UK Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS)

GOOS is part of OceanNET and is operated by the Inter Agency Committee on Marine Science and Technology (IACMST)

IACMST Reports

GOOSAG produces or co-authors various reports which are available here on-line or for download in PDF format. Hardcopies of some reports are also available and can be requested here.

Development of usefull indictors for the Marine Process and Climate and Underwater Sound. N. J. Hardman-Mountford1 & J. M. Huthnance

This investigation, seeks to evaluate and recommend suitable indicators of marine processes and climate (MPC), and of underwater sound. A combination of physical, biogeochemical and ecological marine indicators have been considered to provide useful information on the environmental drivers and impacts of marine processes and climate. Socio-economic factors have also been considered in relation to human activities causing underwater sound pollution. It is intended that this report will form part of the IACMST contribution to an integrated review of marine monitoring in the UK. Download

Marine Monitoring in the United Kingdom

This is a review of marine monitoring carried out by UK organisations covering physical, chemical and biological measurements. It provides an update and summary of who does what, when, where and how. The report has been written by Chris Reid and John Portmann on behalf of the GOOS Action Group. Download (4.5 MB)

 

UK GOOS Strategic Plan

This report commisioned by GOOSAG and written by Colin Summerhayes. This report brings together in one document much of the background material that sets out what GOOS and related initiatives, such as GEOSS, aim to achieve. It reviews the current UK contribution and associated benefits, before setting out a strategy for the UK’s future contribution to GOOS in the future. Download part 1 (3,756 KB) and part 2 (4,441 KB).

 

Underwater Sound and Marine Life

This report commisioned by IACMST in 2004 examines the issue of underwater noise on marine life from a cross-sectoral perspective and to make recommendations on what steps are needed, in the light of presdent knowledge, to achieve a well-justified, regulatory framework for controlling the generation of sound in the marine environment. Download (1.3 MB)

Marine Processes and Climate

Marine Processes and Climate (2005). An IACMST document produced as part of the UK Government's 'UK Charting Progress Report'. It describes the present status, trends and changes in marine processes and climate within UK waters. The other sector reports are; 'Marine Environmental Quality', 'Marine Habitats and Species' and 'Marine Fish and Fisheries'. View an interactive version or download as a pdf (7.5 MB).

 

Review of Current UK Marine Observations (2000)

Published as an IACMST Information Document (No. 7), this report assesses what long-term marine observations are being made in the UK, where, why and by which organisations. The review considers how observations are currently being utilised, and how they may be used in the future. Download (6 MB).

 

UK Marine Environment Monitoring Strategy (MEMS) Action Plan

In this report, the Government’s aims and goals for the UK Marine Environment Monitoring Strategy (MEMS) are reviewed and the Marine Processes and Climate (MPC) sector’s potential contributions and goals are examined in terms of drivers and main players, and previous reviews. The main MPC parameters/determinands and protocols are identified. Important issues related to data acquisition/storage/ analysis/accessibility, modelling and application of best technologies are examined. An action plan for the MPC sector is presented, including a strategy and a schedule. This Plan is currently undergoing revision as many of the actions proposed have been completed or are well underway. The revised version is expected to become available by the end of 2005. Download (324 KB).

Climate of UK Waters at the Millennium - Status and Trends

This report was a joint venture between the GOOS-AG and MED-AG. It describes the present (1999/2000) status and trends of weather, climate, sea temperature, salinity, sea level, waves and plankton in UK territorial waters. In addition, some representative data sets of chlorophyll and nutrients are also presented. Download (14 MB) A limited number of hardcopies of the report are still available.

 


The Economics of Sustained Marine Measurements

This is the final report of the economic study commissioned by IACMST and conducted by eftec (Economics for the Environment Consultancy). The aim of the economic study is to establish a method for evaluating proposed changes to the UK’s long-term marine monitoring programme. The report contains a summary of the study methodology; a detailed explanation of the recommended methodology for its subsequent use by practitioners who have to assess the benefits of sustained marine measurements, and findings from case studies. The case studies are (i) the economic benefits of altimetry data to be provided by the Jason 2 satellite to the UK and (ii) Liverpool Bay Coastal Observatory Monitoring. Download (1.8 MB)

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