Transitioning NOAA Moored Buoy Systems From Research to Operations

After the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004 the eyes of the world searched for the tools to reduce the risk of such hazards in the future. Initiated under the National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program (NTHMP), the symbol of this effort has been the NOAA Deep-ocean and Assessment and Reporting of Tsunami (DART) station. With support from the President, over the next 18 months NOAA will expand deployment of the DART station network across the Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean and Indian oceans. But what more does this buoy represent? It represents operationalized science that will deliver data, change international policies, and forge new partnerships that serve multiple purposes. It has the promise of infusing research results into a 24-7 operational real-time warning system with fewer false alarms and set the stage for a tsunami forecast system that will help communities become more resilient to tsunami and related coastal hazards. This is of course a challenge with the high expectation that buoys must be part of a durable and sustainable network of observations, communications, and understanding. To deploy and maintain such a network is a test of technical, capacity, and fiscal commitment. To create and leverage partnerships and to harmonize the expertise of experts is required to achieve the desired benefits. But what else does it represent beyond budget constraints and personal challenges. It represents an opportunity for Government agencies to work with Academia and Industry to recognize a new focus on buoys to deliver the benefits of saving lives, property, economy and livelihoods across the globe. NOAA has protected and made available DART technology by working with all stakeholders, offering functional specifications and designing network capabilities. In recent weeks, commercial and industrial vendors have captured these lessons and begun delivering equipment and knowhow into the hands of individuals, organizations, and countries. NOAA considers - - this a success story but also only the beginning of what is the promise of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and the Global Earth Observing System of Systems. This somewhat simple buoy project within the Tsunami Program is a catalyst for real time information and knowledge, government-industry partnerships, and research to applications. In coming years we anticipate buoy stations becoming more multipurpose and multiuse, serving ecosystem, climate, weather, ocean, and commerce goals. At the same time, buoy-related IOOS and GEOSS projects will be vehicles for breaking down political and policy barriers by promoting data sharing and technology transfer. NOAA welcomes all buoy stakeholders to work with us and with new partners on research, operational, and commercial opportunities as we strive to deliver on the benefits of a truly global Earth observing system of systems