Integrated Ocean Observing System in Support of Forecasting Harmful Algal Blooms

摘要

Harmful algal bloom (HAB) events threaten human health, living marine re-sources, and ecosystem health. Their occurrence has increased in frequency, dura-tion, and severity overthe last several decades. Preventing, controlling, or mitigating the impacts of HABs requires the development of permanent, operational ocean ob-serving systems that continuously provide the data and information necessary for rapid detection and timely forecasts of changes in ecosystem states. Key elements of such observing systems are observations and modeling that must be efficiently linked via data management and communication networks. Building the observing system begins by integrating existing assets, is followed by incorporation of new technologies and knowledge, and is guided by the data and information needs of de-cision makers. User needs are particularly important for development of operational forecast models and new sensors for measuring required biological (e.g., HAB spe-cies abundance) and chemical (e.g., concentrations of HAB toxins) variables in near real time. This article describes operational observing system requirements for a HAB forecasting system and current efforts by Regional Associations to develop these ob-serving systems for targeted species in their respective regions.