ODIN: a new ocean data and information network for the St. Lawrence river and the Atlantic Canada region

Atmospheric and water properties information are keys to the understanding of our environment. Along the coastline, the harmonious coexistence between the environment and economic growth is continually challenged by the large population and the anthropogenic impacts on the coastal waters. This paper describes concepts, components and benefits around the development of the new Canadian Ocean Data and Information Network (ODIN). This environmental monitoring and disseminating system, called ODIN and previously COWLIS (Coastal Ocean Water Level Information System), has been operating since 1990 to monitor, validate, predict and disseminate water levels from tide gauges owned by the Canadian Hydrographic Service. Main ports throughout Canada, in particular on the St. Lawrence River, are served by ODIN. This system is being installed in Quebec Region as part of a ship draft management system and in the Atlantic Canada Region For different oceanographic and hydrographic purposes. ODIN is being expended to include other coastal parameters such as temperature, salinity and weather