Interdisciplinary ocean observing applications for investigating coastal hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico

Despite advances in ocean observing technologies, operational difficulties and constraints with surveying in coastal waters still remain. Coastal observing awareness has increased recently with the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Deepwater Horizon oil spill, hurricanes, and persistent environmental hazards, such as harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. To overcome limitations in coastal sampling, we implemented an interdisciplinary approach by integrating traditional ocean observing platforms with advanced shipboard instrumentation and high-resolution numerical models. This integrative effort improves the monitoring and prediction of coastal hypoxia in the GOM. This publication provides an overview our effort by presenting historical, survey, and model observations specific to investigating hypoxia on the TX shelf. The discussion will highlight future directions for integrating and analyzing these data sources and emphasize how coastal integration of these resources can significantly improve coastal hazard science in the GOM.