An Ecosystem Modeling Workshop Introduction to An Ecosystem Modeling Workshop Co-sponsored by CaRA, GCOOS-RA, GOMA and SECOORA Ann E. Jochens GCOOS Regional Coordinator on behalf of Worth D. Nowlin, Jr. Chair, GCOOS-RA Board of Directors Texas A&M University College Station, Texas St. Petersburg, FL 14 October 2009

AND http://gulfofmexicoalliance.org/ http://gcoos.org/ http://cara.uprm.edu/federation.html http://www.secoora.org/

http://ioos.gov/ http://www.usnfra.org/

Topics Workshop Objectives Agenda Roles of Session Moderators and Reporters • Workshop Deliverables

Workshop Objectives (1) To discuss issues/problems that ecosystem models are expected to address To review ecosystem modeling activities underway in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and southeastern U.S. coastal waters, including estuaries and bays To identify existing weaknesses, theoretical constraints, and needed advances in ecosystem modeling

Workshop Objectives (2) • To identify and prioritize marine observations and products needed for ecosystem modeling To advance a unified, coordinated program of ecosystem modeling for the region

Workshop Agenda Discussion of six themes—three each on first and second days—each discussion introduced by a speaker Each discussion session will have a moderator and a reporter Plenary review on last morning of key points from each discussion session Reception on the evening of Thursday, October 15

Roles of Moderators and Reporters The functions of the moderators are to: - Encourage wide participation in the discussion - Maintain focus on the topic of discussion - Maintain order • The role of the reporter is to set down the key points uncovered in the discussion and to present them in plenary on the morning of the last day.

Workshop Deliverables (1) A list of scientific and environmental issues that ecosystem models are expected to address An initial list of ecosystem modelers active in this region with brief descriptions of their interest areas. Each invitee was asked to prepare a one-page information sheet giving contact and biographical information as well as current interests and projects.

Template for provision of information There are six parts to the information sought on the one-pager: 1) Name, affiliation, contact information 2) Picture [right-justified from (1)] 3) One-paragraph biographical sketch 4) Research interests (one paragraph) 5) Image showing area of research 6) Titles of current research projects

Workshop Deliverables (2) Prioritized list of observations and products needed by ecosystem modelers Suggested pilot projects to advance the development of ecosystem modeling An approach to a coordinated program of ecosystem modeling for the CaRA, GCOOS, and SECOORA regions

GCOOS Memorandum of Agreement http://gcoos.tamu.edu/RAdocs/memorandum.html

Fill out and sign the last page of the MoA Fax to Worth Nowlin at 979-847-8879 or Scan and email to Susan Martin at srmartin@tamu.edu

Questions?