The SEAGOOS pilot project on Ocean Forecasting Demonstration System (OFDS), established by WESTPAC in May 2010, has achieved the objectives of its first implementation phase (June 2010 - May 2012). Main achievements could be highlighted on: i. the establishment of regional expert network on ocean numerical modeling; ii. improved regional capacity on ocean numerical modeling; iii. development of an ocean forecasting demonstration system for the Peninsular Malaysia eastern shelf and Gulf of Thailand; and iv. operation of the web-portal based 12.5km resolution WESTPAC/SEAGOOS Ocean Forecasting Demonstration System (OFDS) for Southeast Asian Seas (http://221.0.186.5/IOC-WESTPAC_OFDS/index.jsp) with 3 days forecast products and downloadable archived data provided on surface wave height, wind, three dimension current, sea temperature and salinity.

In view of the needs for such a forecast system which could generate crucial forecast information, such as ocean circulation, sea surface temperature, wave height, to serve the needs of a variety of human activities related to marine hazards mitigation, oil and gas exploration, fisheries, navigation, marine parks management and coastal recreational activities, WESTPAC decided in May 2012 to continue developing this system for another two years (Second Phase, June 2012 – May 2014).

The third WESTPAC Technical Workshop on SEAGOOS Ocean Forecasting System was organized on 23 July 2012, Qingdao with focus on various issues related to the implementation of the project at second phase. Subsequent after the meeting, a draft version of the revised Project Document and Roadmap was preliminarily prepared and facilitated via email exchanges. Therefore, this technical workshop was designed, providing an opportunity for Indonesia and other members to present their plans and activities for the OFS Project with a view to finalizing the project document.

Meanwhile , this technical workshop will explore funding opportunities for carrying out joint cruises, technical workshops etc, including the possibility for the establishment of OFS Working Group under the Workshop of Managing Conflict in the South China Sea. This workshop on SEAGOOS Ocean Forecasting System will be hosted by the Research & Development Center for Marine and Coastal Resources, Research and Development Agency for Marine and Fisheries, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia.

Contacting address for further information:

Mr. Wenxi Zhu
Head
UNESCO/IOC Regional Office for the Western Pacific
c/o Department of Marine and Coastal Resources
9th Fl., Government Complex B
120 Chaengwattana Rd, Bangkok 10210, Thailand
Tel: +66 2 1411287, Fax: +66 2 1439245, Email: w.zhu@unesco.org