The (PacIOOS) based at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa is helping to enhance disaster and climate resilience in the Republic of Palau. Palau experiences frequent natural hazards, and the impact of climate change and sea-level rise has become a priority issue. Those extreme weather and climatic events often result in disruption of economic activity, and loss of people鈥檚 livelihoods.

A new Waverider buoy was deployed in Palau through an international collaboration. The buoy provides data—; ; and —will enhance disaster and climate resilience in the Republic of Palau. This wave buoy, the only Waverider in Palau, is located on the East side of the island of Babeldaob, about 1.4 miles offshore of Ngaraard State.

This effort is led by the Palau National Weather Service Office (NWSO) through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)鈥檚 Enhancing Disaster and Climate Resilience (EDCR) project, with PacIOOS serving as the technical partner.

“PacIOOS strives to provide timely, reliable, and accurate ocean information to enhance safety and resilience,” said Melissa Iwamoto, PacIOOS director. “As such, we are honored to collaborate with Palau NWSO and all the partners on this effort, and we are dedicated to enhancing the capacity in Palau to maintain these valuable ocean instruments to serve user needs.”

See more stories involving PacIOOS.

PacIOOS will continue to provide technical support as needed in the coming years. The buoy will also provide essential validation points for future development of a high resolution wave model for the island nation.

In addition to being a central user of the data, Palau NWSO will steward the Waverider buoy to ensure its ongoing operations and maintenance. Based on the experience gained from this project, Palau NWSO plans to expand the national wave buoy in the future with Green Climate Fund support managed through the UN Environmental Programme.

“Accurate and reliable wave and current data provide critical information to our weather forecasters, other agency officials, fishers, mariners and many other recreational and commercial ocean users to better understand prevailing ocean conditions and to make safe decisions,” said Maria Ngemaes, Palau NWSO meteorologist-in-charge. “The new wave buoy will help us to validate and/or compare satellite and altimeter derived information on the same variables that the buoy measures. It will also help us to monitor the conditions of the ocean in the event of severe weather and climate variability phenomenon, such as the extremes of ENSO: La Niña and El Niño, the monsoon, tropical cyclones, tropical disturbances and shear lines that dip near and north of Palau, as well as sea level characteristics.”

Supporting local efforts, future advances

Currently, PacIOOS also provides a . This is the first time PacIOOS has been a part of deploying and supporting a wave buoy in Palau.

While in Palau for the wave buoy deployment, PacIOOS wave buoy specialist Andreia Queima gave presentations to local agencies, organizations and communities that are interested to learn more about the buoy, the data it provides and how to access and use the data. She also worked with the Palau NWSO team to implement protocols to maintain the wave buoy.

For data access, visit the and the . For more information, see the .

To support ongoing efforts to sustain and enhance coastal and ocean observing in the U.S. Pacific Islands region, the (PacIOOS) received $4.26 million in federal funding. PacIOOS helps to increase ocean safety, protect public and environmental health and support the economy. This funding cycle marks the last year of a 5-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System.

PacIOOS, based at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa , currently owns and operates more than 35 observing platforms throughout the Pacific Islands region, including the State of Hawaiʻi, the U.S. territories and U.S. Freely Associated States. PacIOOS also maintains modeling data that inform coastal, ocean and atmospheric forecasts.

PacIOOS information is used by the National Weather Service for ocean forecasts, harbor pilots for safe marine navigation, coastal managers for inundation forecasts and recreational users for surfing, fishing, boating and other activities. Accurate and reliable data of waves, currents, water quality, wave run-up and more can be accessed for free on the PacIOOS website via a variety of visualization tools that allow for easy access.

“PacIOOS observations from buoys, sensors, stations and animal tags provide information about the most recent coastal and ocean conditions, and the data help to improve short- and long-term forecasts. We are establishing time series that can record changes in the ocean environment and detect trends over time. Pacific Island communities are vulnerable to sea level rise and extreme weather events鈥攐ur data empower decision-makers and coastal communities to make safe and informed decisions,” said Melissa Iwamoto, director of PacIOOS. “As PacIOOS embarks upon our 13th year in operation, we are grateful for the continued funding support and trust in our system.”

Expansion of observing assets

This year, PacIOOS also received funding from the U.S. State Department and is partnering with federal and local agencies to expand its network of real-time wave buoys in the insular Pacific. Large areas in the Freely Associated States currently lack real-time data, posing a safety concern both on land and in the ocean. Three new wave buoy sites are planned, and additional buoys will be available to maximize operational uptime. Capacity building and training are also in development to expand technical expertise among local partners and authorities.

Additional funding from NOAA will help replace PacIOOS鈥� aging instrumentation and infrastructure in Hawaiʻi and increase observations in the insular Pacific. Plans are underway to provide real-time sea surface currents information between the islands of Guam and Rota (part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), an area known for its challenging ocean conditions. Real-time and modeled data of currents are extremely important for search and rescue operations and to inform the safety of ocean users.

Contributing to national network

PacIOOS is one of 11 regional associations of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®). More than $39 million was awarded in 2020 across the U.S. IOOS. Regional associations coordinate local coastal and ocean observing and decision-support projects to address community needs that integrate into the national system.

PacIOOS is currently developing a new (2021–2026) and a 10-year outlook. To provide suggestions and input, contact info@pacioos.org.

On May 10, 2019, the (PacIOOS) based at the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa redeployed its wave buoy outside of Tanapag, Saipan, after it broke free from its mooring during Super Typhoon Yutu in October 2018.

The wave buoy was adrift for more than six weeks. In December 2018, approximately 800 nautical miles into the Philippine Sea, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia, stationed in Guam, recovered the buoy in challenging ocean conditions while patrolling the high seas.

• Related 糖心Vlog官方 News story: PacIOOS wave buoy recovered after drifting 800 nautical miles, February 4, 2019

The yellow wave buoy provides valuable and information. Data on wave height, direction and period, as well as sea surface temperature, are transmitted in real-time and are publicly available online.

“We are so grateful for the U.S. Coast Guard鈥檚 support and effort to recover the drifting wave buoy. Without their partnership, we would have lost this important ocean observing instrument,” said PacIOOS Director Melissa Iwamoto. “The buoy is now back on station and we are excited to continue to provide high-quality data to our stakeholders in Saipan and the region.”

The Tanapag wave buoy is one of three PacIOOS wave buoys in the Mariana Islands; the other two are located off Ritidian Point and Ipan in Guam. Wave buoy data benefit a large variety of ocean users, agency officials and community members to make safe decisions. Fishermen, surfers, commercial tour operators and many others regularly check the data to get a better understanding of the ocean conditions.

Read the full story on the .

Learn more about the other PacIOOS wave buoys deployed around the Pacific.

—By Fiona Langenberger

The U.S. Coast Guard recovered a drifting wave buoy deployed by the (PacIOOS) 800 nautical miles (NM) offshore from its original location off Tanapag, Saipan, in December 2018. The buoy broke free from its mooring in 20- to 25-foot seas when Super Typhoon Yutu directly hit the Mariana Islands on October 25, 2018. Rough storm and ocean conditions did not favor a speedy recovery, allowing the buoy to drift west in the Philippine Sea.

PacIOOS, based at the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa , immediately notified the U.S. Coast Guard after the wave buoy departed. At the time, the U.S. Coast Guard was not able to assist with the retrieval of the drifting asset since all available units were focusing on comprehensive post-storm assessments and recovery efforts. Fortunately, all PacIOOS wave buoys are equipped with GPS, ensuring continuous monitoring and tracking of the buoy鈥檚 position.

Buoy retrieved and safely transported 46 days later

After 46 days, the buoy had drifted 920 statute miles (800 NM) offshore making recovery extremely unlikely. The crew of U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Sequoia, stationed in Guam, was patrolling the high seas, bringing the ship to “the neighborhood” of the buoy. Knowing the wave buoy and its associated data are extremely important to a variety of stakeholders, the crew temporarily diverted from operations to retrieve the buoy. Sequoia is an ocean-going buoy tender and regularly services large buoys and other aids to navigation. Despite the challenging conditions of 8 to 10-foot seas and 28鈥�35 mph winds, the crew was able to retrieve the wave buoy using the installed crane and hydraulic equipment, and safely transported the buoy back to Guam.

Crucial data for ocean users

PacIOOS maintains a network of , three of which are located within the Mariana Islands (off and , Guam, and off , Saipan). It is one of 11 regional associations of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System.

All wave buoys provide real-time information on significant wave height, period and direction, as well as sea surface temperature. The freely available data are crucial for federal and local agencies, as well as for commercial and recreational ocean users. Real-time ocean observations are limited throughout the region, magnifying the value and need of the PacIOOS wave buoys.

“We rely on a multitude of satellite data for issuing forecasts and advisories, but satellites only indirectly determine important ocean parameters. The PacIOOS wave buoys are our only routine source of directly measured nearshore ocean observations, allowing us to calibrate the satellite-derived ocean data,” said Roger Edson, National Weather Service Forecast Office Guam science and operations officer. “Waves can change dramatically in time and location so it is vital to have buoys in good strategic locations around the islands in order to be able to see approaches from all directions and ensure a 360 degree view.”

Read the full story on the .

—By Fiona Langenberger

The (PacIOOS) deployed a on May 31. The buoy is located approximately 1.5 miles to the west of Kalaeloa Harbor on Oʻahu鈥檚 leeward side and provides real-time information on wave height, wave direction wave period and sea surface temperature.

Many commercial and recreational ocean users, as well as state and federal agencies, utilize PacIOOS wave buoy data to assess ocean conditions, allowing for safe operations and ocean use. Data from the Kalaeloa Barbers Point wave buoy, along with other PacIOOS wave buoy data, are available online.

PacIOOS Director Melissa Iwamoto stated, “The deployment of the Kalaeloa Barbers Point wave buoy was greatly anticipated by many of our users, stakeholders and partners, and we are thrilled that the buoy is now back on site. Our network of wave buoys collects important real-time wave observations in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific Islands to inform and promote safe decision-making.”

Data empowers ocean users

PacIOOS empowers ocean users and stakeholders throughout the Pacific Islands by providing accurate and reliable coastal and ocean information, tools and services that are easy to access and use. PacIOOS is based at the University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa鈥檚 and is one of 11 regional associations of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System.

Pat Caldwell, NOAA data center liaison and Hawaiʻi surf forecaster, said, “We are excited that the Kalaeloa Barbers Point wave buoy is back in the water right in time for south summer swells. Reliable, real-time wave observations from the PacIOOS wave buoys are incredibly important to establish daily surf reports and to enhance our forecasting ability and accuracy. They serve as eyes on the ocean as they provide us with a constant flow of timely data, 24/7.”

Due to an increase in vessel traffic, PacIOOS acquired the necessary permits to relocate the previous Barbers Point wave buoy to a location slightly farther north. In its new position, the wave buoy will continue to collect accurate wave information for south and west facing shorelines.

Please stay clear of the buoy

To ensure continuous operation of the Kalaeloa Barbers Point wave buoy, vessel operators and ocean users are asked to stay clear of the buoy and refrain from tying to the equipment in order to avoid collisions and damage to the buoy. The mooring location of the buoy is included on nautical charts; however, boaters are reminded that the exact position of the wave buoy varies because of necessary slack in the mooring line.

PacIOOS owns and operates a network of 15 wave buoys in the U.S. Pacific Islands, 10 of which are located in the State of Hawaiʻi. Another south-facing wave buoy will be redeployed in the upcoming months off 尝腻苍补ʻ颈.

Data management for the PacIOOS wave buoys is made possible through long-term partnerships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Data Information Program.

—By Fiona Langenberger

On June 6, the (PacIOOS) deployed a new wave buoy near the entrance to Pearl Harbor, approximately 1.5 miles offshore. The wave buoy provides accurate information on wave height, direction and period, and also measures surface currents and sea surface temperature.

Wave buoy data benefit the entire community and are important to make well-informed and safe decisions. Real-time wave information improves surf and ocean observations, and enhances wave modeling and surf forecasting. All wave buoy data are available online and free of charge.

“County, state and federal agencies, such as the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy and 狈翱础础鈥檚 National Weather Service, incorporate wave buoy data into their daily operational decision-making processes. Many commercial and recreational ocean users, community members, and researchers, also rely on the data,” said Melissa Iwamoto, director of University of Hawaiʻi at M膩noa PacIOOS. “We are therefore extremely excited to offer a new observing asset to augment the existing network and better serve our community of users.”

The wave buoy off Pearl Harbor is the first PacIOOS wave buoy with the capability to measure surface currents at 10 minute intervals. Currents data, along with wave information, will help to enhance marine safety, navigation and harbor operations on 翱ʻ补丑耻鈥檚 south shore, in particular in the waters around Pearl Harbor.

The location of the buoy has been issued as a notice to mariners and will be included on nautical charts; however, the buoy is constantly in motion and can drift from its charted position. To keep the buoy and its sensors operational, vessel operators and other ocean users are asked to maintain a stand-off distance of at least 300 feet to avoid collisions and damage to the buoy. Boaters, kayakers and stand-up paddlers are asked to refrain from tying to the equipment and to avoid fishing near the buoy.

The Hawaiʻi Natural Energy Institute at 糖心Vlog官方 M膩noa provided the initial support to purchase this buoy with funding from the Office of Naval Research. The buoy joins a network of 15 real-time wave buoys across the Pacific Islands, owned and operated by PacIOOS. Data management for the PacIOOS wave buoys is made possible through long-term partnerships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coastal Data Information Program.

Learn more about other PacIOOS wave buoys.

On July 17, 2015, the (PacIOOS) redeployed its wave buoy outside of with the support of the . The yellow buoy is located about 4 miles offshore and will now continue to send information on wave height, direction, period, and sea surface temperature. The reinstalled buoy off Ritidian Point joins the existing PacIOOS network of 13 real-time wave buoys across the Pacific—3 of which are located in the Mariana Islands (, and ).

Wave buoy data benefit the entire community and are important to make well-informed and safe decisions. Ocean users, including fishermen, commercial operators, boaters and swimmers, can access all ocean data online, free of any charge. Real-time wave data are also vital to alert the community, emergency responders, and agency officials to big wave events that could potentially impact Guam’s shorelines.

“We are extremely excited that the Ritidian Point wave buoy is back in the water to provide real-time wave data. The buoy is a tremendous asset and a critical resource for us,” says Chip Guard from NOAA’s , Forecast Office in Guam. “We check the readings constantly to prepare our wave forecasts and evaluate the need for surf advisories and warnings and for small craft advisories.” Roger Edson, also of the Forecast Office, adds “It can really be helpful for flagging the largest waves during tropical storms and typhoons.”

In order to keep the buoy operational, ocean users are kindly asked to carefully navigate around the wave buoy, refrain from tying to the equipment, and avoid fishing within 100 yards to minimize entanglement in the mooring line.

Kimball Millikan, PacIOOS marine research engineer, states, “The wave buoys, and the sensors that lie within, are very sensitive. Any sort of collision or other abrupt impact can damage the instruments.” He adds, “the location of the buoy is included in all nautical charts, but keep in mind, these buoys are constantly in motion so the exact location varies.”

PacIOOS extends a special thanks to the U.S. Coast Guard team in Guam for the continuous support. Data streaming for the PacIOOS wave buoys is made possible through long-term partnerships between PacIOOS, the , and .

To view Ritidian Point wave buoy data, visit the .

On June 29, 2015, the (PacIOOS) of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s redeployed its wave buoy outside of Tanapag, Saipan. The yellow buoy is located about 5 miles offshore and will now continue to send information on ocean and wave conditions. The reinstalled buoy off Tanapag joins the existing PacIOOS network of 13 real-time wave buoys across the Pacific, providing data on wave height, direction, period and sea surface temperature. Three of the buoys are located in the Mariana Islands.

Wave buoy data benefit the entire community and are important to make well-informed and safe decisions. Ocean users, including fishermen, commercial operators, boaters and swimmers, can access all ocean data online, free of any charge. Real-time wave data are also vital to alert the community, emergency responders and agency officials to big wave events that could potentially impact the shorelines of Saipan and Tinian, and even those of Rota and the Northern Islands.

“We are extremely excited that the Tanapag wave buoy is back in the water to provide real-time wave data. The buoy is a tremendous asset and a critical resource for us,” says Chip Guard from NOAA’s , Forecast Office in Guam. “We check the readings constantly to prepare our wave forecasts and evaluate the need for surf advisories and warnings and for small craft advisories.” Roger Edson, also of the Forecast Office, adds “It can really be helpful for flagging the largest waves during tropical storms and typhoons.”

In order to keep the buoy operational, ocean users are kindly asked to carefully navigate around the wave buoy, refrain from tying to the equipment and avoid fishing within 100 yards to minimize entanglement in the mooring line.

Mark Merrifield, PacIOOS co-investigator and professor of at the , states, “The wave buoys, and the sensors that lie within, are very sensitive. Any sort of collision or other abrupt impact can damage the instruments.”

Data streaming for the PacIOOS wave buoys is made possible through long-term partnerships between PacIOOS, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Coastal Data Information Program.

A new data set of the direction and speed of ocean surface currents in Hilo Bay is now available online. The hourly data updates are accessible to the public and free of charge on “Voyager,” the interactive mapping platform of the (PacIOOS) of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa .

Mapping ocean surface currents in near real-time provides valuable data for search and rescue operations by narrowing down the possible location of a missing person or vessel. The new data set also helps to forecast the distribution of oil or hazardous material spills and is therefore crucial to plan an adequate response. Marine navigation can benefit from near real-time surface currents for safe navigation. Other examples of surface currents data usage include water quality monitoring and forecast modeling.

“We are excited about the new ocean surface current data for Hilo. It complements the PacIOOS wave buoy and water quality buoy off Hilo Harbor,” said Jason Adolf, associate professor and chair of the at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo. “Providing data on ocean and water conditions, including waves and surface currents, in near real-time improves decision-making for ocean users, managers and responders. With the new data set we can also develop educational activities for the marine science curriculum at 糖心Vlog官方 Hilo and raise public awareness in partnership with .”

Maps of surface currents, generated by remote sensors on land, are available across the U.S. as part of a larger network supported by the .

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The (PacIOOS) performed routine maintenance of the Hilo Bay wave buoy and retrieved harmful gear that was wrapped around the mooring line. In order to keep the buoy operational, ocean users are kindly asked to carefully navigate around the wave buoy, refrain from tying to the equipment and avoid fishing within 600 yards to minimize entanglement in the mooring line.

The buoy is located more than 7 miles northeast of Hilo harbor and will continue to send information on ocean and wave conditions. It is part of the existing PacIOOS network of 13 real-time wave buoys across the Pacific, providing data on wave height, direction, period and sea surface temperature.

• Buoy Mooring Location: 19° 46.89’ N, 154° 58.08’ W; 188 fathoms depth

“The wave buoys, and the sensors that lie within, are very sensitive. Any sort of collision or other abrupt impact can damage the instruments,” says Kimball Millikan, PacIOOS marine research engineer. “When we perform check-ups, we sometimes find fishing line or other marine debris around the mooring line which can, worst case, cut the buoy free.”

Wave buoy data benefit the entire community and are important to make well-informed and safe decisions. Ocean users, including fishermen, commercial operators, surfers, paddlers and swimmers, can access all ocean data online, free of any charge. Real-time wave data are also vital to prepare the community, emergency responders, and county officials for big wave events that could potentially impact Hilo’s shoreline.

Data streaming for the PacIOOS wave buoy is made possible through long-term partnerships between PacIOOS, the and .

—By Kapiʻolani Ching