and the interests of consumers and other users. States and all those involved
in fisheries are encouraged to apply the Code and give effect to it.”

Reykjavik Declaration on Responsible Fisheries in the Marine Ecosystem
(pdf)
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“Ecosystem approach” related (From Turrell “The Policy Basis Of The
“Ecosystem Approach" To Fisheries Management” FRS Internal Report)
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Regional
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EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (pdf) (Good Environmental Status)
“The MSFD outlines a transparent, legislative framework for an ecosystembased approach to the management of human activities which supports the
sustainable use of marine goods and services. The overarching goal of the
Directive is to achieve ‘Good Environmental Status’ (GES) by 2020 across
Europe’s marine environment.” (more about)
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UNEP regional seas conventions; i.e. Helsinki/Barcelona/Bucharest/OSPAR
Conventions (EcoQOs): The Regional Seas Programme aims to address the
accelerating degradation of the world’s oceans and coastal areas through the
sustainable management and use of the marine and coastal environment, by
engaging neighbouring countries in comprehensive and specific actions to
protect their shared marine environment. 140 countries in 18 regions, with 14
conventions.
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CCAMLR – the Commission for the Convention of Antarctic Marine Living
Resources.
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Antarctic Treaty, possibly, which includes statements about environmental
protection.
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Annex 4
Existing guidance and management bodies for sustained
global observations
first draft inventory 24 March 2010
from the OceanObs'09 negotiated Conference Statement, with further input from task
team members
At the global level,
the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC), the World
Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and the
International Council for Science (ICSU) sponsor the Global Climate Observing
System (GCOS), the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) and the World
Climate Research Program (WCRP), which have taken the lead in formulating the
present plan for the sustained global ocean observing system.
The GCOS Climate Monitoring Principles provide guidance on continuity and quality
of observations for establishment of climate records.
GOOS has two panels, the Ocean Observations Panel for Climate (OOPC), shared
with GCOS and WCRP, which provides scientific advice on the open-ocean / climate
observing system for climate research, monitoring, and projections; and the Panel for
Integrated Coastal Observations (PICO) which provides scientific advice on the
coastal module of GOOS.
The satellite agencies of the world also play a fundamental role in the integrated
observing system, and the Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) has
helped coordinate a global response to needs.
Nations have been urged to act on this GCOS Implementation Plan by the UN
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Group on Earth
Observations (GEO).
The WMO-IOC Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine
Meteorology (JCOMM) and its partner global observing networks coordinate
observations, standards and the data system for much of the physical and carbon
ocean observing system. JCOMMOPS provides technical coordination for a number
of global ocean observing networks. The Services and Forecast Systems area of
JCOMM is coordinating development of ocean services.
ICSU’s Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR) coordinates international
ocean research that has and will develop observing techniques and networks that
become a part of the sustained ocean observing system.
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) facilitates and coordinates
research in the Antarctic and Southern Ocean.
The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO), a forum for leaders
of major oceanographic institutions responsible for implementation and operation of
various observing elements, advocates integrated global ocean observing systems
and helps build the capacity to make them a reality.
The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is committed to a
strengthened role for scientific research on marine ecosystems as a basis for advice
that is unbiased, sound, reliable, and credible, to the benefit of management and
conservation of marine ecosystems and living marine resources.
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The North Pacific Marine Science Organization (PICES) coordinates scientific
research and observations on marine environment, ecosystems, and their living
resources in the North Pacific and its marginal seas.
The Census of Marine Life (CoML) is global network to assess and explain the
diversity, distribution, and abundance of life in the oceans.
The International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) and its marine projects
promote the development of ocean observing techniques and provide research
results that will become a growing part of a global integrated ocean observing
system.
At the regional and national level,
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meteorological agencies,
oceanographic agencies,
space agencies,
fisheries agencies,
research funding agencies,
marine research institutions,
ocean-related service providers,
regional alliances and the Large Marine Ecosystem (LME) programs
are all key contributors to a sustained ocean observing and information system.
----------------------Could also consult the recent consultant study by Jim Baker, which has considered
many of the issues that we are concerning ourselves. so that we can concentrate on
developing rather than duplicating.
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Annex 5
Existing sustained ocean observing networks
first draft inventory 24 March 2010
Satellite observing networks
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Ocean Surface Topography Virtual Constellation (CEOS members)
Ocean Colour Radiometry Virtual Constellation (CEOS members)
Ocean Surface Vector Wind Virtual Constellation (CEOS members)
[based on individual missions]
In situ observing networks
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JCOMM Data Buoy Cooperation Panel - surface drifting buoys, tropical
moored arrays, and ice buoys
JCOMM Ship Observations Team - surface meteorological measurements
from Volunteer Observing Ships (VOS) and surface and subsurface
oceanographic measurements in the Ships of Opportunity Program (SOOP)
JCOMM GLOSS global network of sea level gauges
Argo profiling float network
OceanSITES coordination of ocean timeseries stations and critical current
and transport monitoring
GO-SHIP program of trans-basin ship-based hydrography for physics and
carbon
IOCCP coordination of ocean carbon measurements
SAHFOS-CPR Continuous Plankton Recorder
[Census of Marine Life - but what will be sustained?]
Data management networks / coordination
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IOC International Oceanographic Data and Information Exchange (IODE)
network of national marine data centers
JCOMM Data Management Programme Area (DMPA) standards for real-time
exchange of oceanographic data
OBIS Ocean Biogeographic Information System
GTSPP Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Programme
GOSUD Global Ocean Surface Underway Data
ICOADS International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set
Service networks / coordination
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Group for High-Resolution Sea Surface Temperature (GHRSST)
GODAE/OceanView development of ocean forecasting systems
JCOMM Expert Team on Operational Ocean Forecast Systems (ET-OOFS)
standards and coordination for ocean forecast products, need for
observations
Regional coordination
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SOOS Southern Ocean Observing System
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iAOOS Integrated Arctic Observing System
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ICES monitoring: member countries of ICES individually and in collaboration
undertake physical and biological monitoring activities
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GOOS regional alliances
MyOcean "is the implementation project of the GMES Marine Core Service,
aiming at deploying the first concerted and integrated pan-European capacity
for Ocean Monitoring and Forecasting.”
Combining space and in-situ observations, as well as assimilation into 3D
models.
EMECO European Marine Ecosystem Observatory – “is a consortium of
European Marine Institutes that aim to integrate marine environmental
monitoring, ecosystem modelling, and coastal and ocean research to provide
a holistic approach to improve understanding of the status and predict future
changes in ecosystem structure and function.”
EDIOS European Directory of the Ocean Observing System – metadatabase,
not really an active programme
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