Collaborative developments towards New Zealand ocean observing system

Ocean observation and forecast - why they are important

There has been a lot of exciting discussion in the ocean sciences community around the need to have more observations of the ocean. A big part of this discussion is related to an increased demand for marine forecasts backed by observational data, either directly via data assimilation or for validation purposes to illustrate the accuracy of the forecasts. Reliable ocean forecasts are necessary for a multitude of industries and services, including coastal management, ship routing, offshore industry operations, renewables offshore energies, natural hazards planning, port and harbour operations, search and rescue activities, amongst others.

Real-life applications of marine forecasting.

Despite recent developments in ocean modelling over the last few decades, step changes in forecast model accuracy is most achievable if we integrate observations into the models, ideally through data assimilation, so that the models can identify what ‘reality’ is.  In other words, a good model ideally has real data to guide all of the complex physics and resolve different processes more accurately, with a data assimilation approach allowing the model to progressively adapt.

However, collecting ocean observations in near real time is not straightforward, especially below the surface, when observations are dispersed spatially, and they come from different sources.  The type of observations required for data assimilation modelling means that certain methods are impractical, such as commissioning data collection via oceanographic research vessels. Stationary, moored systems are a great way of obtaining continuous near real-time data, but are typically restricted to comparatively shallow, nearshore locations, whereas the average depth of the ocean is  3.6km!

Recent advances in remote sensing have resulted in more observational data being available; however, remote sensing data does not penetrate below the sea surface to any significant, useful extent. All of the aforementioned sources of observational data have their benefits and limitations, and in the ideal world, we would have an integrated ocean observing system that includes these different methods for sampling the ocean. This kind of system can provide both the required spatial (horizontal and vertical) and temporal coverage needed to support operational data assimilating forecast models.

Ocean observing systems are a hot topic nowadays and there have been a lot of developments around the world aimed at providing integrated ways of getting ongoing oceanographic data (see GOOS, IOOS,  SECOORA, POGO, IMOS). 

The New Zealand exclusive economic zone (EEZ) boundaries and Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). From GNS Science.

The New Zealand Ocean Data Network (NZODN) 

The New Zealand Ocean Data Network (NZODN) is a collaborative online initiative part of the Moana Project and started by NIWA, that looks to gather open-access marine datasets from around NZ in an organised way and make these data freely available for science, research, councils and other stakeholders.  The concept is to “bring together oceanographers, data scientists and those involved with the marine environment to create a unique ocean observing system whereby observations are collected once and used many times,” says Dr O’Callaghan in the recent article published in the NIWA website. A number of different organisations such as ports, councils and research institutes, undertake ongoing monitoring of ocean parameters however most of these data is still not integrated into an easily accessible single platform nor publicly available. 

MetOcean and other organisations, such as NIWA and Cawthron, are working together to encourage data owners to contribute into the portal. One of the aims of the proposed network is to incorporate traditional Mātauranga Māori knowledge and contribute to a more effective ocean stewardship. The collaboration initiative sets the base for the development of a world-leading ocean observing system and to enable data to be openly accessed for the benefit of the whole country.