Pilot: Gulf of Maine 2nd Workshop Report
Second Workshop on the
Pilot Census of Marine Life in the Gulf of Maine
National Academy of Sciences J. Erik Jonsson Woods Hole Center,
314 Quissett Avenue, Woods Hole, MA
9 and 10 May 2001
Dear Colleague:
Your participation in the recent workshop is indeed appreciated. The discussions that took place both in plenary and in working groups were valuable. These point clearly to a number of actions to be taken in the near future, including establishing a steering committee, enunciation of a science plan, definition of an education and public outreach program, consolidation of ideas in proposal form, coordination of these, and development of a master schedule.
It is the present aim to acknowledge discussions held at the workshop in a form that may serve as an aide memoir, if less rigorous than minutes would be. At the same time, it may be useful to mention some post-workshop discussions that were stimulated by the proceedings and which are advancing preparations for a pilot census beginning in 2002.
Day 1, 9 May: morning session
WORKSHOP GOALS
The goals of the workshop were stated: (1) To present and discuss a draft science plan. (2) To review Gulf of Maine research resources. (3) To conduct working group meetings. (4) To discuss making the pilot census reality, including institutional and political considerations. (5) To decide on next steps.
SCIENCE PLAN
A science plan was described. The basic proposal is to survey the spectrum of organisms in the Gulf of Maine and nearby sea areas in 2002 and 2003 to determine distribution and abundance by taxon, diversity, and relationships of the organisms to other organisms and to the environment. The basic approach is to divide the spectrum of organisms into functional groups that are amenable to the same or similar kinds of sampling and observation. Five groups were mentioned: small pelagic organisms, fishes and squids, large vertebrates, offshore subtidal benthos, and intertidal and nearshore subtidal benthos. The oceanography would be defined by the Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System, supplemented by in situ observations of the environment. Sampling and observation would be performed within a synoptic, synchronous, coordinated program, aided by modern tools of sampling and observation, including especially remote sensing techniques based on underwater acoustics and underwater optics. Data would be managed within a framework defined by the Gulf of Maine Biogeographic Information System (GMBIS). Data synthesis would be completed in 2004.
Challenges of the pilot census were enumerated: (1) designing programs of observation and sampling for each functional group of organisms, (2) effecting the programs: harnassing technology to render research tools operational from the appropriate platforms, (3) combining data on organisms and environment to link the responses of biota to changes in oceanography, (4) quantifying biodiversity from primary taxonomy to regional diversity, (5) data management to make data available to the research community via GMBIS with the Environmental Analysis System (EASy), (6) ensuring numerical accuracy of results, as for use in models, and (7) observing and sampling the Slope Water and New England Seamounts.
Scientific benefits are rendering state-of-the-art tools operational, extending the working depth of tools, deriving a new understanding of the Gulf of Maine as an ecosystem, quantifying biodiversity, and providing reliable numbers for modeling. Fishing-industry and societal benefits include translating research tools into operational on-board devices for remote sizing and species identification for pre-capture selectivity, and ultimately an operational scheme for biological oceanography.
GULF OF MAINE RESEARCH RESOURCES
A number of current research resources were reviewed.
Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS). N. Pettigrew described sources of data. These include moored buoys for oceanographic measurements along the coast and in one basin. A total of four Coastal Ocean Dynamics Applications Radar (CODAR) antennas will be sited on the shore of the Gulf of Maine. It is hoped that these will enable the surface currents to be mapped. Buoy and CODAR data augmented by National Weather Service data will be used in a general circulation model to produce daily nowcasts and forecasts of currents and circulation patterns inter alia. These will be published on the Intergalactic Network (Internet). [Contact: Phillip Bogden, CEO, GoMOOS, bogden@gomoos.org] More information on GoMOOS is provided in Appendix A, prepared by J. D. Irish.
Northeast Consortium. A. Rosenberg, speaking on behalf of A. Bucklin, described the history and nature of this organization and its promotion of fishers in Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts in research. The goals of the Consortium are to develop partnerships among commercial fishers and researchers, educators, and coastal managers; to enable fishers to participate in research; to bring fishers’s information, experience, and expertise into research; and to equip and utilize commercial fishing vessels as research and monitoring platforms. The constraint that the proportion of funds between fishers and researchers be 75:25% was acknowledged to be difficult to fulfill. Priorities include, among other things, gear research and development. Total budgets, including administrative costs, are $2M in 2000 and $5M in 2001.
Centre for Marine Biodiversity. K. Zwanenburg, speaking on behalf of E. Kenchington, who was also present, described this new non-profit society, which was established in August 2000. Its raison d’etre is to provide a home for diversity work being done in the Gulf of Maine and other sea areas, with the mandate being to enhance the scientific capacity in support of biodiversity. Plans for a workshop were outlined. These include, among other things, developing Canada’s approach to the Census of Marine Life. Potential outcomes of Centre work may be a determination of the applicability of existing ecological theory and its generalizations to marine biodiversity, perhaps ultimately to answer the question of what controls marine biodiversity.
Gulf of Maine Biogeographic Information System (GMBIS).D. Kiefer described the goals of this component of the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) and two scientific themes. The themes are (1) biogeographical setting: large-scale topography, climatological and seasonal variations in the Gulf of Maine region, stock structure and mixing, with applications to, for example, the sea scallop, and biological distribution in relationship to fine-scale seabed structures; and (2) temporal variability: marine population persistence despite environmental change, interannual variability in haddock, and interannual variability in plankton and haddock early-life-history stages on the Scotian Shelf. Software developed within the Environmental Analysis System (EASy) was illustrated with the assistance of V. Tsontos.
National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) surveys.Firstly, W. Gabriel presented an overview of Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) survey program objectives, summarizing the temporal and spatial coverage of three bottom trawl surveys, six ecosystem monitoring surveys using Bongo nets for zooplankton, twelve transect surveys using Continuous Plankton Recorders (CPRs) on ships of opportunity, two acoustic surveys, northern shrimp survey, sea scallop survey, and surf clam and ocean quahog survey. All surveys except the surf clam and ocean quahog survey are conducted at least on an annual basis. Three ecosystem monitoring surveys are conducted jointly with bottom trawl surveys, involving concurrent collection of hydrographic, zooplankton, acoustic, benthic fish, and invertebrate data. Benthic habitat surveys are also conducted in cooperation with investigators from other government and academic institutions. A number of interests were described. These include application of advanced technology to expand types, amount, quality, and quantity of data collected during surveys, as well as intercalibration of historical and state-of-the-art sampling methods, and expansion of survey capabilities for small pelagic fish and zooplankton; mapping spatial and temporal characteristics and co-occurrences; and leveraging short- and long-term time series. Secondly, D. Palka reviewed the marine mammal surveys conducted by NEFSC, noting the scope and aim of large-scale surveys, including determination of the abundance of cetacean and trophic-level relationships. The use of planes and ships, CTD sonde, Bongo nets, and sea-surface temperature (SST) data was described. Smaller-scale surveys aim to determine the distribution of one or two cetacean species over several months. Smaller-scale process studies are performed for right whales and pilot whales. Information on seals is determined from aerial surveys over haulout sites. Sea turtles are being surveyed from the air in a pilot study. Significantly, in 2002, budget permitting, there will be an abundance survey performed in the Gulf of Maine, Bay of Fundy, and Scotian Shelf. A major target species will be the harbor porpoise.
National Undersea Research Program (NURP). Work being done at the regional center at the University of Connecticut was reviewed by I. G. Babb. Facilities include the new 77′ research vessel “Connecticut” and new laboratory at the Avery Point campus in Groton, Connecticut. Applications of human occupied vehicles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and NITROX diving in regional research were described. Advances in technology development are represented by the Benthic Shuttle System, ROV-mounted suction samplers and box corers, and high-resolution imaging systems. These kinds of technologies are useful because trawls and other nets do not always work well in rugged topography. Additional operations requiring a high level of expertise include sampling nutrients and contaminants and measuring fluxes of materials in situ. Education and outreach are major components of NURP work. A separate NOAA-funded project designed to rescue and provide web-based access to underwater videos was reviewed as a potential screening and planning tool for the Census of Maine Life. Ocean exploration, focusing on deep-sea corals, is a collaborative effort being initiated along the East Coast. Exploration of National Marine Sanctuaries and ocean resources are being pursued with the Office of Exploration, as are ocean observing systems. There is a general awareness of the potential for contributions to the Census of Marine Life.
Day 1, 9 May: afternoon
WORKING GROUP PLANS
Offshore subtidal benthos. L. Watling summarized discussions held over the past year. These have yielded a detailed proposal plan for surveying offshore subtidal benthos in the Gulf of Maine. This approach extends the knowledge gained from sampling at discrete stations to a wider area by means of multibeam sonar bathymetry and backscatter. Initially, sonar mapping would be conducted along four 10-km-wide corridors, with the following endpoints: Stellwagen Bank Northeast Channel, Georges Bank Jordan Basin, Great South Channel Platts Basin, and Georges Bank German Bank. These span a significant diversity of environments. One of the corridors includes deep-sea corals. Georges Bank is mostly ignored because much is already known about this area. Invertebrates would be physically sampled by grabs and box corers, among other devices. The target date for proposal submission is August 2001.
Large vertebrates. W. Montevecchi summarized discussions held at a working group meeting at the New England Aquarium in Boston on 20 March 2001. The perturbed nature of the Gulf of Maine was noted. The temporal scale is partly defined by the seasonal fluxes of large vertebrates and other animals moving into, out of, and through the system. Major questions concern the movement of animals and identification of their respective niches. Research hypotheses may be formulated on the basis of (1) comparisons of large-scale patterns of oceanographic and biogeographic processes, (2) large-scale seasonal pulses and movements of animals into, out of, and through the Gulf of Maine, (3) climate change: animals at the northern and southern limit of their range should be most sensitive to environmental change, (4) species at risk, including human impacts and differential effects in coastal, offshore pelagic, and benthic zones, (5) a regime shift among fish from the demersal to the pelagic, (6) historic reconstructions, and (7) marine protected areas: influences of site locations. A preliminary draft proposal for censusing large predatory animals, marine mammals, and seabirds in an exploration of biophysical relationships has been circulated among working group participants. Discussions being conducted at this workshop will continue on 11 May and in the immediate future.
Small pelagic organisms. L. Madin reported on discussions held at a working group meeting in Woods Hole on 17 April 2001. Means of sampling and observing organisms were summarized. (1) Viruses Their role and importance is uncertain. Sampling can be readily accomplished through water bottles. DNA probes may be used for detection and other laboratory characterization. (2) Bacteria These can be collected through water-bottle sampling. Detection and quantification can be effected through epifluorescence, flow cytometry, and DNA probes. (3) Phytoplankton Sampling by water bottle is a convenient method. Conventional microscopy and/or flow cytometry can be useful for identification and quantification. (4) Microzooplankton Sampling may be accomplished by water bottle. Some semi-automated microscope techniques are available for identification. FlowCAM may be used for most protists and larvae. Staining techniques would not be species-specific. (5) Mesozooplankton Physical samples may be collected with nets or pumps. Microscopic sorting may be aided by automation. Optical sampling devices include the Optical Plankton Counter (OPC), Video Plankton Recorder (VPR), and Zooplankton Visualization System (ZOOVIS). Acoustic sampling may be effected with a number of high-frequency systems, for example, scientific echo sounders with hull-mounted transducers operating at frequencies above about 100 kHz and the BIOMAPER II acoustic system. Bioluminescence, when present, may be exploited for detection and quantification. (6) Macrozooplankton and gelatinous zooplankton Sampling by plankton net or trawl is often difficult. Alternative means of observation and quantification may be achieved by optical devices such as ZOOVIS and the Large-Area Plankton Imaging System, which will have a field of view 2 m by 2 m in cross section and 20-cm deep.
Intertidal and subtidal nearshore benthos. J. Pederson illustrated an approach to the study of benthos, namely a rapid assessment survey of non-indigenous species on floating docks in Massachusetts. To effect this, about a dozen taxonomic experts were brought together to help identify native and non-indigenous species. A group of benthic scientists will be meeting in Woods Hole on 17 May 2001 to discuss developing a survey program for intertidal and nearshore subtidal benthos to a depth of 20 m.
Fishes and squids. A working group will be meeting for the first time at the workshop to discuss the needs of NMFS for enhanced surveying and the role of remote-sensing technology, such as that based on underwater sound, to meet these needs.
New England Seamounts. L. Mullineaux summarized the aims of a proposal to survey the megafauna on Bear and Physalia Seamounts at approximately 1100 and 1800 m, respectively. Concepts of seamounts as hot spots of benthic biomass, hosts to endemic fauna, islands with isolated metapopulations, and potential sites of deep-water fisheries were mentioned. The approach is to focus on megafauna community structures, and to use camera systems, ROVs, and manned submersibles to target sampling.
WORKING GROUP MEETINGS
The following working groups met in the late afternoon:
Benthos, subsuming both
Offshore subtidal benthos – L. Watling
Intertidal and nearshore subtidal benthos – J. Pederson
Pedall pelagic organisms – J. Rines
Fishes and squids – S. Murawski
Large vertebrates – W. Montevecchi
New England Seamounts – L. Mullineaux
Data issues – D. Kiefer
Integration and synthesis – M. Fogarty
Making the pilot census happen – C. Hunt
Charge to the working groups. This was formulated on the basis of discussions in the morning and early afternoon; namely, to (1) document patterns of biodiversity for individual taxa within each functional group, (2) relate patterns of biodiversity to the environment, (3) relate patterns of communities as a whole to the environment, and (4) describe what new knowledge about organisms can contribute to understanding their natural history. Caveats were mentioned: that the fieldwork is to be performed within a two-year period beginning in 2002, that the temporal and spatial resolution would inevitably be limited, and that the taxonomic resolution would also be limited. In the case of the working groups on organisms, three questions were to be answered: (1) Is there adequate knowledge about the organisms at present? (2) What does “adequate” mean? (3) What are the priorities in view of the caveats?
Day 1, 9 May: evening
RESEARCH ON THE BIGGEST SCALE
Four postprandial talks were given under the constraint that the cumulative time not exceed one hour.
Census of Marine Life. J. Ausubel described the Census of Marine Life as a chance for marine life and the community to get a boost from increased support for science. There is a range of on-going activities that constitute the Census of Marine Life. These include, for example, a number of pilot projects that are being planned or executed. The Pilot Census of Marine Life in the Gulf of Maine is one of six pilot projects. Some other pilot projects include a survey of biological life along the mid-Atlantic Ridge from the Azores to Iceland, tagging of salmon in the Pacific Ocean to determine the distribution and abundance of their populations, and a top-down look at diversity in the western Pacific Ocean. The Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS) was initiated by the Census of Marine Life, with broad institutional participation and international scope. OBIS may be the greatest legacy of the Census of Marine Life. It may, for example, supply the answers to some of the basic questions asked in the morning session. The importance of education and outreach to the future of the Census and to increased public support for ocean science is to be emphasized. A number of international organizations have endorsed the Census. These include ICES, IOC, PICES, and SCOR. Official endorsement at the world summit conference on sustainable development, “Rio + 10″, to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2002, is being sought. Support by private foundations remains strong. In the long term, governments must provide support if the Census is to succeed.
Sustainability and large marine ecosystems. K. Sherman distributed two reprints at the outset, one of “An ecosystems-based approach to the restoration and sustainability of global coastal waters”, published by the LME Program Office, NMFS-NOAA, and the report “Sustainability science” by R. W. Kates et al., Science, 292, 641 (2001). After outlining the issue of sustainability, the concept of the large marine ecosystem (LME) was introduced and the corresponding approach to ecosystem management was briefly described. The strategy of the LME program is organized about five modules focusing on productivity, fish and fisheries, pollution and ecosystem health, socio-economics, and governance. For monitoring ocean productivity, a “New Shuttle” undulating towed coastal ocean sampling system was described. The New Shuttle allows measurement of a number of oceanographic variables in situ including, among others, temperature, salinity, chlorophyll, dissolved oxygen, and for the first time, primary productivity through the Fast Repetition Rate Fluorometer.
Ocean Exploration initiative. L. Mayer reviewed “Discovering Earth’s final frontier”, presenting a history and overview of panel discussions. These resulted in the recommendation that the U.S. undertake a national program in ocean exploration over the next ten years in which discovery and the spirit of challenge are the cornerstones. New funding should be made available at the rate of $75M per year, excluding capital costs. Existing inter-agency mechanisms should be used to ensure cooperation among agencies. An ocean exploration forum should be established to include the commercial, academic, private, and non-governmental sectors. Thus far, NOAA has taken the lead. In a concluding digression on a current topic of interest, multibeam sonar mapping of Portsmouth Harbor was described.
Ecosystem objectives for integrated ocean management. M. Sinclair posed the rhetorical question: If fisheries were managed on a single-stock basis, would the ecosystem be managed? The answer, according to ICES in 1997, is a resounding “no”, for issues of bycatch and genetic diversity, among other things, are neglected. The sea area defined by the western Scotian Shelf and Gulf of Maine was described as an Ocean Management Area (OMA). Some objectives of a management plan are maintenance of (1) species diversity, (2) genetic variability, (3) directly-impacted species, (4) ecologically-dependent species, and (5) trophic level balance, within a specified OMA. Importantly, these objectives are measurable. The usefulness of, for example, benthic habitat mapping, with overlying charts displaying different variables, was cited. Two conclusions are that there is a need for a state-of-the-ecosystem report and that there should be a report on the state of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem by the end of the pilot census. The value of such reports is provision of a broader interpretive context, as when a problem occurs with a species.
Day 2, 10 May: morning
PRECIS OF WORKING GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Précis or truncated reports were given on benthos by L. Watling, small pelagic organisms by J. Rines, fishes and squids by S. Murawski, large vertebrates by W. Montevecchi, integration and synthesis by M. Fogarty, and data issues by R. Groman.
MAKING THE PILOT CENSUS A REALITY: INSTITUTIONAL AND POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS
In prefatory comments, J. Ausubel asked that the working groups keep in mind three elements in the late-morning discussions: (1) a schedule of events, which would describe the sequence of work, quarter-by-quarter through 2004, and which would correctly sequence the range of actions to be taken, such as importing taxonomists, writing proposals, transferring data to GMBIS, having instruments manufactured, and completing tasks on time, (2) bottom-up ways to make the pilot census happen, including branding the project for recognition, using a variety of media coverage to create interest and public support, and (3) top-down ways to make this happen, naming the top 20-30 people in leadership positions who need to support this, including representatives from the fishing industry, and provincial, state, and national governments, as well as mechanisms to promote the pilot census.
C. Hunt reviewed the working group discussions, organizing these into the following six elements: (1) clarifying the mission of the Gulf of Maine pilot census, (2) clearly articulating a framework and scientific strategy, linking the regional program with the global program, (3) addressing the long-term horizon, beyond two years, (4) addressing the short-term horizon, less than two years, as by a proof of concept, (5) maximizing the coordination of field activities, and (6) establishing stakeholder outreach and education programs. The full outline is presented in Appendix B.
WORKING GROUP MEETINGS
Discussions within the following working groups resumed in the late morning:
Offshore subtidal benthos – L. Watling
Small pelagic organisms – J. Rines
Fishes and squids – S. Murawski
Large vertebrates – W. Montevecchi
Data issues – D. Kiefer
Making the pilot census happen – C. Hunt
Day 2, 10 May: afternoon
WORKING GROUP REPORTS
Report on “Making the pilot census a reality”.The working group on this topic proposed a mission statement, goal, and deliverable to focus the program. Critical program needs were addressed in summary fashion. The outline of the report is presented in Appendix C, prepared by C. Hunt and I. G. Babb.
Other working group reports were presented in the following order:
Offshore subtidal benthos – L. Watling
Intertidal and nearshore subtidal benthos – J. Pederson
Small pelagic organisms – J. Rines
Fishes and squids – S. Murawski
Large vertebrates – W. Montevecchi
New England Seamounts – M. Vecchione in behalf of L. Mullineaux
Data issues – D. Kiefer
In the interest of timeliness, no details are given here, except to indicate that…
In marked contrast to the earlier proceedings of the workshop, the working group reports were presented and/or debated at times with a superabundance of detail. The issue of sampling design, in particular, was considered pivotal by a number of participants, who insisted that this be discussed in plenary.
Program manager summary. J. Ausubel summarized his observations of the proceedings in a statement made in the very late afternoon. (1) Issues need to be resolved quickly. (2) There must be a return to bottom-up strategies to make the pilot census happen, coming forward to a viable organization. (3) Mechanisms must be created soon and visibly to demonstrate research community interest, as through formation of a consortium, for example. (4) Guidance must be given to working groups, as from a scientific steering committee. (5) Much integration and synthesis is necessary. (6) Schedules are required for planning the infrastructure. (7) Scheduling for 2002 is essential, whether involving piggybacking or collaborative research vessel cruises. (8) A master schedule for the period 2002-2004 must be assembled. In conclusion, the question was asked as to whether the community wants to organize itself and act in a coherent and timely manner.
Convenor summary. A personal view of the proceedings was given. (1) Fundamental issues were debated. (2) Discussions held in the working groups and in plenary addressed every single topic listed on the agenda. These were, moreover, valuable. (3) New directions and elements emerged or were enunciated, for example, that of forming a dynamic electronic atlas and of defining mechanisms for making the pilot census happen. (4) Cautionary advice on organizing to ensure integration and coordination of a series of projects had been given in plenary. (5) A belief in the potential of the participants to effect a pilot census was reiterated, but a dichotomy in point of view was emphasized as remaining unresolved: whether to attempt to perform a comprehensive census of marine life in the Gulf of Maine, or whether to perform a timely pilot census that may render research tools operational for use both in the Gulf of Maine and elsewhere in the world in support of the global Census of Marine Life.
NEXT STEPS INCLUDING ORGANIZATION OF WORKING GROUP SESSIONS ON 11 MAY
In the concluding plenary session, particular suggestions were made about a steering committee. Issues of integration and coordination were emphasized as being critical to the success of the pilot census. Both formal and informal discussions about workshop themes were encouraged.
Day 2, 10 May: evening, and
Day 3, 11 May: morning and afternoon
POST-WORKSHOP DISCUSSIONS
Substantive discussions were held in the evening of 10 May and in a series of working group meetings on 11 May. The upshot of these is summarized.
Offshore subtidal benthos. A proposal to NSF that involves surveying benthos during the period 2002-2003 was outlined in some detail, the project organization was agreed upon, writing assignments were made, and the proposal organization and submission determined. K. Foote and L. Watling are responsible for this.
Large vertebrates. Plans for assembling a proposal based on piggybacking on board research vessels were announced. W. Montevecchi is taking the lead in this effort.
Intertidal and subtidal nearshore benthos. Plans for a working group meeting to be held in Woods Hole on 17 May have been confirmed, with circulation of an agenda to the expected group of sixteen participants. J. Pederson will lead the meeting.
Fishes, squids, and zooplankton. Discussions reported by T. K. Stanton and J. Irish, also involving S. Murawski and J. M. Jech, have advanced rapidly. Design of a state-of-the-art sixteen-frequency acoustic system has been proposed by T. K. Stanton for assembly and deployment over the side of vessels engaged in routine surveys of fish, squid, macrozooplankton, and mesozooplankton already in 2002.
Small pelagic organisms, i.e., plankton. Discussions with J. Rines continue. Another working group will be convened to address the surveying of plankton in the period 2002 and 2003, but reflecting the discussions on the working group report presented in plenary on 10 May and earlier charge to the working groups.
Biodiversity and ecosystem metrics. An active discussion begun during the meeting of the working group on integration and synthesis continues. This aims to construct a dynamic atlas, provide sampling frame advice, and conduct exploratory biodiversity and ecosystem metric research. Principals in the post-workshop discussion include T. Smith, J. Link, and K. Zwanenburg.
Adaptive multivariate atlasing. A scheme for adaptive multivariate atlasing was outlined by D. Kiefer at a meeting on 11 May. A plan is being outlined for early actions to begin populating a dynamic electronic atlas with spatial and temporal information on organisms in the Gulf of Maine. D. Kiefer is responsible for constructing the primary plan.
Quantifying biodiversity. Discussions on methods for quantifying biodiversity by means of modern statistical techniques were addressed at a meeting with R. O’Connor, V. Starczak, and K. Foote on 11 May. If current investigations of Taylor’s Power Law are successful, a proposal for analysis of historical zooplankton data from the Northeast Shelf Ecosystem will be resubmitted to NSF in August 2001. The techniques are expected to be of some general use in studies requiring quantification of biodiversity.
New England Seamounts. L. Mullineaux may submit a proposal focused on megafauna of Bear and Physalia Seamounts in the course of the summer, 2001.
Kenneth G. Foote
Woods Hole, 22 May 2001.
Appendix A. Description of Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS), prepared by J. D. Irish
The Gulf of Maine Ocean Observing System (GoMOOS), Inc., is a non-profit corporation set up as the first of six proposed regional observatories around the U.S. coasts. It will provide the scientific and private sectors with oceanographic data products important to the usage and enjoyment of the Gulf of Maine. Sources of data include moored buoys for oceanographic measurements (currents, temperature, salinity, winds, waves and some bio-optical properties) along the coast and in Jordan basin. Four CODAR (Coastal Ocean Dynamics Applications Radar) systems will be located on the coast to cover an area from Nova Scotia to Cape Cod, and extending over half the way to Georges Bank. Hourly maps of surface currents will be produced. Satellite observations of sea surface temperature, scatterometer winds, and ocean color will also be collected and processed. Numeric models of general circulation, water properties (including nutrient and plankton distributions) will be run with input from the buoy network, CODAR, the National Weather Service, and Fleet Numerical predictions. NAVOCEANO, in conjunction with GoMOOS, is providing surface wave forecasts for the entire Gulf of Maine. Close coordination with the Canadian observations in the Gulf of Maine and Scotian shelf is also being made. These data will be merged with National Data Buoy Center buoy and CMAN stations observations, tide-gauge, and other weather station input, and served on the Internet to everyone without charge.
Appendix B. Precis of first meeting of working group on “Making the pilot census a reality”, 9 May 2001, prepared by C. Hunt
MAKING IT HAPPEN
1. Clarify the mission of the GOM Pilot Census of Marine Life
a.Research
b.Utilitarian (sustainability science)
c.Both?
d.Technology advance?
e.Snapshot of biodiversity or periodic?
2. Clearly articulate framework and scientific strategy for the program:
Linkage to Global Census activities
How regional pilot programs fit into national strategy
How national strategy fits into international strategy
3. Long-term (>2 year horizon):
a. Bring high-level Agency managers into the process to develop funding strategy/commitmentsb. Work within regional/state interestsEnsure Agencies are committed Ensure Agencies are coordinating
c. Set up mechanism to maintain Secretariat/Steering Committee post-Sloan
d. Ensure visibility of program
e. Establish added value to Agency missions
f. Address vessel availability/platforms (problematic in short term)
4. Short-term (<2 years; proof of concept studies)
a. Pursue funding under present federal-granting programs(1) NSF: Biocomplexity/Biodiversityb. Address research/technology needs but clearly link to Pilot Census mission and needs
(2) NOAA: Ocean Exploration
(3) NURP
(4) Sea Grant
(5) Agency coordination
(6) Other foundation funding (PEW, Packard, Sloan, etc.)
5.Maximize piggybacking and coordination of field activities
6.Stakeholder outreach/education program
Appendix C. Report of working group on “Making the pilot census a reality”, 9 and 10 May 2001, prepared by C. Hunt and I. G. Babb
MISSION STATEMENT
The Pilot Census of Marine Life for the Gulf of Maine will develop a dynamic, quantitative atlas of marine organisms based upon an integrated sampling design that will include the coupling of geologic, physical, chemical, and biological processes that determine their existence and sustainability.
GOAL
Develop a dynamic, quantitative biodiversity atlas that addresses
1. Community diversity at landscape and functional group levels, 2. Species diversity, 3. Genetic diversity,
and the metrics that describe and summarize the status of the Gulf of Maine (electronic and open for new data).
DELIVERABLE
Dynamic atlas and science papers [Purpose of deliverable: to structure the program, define needs, invite participation]
CRITICAL PROGRAM NEEDS
1. Program organizational definition
Strong/diverse steering committee Defined/authorities/role/responsibility Coordination/review of science Marketing/positioning/selling Outreach public, users, & agencies Central managementScience Positioning Outreach
2. Plan for positioning the program
Binational Regional/state Link to large global issues
3. Overall (master) sampling plan/rationale/integrate
4. Data management plan (developed up front)
5. Complete a catalogue of known species (who, where, when)
6. Funding plan
Matrix expression, indicating goals, time frame, funding source
7. Strong active follow-up from this meeting
Appendix D. List of workshop participants
Donald M. Anderson, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Biology
Peter Auster, University of Connecticut
Jesse H. Ausubel, Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Ivar G. Babb, University of Connecticut
Pamela Baker-Masson, CORE
Mark C. Benfield, Louisiana State University
James J. Bisagni, University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth: SMAST
Paul Bourdeau, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Secretariat
Bob Branton, DFO: Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Peter Cornillon, University of Rhode Island
Penelope Dalton, CORE
Cynthia J. Decker, CORE
Orest Diachok, Naval Research Laboratory
David Dow, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Woods Hole Laboratory
Ted Durbin, University of Rhode Island
Michael J. Fogarty, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Woods Hole Laboratory
Kenneth G. Foote, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Wendy L. Gabriel, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Woods Hole Laboratory
Robert Groman, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Biology
Carlton Hunt, Battelle Memorial Institute
James D. Irish, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: AOPE
J. Michael Jech, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Woods Hole Laboratory
Sonke Johnsen, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Biology
Mark P. Johnson, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: AOPE
Kenneth Keay, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Ellen Kenchington, DFO: Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Dale Kiefer, University of Southern California
Vladimir Kostylev, Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic)
Thor J. Lassen, Ocean Trust Inc
Andone C. Lavery, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: AOPE
Carolyn A. Levi, New England Aquarium
Sharon MacLean NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Narragansett Laboratory
Laurence P. Madin, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Biology
Larry A. Mayer, University of New Hampshire
Molly McCammon, Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council
Richard Merrick, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Woods Hole Laboratory
William A. Montevecchi, Memorial University of Newfoundland
David Mountain, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Woods Hole Laboratory
Lauren S. Mullineaux, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Biology
Steven A. Murawski, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Woods Hole Laboratory
Raymond J. O’Connor, University of Maine at Orono
Ronald K. O’Dor, Dalhousie University
Debra Palka, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Woods Hole Laboratory
Marjorie Parmenter, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Secretariat
Judith Pederson, MIT Sea Grant Program
Neal R. Pettigrew, University of Maine at Orono
Jan Rines, University of Rhode Island
Andrew Rosenberg, University of New Hampshire
Jeffrey Runge, DFO: Institut Maurice Lamontagne
Kenneth Sherman, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Narragansett Laboratory
Michael Sinclair, DFO: Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Hanumant Singh, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution AOPE
Carolyn Skinder, University of Maine
Peter C. Smith, DFO: Bedford Institute of Oceanography
Timothy Smith, NOAA: NMFS: NEFSC: Woods Hole Laboratory
Timothy K. Stanton, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: AOPE
Victoria A. Starczak, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: AOPE
John Steele, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Marine Policy Center
David Stein, NOAA: OAR, Silver Spring
Brian J. Todd, Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic)
David Townsend, University of Maine at Orono
Vardis Tsontos, University of Southern California
Page Valentine, USGS
Louis Van Guelpen, Hunstman Marine Science Center: ARC
Michael Vecchione, NOAA: NMFS: National Museum of Natural History
Les Watling, University of Maine
Len Zedel, Memorial University of Newfoundland
Kees Zwanenburg, DFO: Bedford Institute of Oceanography
