Ocean Prediction Networking

Our proposal seeks funds (1) to network Norwegian resources, (2) to implement a formal collaboration on the national level, and (3) to foster international collaboration within the field of ocean prediction. Reliable ocean state description and forecasts of, e.g., extreme currents and waves, harmful algae blooms, radionuclide spreading, and drift of oil spill, sea ice and icebergs are of crucial importance for three of Norway's largest export industries: fisheries, aquaculture, and oil and gas production . They are also essential for search and rescue operations, governmental management, the shipping industry, and the safety and health of the public at large. We, the four institutes behind this proposal, are all engaged in issuing marine forecasts and/or projections regarding the ocean state. We are all participating in both national and international projects related to ocean predictions either single-handed or in collaboration with one or more of the partners. We propose to strengthen this collaboration by organizing obligatory seminars. The seminars aims at monitoring and discussing existing forecast products and their performance, developing common validation tools that can be run to provide forecast skill measures, developing our understanding of the strength and weaknesses of the various prediction modules, and implementing and operating a web-page for dissemination of the forecasts and their performance. Expected achievements of the proposed networking are a strengthening of the national collaborat ion between Norwegian institutes, a streamlining of techniques and tools whereby national Norwegian ocean forecasts are made, an increased exchange of information between the partners and the participants, an improvement in the numerical models and techni ques used for ocean prediction in Norway, an increased awareness internationally of the status of Norwegian ocean prediction, and that we become attractive partners in upcoming international collaborative projects.