Challenges and Strategies in the Development and Operation of High-Frequency Marine Radar Systems in Taiwan

    The pivotal role of oceanographic parameters in informed decision-making spans a spectrum of marine issues, including resource management, ecological preservation, maritime safety, and national security. Conventional data acquisition methods, such as buoys and survey ships, have become increasingly inadequate in addressing the complex demands of these domains. This insufficiency has propelled the global development of spatially-oriented observational technologies, among which High-Frequency (HF) ocean radar is a standout. Globally, the deployment of HF ocean radar systems has surpassed 1000 units. Taiwan, since the 1990s, has installed 48 HF radar systems, including variants like CODAR, WEAR, and LERA. Despite initial successes, a decline in system performance post-deployment is a recurring issue, often linked to policy discontinuity, fluctuating financial support, team dynamics, technical proficiency, and data application and dissemination challenges. This study explores Taiwan's unique experiences with these impediments in the evolution of HF ocean radar systems, aiming to strategize effective long-term operational planning.

    A case in point is the Taiwan Ocean Radar Observation System (TOROS), established by the Taiwan Ocean Research Institute (TORI) in 2016. This system confronted operational challenges due to insufficient maintenance budgets soon after its inauguration, leading to the cessation of some station operations. Further analysis identified a reactive data dissemination model, requiring user applications and approvals, as a primary issue. This inefficiency, compounded by inadequate promotion, weakened the system's perceived utility, resulting in unsustainable policy support, budget cuts, and the loss of specialized personnel, thereby adversely impacting system functionality in a cyclic manner.

    This paper argues that the ubiquity of data fosters demand, a critical metric for evaluating system utility. Such utility influences administrative decisions, which in turn affect financial commitment, vital for cultivating a skilled technical team. The strategic deployment of this workforce is crucial for consistent system operation and maintenance, ultimately determining operational success. Leveraging insights from past installations and operational experiences, the study proposes methodologies to sustain operational continuity and bolster the efficacy and resilience of HF ocean radar systems.