Abstract: The goal of all ocean observing systems is to improve access to data and information to improve decision-making by a broad range of stakeholders -

"The benefits accrue at the levels of individual companies and entities; at the levels of countries and government agencies; and internationally or globally in the form of better understanding and management of the marine environment, forecasting the global climate system, exploitation of marine resources, and improved management of safety at sea and mitigation of disasters such as coastal floods." (Global Ocean Observing System Prospectus, 1998).

Technologies and systems to gather ocean data are manifold. From surface buoys and cabled seabed networks, to satellite, airborne and ship borne sensors, a flood of data is gathered each day - with more to be generated by new systems already being planned. Some systems and initiatives are led by government agencies, while others reflect academic and commercial interest. For those in the 'business' of ocean observation this level of activity and investment is both exciting and challenging.

Local interest, combined with an awareness of the importance of open, extensible and interoperable systems is the key to success. By designing local systems around a common high-level architecture they can ultimately coalesce to form a sustainable, global infrastructure (the Global Earth Observing System of Systems). Each system should include a minimum level of service that is common to all (for the benefit of mariners who are, by nature, global creatures), but each must also have its own identity, character and functionality that best serves the priorities of the local community. This step-wise, incremental approach is practical in both fiscal and operational terms. The infrastructure grows according to local needs and priorities. Expenditures are made according to local economics and agendas. Investments accrue over time. Innovation is encouraged and rewarded.

This talk will give an overview of international, regional and local ocean observing activities, plans and frameworks in the context of a future global ocean observing system (integrated, interoperable system of systems).

Biography: Randy Gillespie is the Director - Applied Research at the Marine Institute School of Ocean Technology. Randy graduated from Memorial University in 1983 with an MSc in Earth Science. Since that time he has accumulated work experience in offshore geophysical and geotechnical surveys, satellite and airborne remote sensing, research program development, project management and international business development. Prior to joining the School of Ocean Technology, Randy served as the Vice President of the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications where he initiated and managed numerous ocean technology development initiatives in collaboration with public and private sector partners.

Randy has served as a member of the National Action Committee on Ocean Mapping (NACOM) and the Atlantic Coastal Zone Information Steering Committee, where he introduced the concept of a Coastal and Ocean Information Network - Atlantic (COINAtlantic). He is a past member of the Management Board for GeoConnections, the federal program to develop the Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure. He is a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador Board of Examiners, past member of the Board for the Alliance for Marine Remote Sensing (AMRS) and Past President of the Canadian Institute of Geomatics (CIG).

Among his other duties, Randy currently serves as the Managing Editor for the Journal of Ocean Technology.

Sponsored by IEEE Canada and the IEEE Newfoundland and Labrador Section
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