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Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE

From research to end-users, tracing the path of ocean observations in Australia

Ana Lara-Lopez A C , Indi Hodgson-Johnston https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0305-9468 A , Madeleine Cahill B , Sebastien Mancini A , Peter Blain A and Tim Moltmann A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Integrated Marine Observing System, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 110, Hobart, Tas. 7001, Australia.

B CSIRO, Oceans and Atmosphere, Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, Tas. 7004, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: ana.lara@utas.edu.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 70(7) 925-935 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF18066
Submitted: 25 February 2018  Accepted: 29 October 2018   Published: 3 January 2019

Abstract

The mission of Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS), established under the Federal Government’s national collaborative research infrastructure program, is to deliver ocean observations to the marine and climate science community. However, the observations have many uses, ranging from real-time operational forecasting to understanding of processes and policy decision making. Observations need to be provided in a format that fits the purpose of the intended application. Turning observations into usable data, time series, gridded products and analyses broadens the use of such observations. Value adding by developing products that are relevant to end-user needs and easily accessible to non-scientists is also required as a strategic response to new and emerging socioeconomic, legal and policy priorities. This paper describes some of the pathways on which IMOS observations are being delivered and used in Australia, demonstrating the value that ocean observations have for society.

Additional keywords: ocean data, ocean observing.


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