Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA Gulf of Mexico Ocean Observing System-Regional Association Draft Business Plan Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA GCOOS-RA Business Plan Landry Bernard, National Data Buoy Center/University of Southern Mississippi Stanley Boc, Army Corps of Engineers Jim Byous, Ocean Specialists George Crozier, Dauphine Island Sea Lab Mike Dagg, Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium Stephan Howden, University of Southern Mississippi (Chair) Ann Jochens, Texas A&M University John Lever, Naval Oceanographic Office Douglas J. Meffert, Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane and Xavier Worth Nowlin, Texas A&M University Tucker Pierce, Science Applications International Corporation Alfredo Prelat, Boeing Company Larinda Tervelt, Environmental Protection Agency/Gulf of Mexico Program Raymond Toll, Jr., Science Applications International Corporation Jan van Smirren, FugroGEOS Working Group Members Others Who Contributed Dan Etheridge, Tulane University Don Roman, University of Southern Mississippi

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA Business Plan Given Governance Plan, and IOOS Design Principles and Guidelines How to implement How to evaluate How to develop –Planning –Funding

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA Outline IOOS design principles &guidance Description of Business Plan by section Additional comments and discussion from attending Working Group members Open discussion

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA IOOS Design Principles & Guidelines Purpose: to establish operational oceanography for the public good. Seven broad objectives of IOOS 1.Detecting and forecasting oceanic components of climate variability 2.Facilitating safe and efficient marine operations 3.Ensuring national security 4.Managing resources for sustainable use 5.Preserving and restoring healthy marine ecosystems 6.Predicting and mitigating against coastal hazards 7.Ensuring public health

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA IOOS Design Principles & Guidelines Guidelines/Concerns 1.Address 7 societal goals 2.Ocean-climate system changes and land-based inputs cause significant changes in the oceans and coasts affecting socio-economic well being of the nation 3.Data management and modeling critical to achieving the goal of integration 4.Production and sale of value-added products by private sector is to be encouraged, and data providers and users from any sector should be able to contribute to and use IOOS data/information

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA IOOS Design Principles & Guidelines Guidelines/Concerns 5. Many of building blocks of an operational IOOS already exist and are of high value to users 6. Many of the research, pilot, pre-operational projects needed to improve operational capabilities are underway making it possible to begin enhancing the initial operational IOOS early in the system’s development 7. Priorities for detecting and predicting changes in the marine environment and coastal systems vary among regions- leads to regional approach in the coastal component of IOOS.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA IOOS Design Principles & Guidelines For Coastal Component of IOOS Regional Coastal Observing Systems (RCOOS) nested in a national backbone of coastal observing systems Corresponding RCOOS Regional Associations (RCOOS-RA) provide oversight in development and operation of the RCOOSs subject to philosophy and guidelines developed by Ocean.US and subject to approval by the National Ocean Research Leadership Council (NORLC).

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA IOOS Design Principles & Guidelines Meet collective needs of groups that use, depend on, manage, and study oceans and coasts by engaging, from inception, users and data/information providers from both private and public sectors in the design and implementation of an RCOOS

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA IOOS Design Principles & Guidelines Managed, efficient two-way flow of data and information among: 1.Measurements 2.Data Management and Communications (DMAC) 3.Data analysis and modeling

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA IOOS Design Principles & Guidelines Linkages between research and development of operational capabilities ensured by having a hierarchy of elements Research Pilot Projects Pre-Operational Operational

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA Ocean.US Guidance Format of the Business Plan specified Executive Summary 1.Intro 2.Goals & Objectives 3.Needs, Benefits, Product Development & Marketing 4.Linking Observations to Models and other Products 5.Research & Development 6.Training 7.Funding 8.System Performance

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA GCOOS-RA Business Plan

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 1. Introduction Background and context for BP GCOOS is a system of systems that must operate in a coherent fashion. GCOOS data and products produced in response to user requirements that fall within the seven broad objectives of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS)

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 1. Introduction Role of GCOOS Regional Association (GCOOS-RA) Provide oversight in development and operation of the GCOOS Plans, coordinates, and manages this system of systems. Represent GCOOS in the National Federation of Regional Associations (NFRA). Facilitates production of products by system elements and the federal government for the public good, as well as the private sector for profit.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 1. Introduction Reasons for Establishing GCOOS and GCOOS-RA Develop regional user requirements Enable easy access to data and information Ensure data provided are from calibrated/verified instruments, quality controlled, and accompanied by sufficient metadata. Provide a mechanism to coordinate responses to events

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 1. Introduction Reasons for Operators of Observing System Elements to Join GCOOS Facilitate widespread distribution of data from disparate elements Provide additional data to primary users of data from the elements Provide standards and protocols for data management Provide a seal of approval to data and products Provides QA/QC services and possible liability protection for data providers.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 1. Introduction Reasons for Operators of Observing System Elements to Join GCOOS Provide resources for measurement enhancements Provide information to observing elements on what enhancements and expansions users want.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 1. Introduction Schematic of structure of GCOOS-RA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 2 Goals and Objectives Ultimate Goal and Objectives Goal: Create regional coastal observing system serving the user of marine data, products, and services pertaining to the Gulf of Mexico. Objectives: address the seven areas of socioeconomic and environmental concern which are the objectives of the IOOS in a manner consistent with the current IOOS Development Plan.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 2 Goals and Objectives Initial Objectives and Progress Towards Achieving Them Begin GCOOS by identification and integration of extant observing system elements within the Gulf Annual inventory of elements with current and out- year budgets, sources of funds, and users Sharing of real-time data and products with QC/QA Sharing of archived data via OPeNDAP data transfer protocol

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 2 Goals and Objectives Initial Objectives and Progress Towards Achieving Them Inform potential GCOOS developers and users of actions, plans, and opportunities Four workshops Presentations at industry and societal meetings Established web site Prepare initial priorities for enhancements to both the national backbone in the GOM and to the elements of GCOOS Submitted to Ocean.US in May 2004, updated annually

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 2 Goals and Objectives Initial Objectives and Progress Towards Achieving Them Encourage release of all real-time physical data through the NDBC leading to improved analyses and forecasts of surface winds sea level, currents, and other maritime services. Follow recommendations of the DMAC plan n development of GCOOS data management. Established GCOOS DMAC Committee Obtained funds for project to demonstrate end-to- end integration of surface currents from models and observations and to serve products via web in GIS format.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 2 Goals and Objectives Initial Objectives and Progress Towards Achieving Them Encourage further development of Harmful Algal Bloom (HABS) detection, tracking, and prediction for the Gulf of Mexico Participating in planning an execution of a HABSOS- GCOOS workshop in April Encourage cooperative proposals among GCOOS players

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 2 Goals and Objectives Initial Objectives and Progress Towards Achieving Them Encourage release of industry data sets for model evaluation and development as well as physical understanding. Commitment from Oil and Gas industry to begin open sharing of real-time and delayed mode ADCP data from 40 sites in the Gulf beginning in Initiate development of a GCOOS Education and Outreach Council Initial meeting held November 2004 Attempt coordination with Mexico

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 3. Needs, Benefits Product Development and Marketing Identify societal benefits How data and information provided for multiple applications Engage non-academic users and provider groups in product development that guides design How every segment involved as data/information providers and/or new source of knowledge and technologies Link objectives to benefits and product development Product development 5 year plan Short- and long-term contribution to IOOS as whole How all interests accomodated and nurtured by RA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 3. Needs, Benefits Product Development and Marketing Potential Users List of users and providers of data from 1)private sector 2)federal, state, and local governmental entities, 3) academic and research institutions have been composed.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 3. Needs, Benefits Product Development and Marketing Education and Outreach Entities with educational and outreach components which can benefit from incorporating GCOOS data and products have been identified.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 3. Needs, Benefits Product Development and Marketing Economic Benefits Estimates of monetary benefits that may accrue from GCOOS activities have been identified.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 3. Needs, Benefits Product Development and Marketing Linkages and Product Development and Marketing Establishment of GCOOS-RA will allow expansion and enhancement of linkages via work by GCOOS councils, committees, and the Board.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products How current assets, and near-future assets, help achieve RA’s objectives How observations, DMAC, data analysis, and modeling subsystems efficiently linked and developed to achieve objectives. DMAC compliance

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products Existing Elements Inventory of existing elements of GCOOS-geographic coverage, purpose of element, primary measurements, station type, target user groups. Figure 4-1, Table 4-1. Inventory of existing models applicable to the GCOOS objectives. Figure 4-5.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS-RA Operational Oversight Responsibilities Data collection Data transmission Data management Modeling and Product Production

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS-RA Operational Oversight Entities GCOOS Operations Center Observation Systems Committee Data Management and Communications Committee Products and Services Committee Provide reports and plans to Board of Directors with priorities to meet stakeholder needs.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS-RA Observing Plan Observing Systems Committee responsible for plan. Plan to best meet user requirements Identify oversight responsibility Identify staff for oversight and for emergency response Specify measurement techniques and backup sensors Identify real-time support and maintenance of infrastructure

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS-RA Observing Plan Include identification of evaluation mechanisms to ensure plan responsive to user needs. Contain one- and five-year plans for incorporating and enhancing observing system asses of the national backbone in the GOM and of the GCOOS system. For such improvements and enhancements specify the responsible entity, support costs, and timing.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS Operations Center (OC) 24/7 Central point of contact for all issues Oversight of all observational and modeling activities Provide open, efficient, and effective computer access to non-commercial, non-proprietary GCOOS data sets and to those of other regional COOS within the IOOS Requires plan of operations for every RCOOS element: Maintenance plan, SOPs for repair, DMAC compliance plan

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS Operations Center (OC) Monitor elements for QA/QC issues and inoperative parts of the system-report problems to subsystem operators Examine suspected and reported operational problems in terms of data and product flow Maintain metrics on GCOOS operation and use

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS-RA DMAC Plan DMAC Committee will prepare and regularly update the GCOOS DMAC Plan, which will conform to standards and protocols developed under the auspices of Ocean.US. Issues addressed are: Data collection Date verification/validation Metadata management

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS-RA DMAC Plan Data discovery Data transport Data archive and access Data dissemination Plan will describe how GCOOS efforts interface with the national DMAC program.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS-RA 5-Year Modeling and Product Development Plan Products and Services Committee will prepare and then annually revise plan, consistent with GCOOS 1) DMAC Plan, 2) Observing Plan, and 3) with user requirements maintained by GCOOS Office. Plan Specifies Current GCOOS Products Current GCOOS modeling capability

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 4. Linking Observations to Models and other Products GCOOS-RA 5-Year Modeling and Product Development Plan Gaps in modeling capability and products needed to met user requirements How capacity will be increased through model development Procedures for transitioning research models to operational models How new or improved products will be obtained Costs and timelines of all proposed actions

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 5. Research and Development 4 Stages of development 1.Research 2.Pilot Projects 3.Pre-Operational 4.Operational

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 5. Research and Development Procedure for transitioning elements Follow guidelines developed by U.S. GOOS Steering Committee

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 5. Research and Development Investment Strategy 10% to education and outreach (mandate) 10% research projects 35% pilot & pre-ops 43% operational 2% administrative costs (Guide and not a mandate)

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 5. Research and Development National Backbone Priorities Maintain and further develop the satellite remote sensing effort Improve DMAC compliance in the Gulf of Mexico region Enhancement of NDBC buoy and C-MAN networks Improve/enhance monitoring of water quality Establish long-range HF radar monitoring of surface currents as part of surface current monitoring initiative planned by Ocean.US

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 5. Research and Development National Backbone Priorities Integration and assessment of numerical circulation models for the region Integrate water level network in the Gulf of Mexico Development of deep-ocean, advanced capability sentinel station

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 5. Research and Development Regional Observing System Priorities Enhance and expand the existing real-time networks Technology development for ecological monitoring (e.g., Harmful Algal Blooms) Project to develop and improve products and services (public-private partnership) Ground support for non-real-time activities Expansion of surface current measurements near coasts and estuaries using short-range HF radar systems

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 5. Research and Development Regional Observing System Priorities Pilot projects demonstrating use of fiber optic cable for data retrieval and instrument control in the IOOS Pilot project to retrieve deep current data being collected by oil industry & MMS and begin selected use of these data. Enhanced monitoring of effects of river input on the region. Hydrographic science projects to support the IOOS goals

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 6. Training Not considered in the draft plan. Best determined after system configured.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 7. Funding Budgeting process operates under guidance of overall investment strategy. Planning and budgeting development synchronous with 5 year cycle of IOOS

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA GCOOS National Backbone Enhancements

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 7. Funding Ocean.US Four-year Planning Cycle

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 7. Funding GCOOS-RA Budget and Planning Process Synchronization with Ocean.US IOOS Planning Process The GCOOS Board of Directors submits annual reports to Ocean.US. The information from these reports is used in the four-year IOOS planning cycle. The GCOOS-RA reports, and the entities responsible for producing the reports and submitting to the Board for approval are: Status Report-GCOOS Regional Coordinator Budget-Board of Directors

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 7. Funding GCOOS-RA Budget and Planning Process Synchronization with Ocean.US IOOS Planning Process Annual Performance Review-Board of Directors using for guidance separate performance reviews from the Regional Coordinator, the GCOOS-RA Committees, and Councils Requests to Migrate Elements- GCOOS Regional Coordinator based on input and feedback from the Observing System Committee and User Council Requests to Enhance/Add Elements and Products-GCOOS Regional Coordinator based on input and feedback from OS and P&S Committees, and User Council

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 7. Funding Planning and budgeting development synchronous with 5 year cycle of IOOS Annually GCOOS produces Detailed budget plan year N+1 Budgets for years N+2 thru N+5 Request to migrate elements and/or projects Request to add or enhance elements and projects These reports and budgets flow through to Ocean.US planning.

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 8 System Performance Identify milestones and metrics to be used to evaluate success Procedures for operational continuity User satisfaction assessment and procedures for responding Gap analysis Cost/Benefit analyses

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 8. System Performance Operations Center (OC) adopt and employ metrics to routinely monitor continuing production of data and products according to plans by 1) GCOOS DMAC, 2) Observing Systems Committee, 3) Products and Services Committee, and 4) operators of system elements. OC will maintain plans for cal/val and for servicing of in situ instrumentation OC will update users about data that are not compliant with cal/val and servicing plans Monitoring operations and quality control

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 8. System Performance OC serve as link to receive user comments and suggestions via phone or . OC provides information to GCOOS Office which will forward to appropriate committee or committees. Complaints forwarded directly to system element operators. OC identifies measures taken to improve user satisfaction User Satisfaction

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 8. System Performance GCOOS Office will prepare evaluations of effectiveness and and maintain a record of complaints, remedial actions, and success/failures GCOOS Office will record success stories and user endorsements and will share via the NFRA. GCOOS Office will fund studies to actively access user satisfaction, desires for enhancements, and determine what will increase user base. User Satisfaction

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 8. System Performance Plans for data, products, and services will be developed by the OS Committee and the P&S Committee using GCOOS user requirements generated by GCOOS office with assistance from Stakeholders Council and Outreach Council. DMAC, OS, and P&S committees will recommend priorities for addressing gaps between existing and required capabilities of the entire system. The GCOOS Office and OC will assist in this process Gap Analysis

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 8. System Performance The Board will consider the recommendations Accepted recommendations and estimated budgets will be included in the Business Plan Funds from appropriate sources will be sought and awards made to operators of appropriate elements. Gap Analysis

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA 8. System Performance Initial order of magnitude estimate of economic benefits to 11 sectors in the Gulf of Mexico has been made by Colgan and Kite-Powell More complete economic studies of benefits are planned Identified economic benefits will be compared with estimated costs of providing necessary information. Cost/Benefit Studies

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA

Stephan Howden University of Southern Mississippi GCOOS Regional Association Stakeholders Meeting January 24-26, New Orleans, LA