Applying ocean observing infrastructure for science and management

Australia’s Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS) is a research infrastructure with the objective of collecting sustained ocean observations. Since 2006, IMOS has been routinely operating a wide range of observing equipment throughout coastal and open oceans, making all of its data accessible to the marine and climate science community, other stakeholders and users, and international collaborators. Observations collected by IMOS are made freely available via the Australian Ocean Data Network. These data holdings include long time-series of essential ocean variables including physical, biological, biochemical and atmospheric variables. IMOS data are used in a range of applications including coastal, ocean, weather, and climate modelling which are crucial to understanding patterns and trends. Ocean observations and model outputs play a critical role in supporting decision-making in a wide range of fields, including fishing, aquaculture, shipping, oil and gas, offshore energy, maritime safety, defence and resource management. Long-term, sustained ocean observations also support our understanding of how climate change is affecting critical ecosystems and species. Therefore, there is an integral link between ocean observing infrastructure, research, and effective decision-making to improve ocean management and sustainable use. This presentation will highlight the applicability of IMOS infrastructure and opportunities to employ ocean observations for the broadest possible use. Understanding the state and trends of our oceans is critical to defining and measuring change in our ecosystems now and into the future.