Global Operational Oceanographic Systems A Workshop to Explore Collaborative Benefits Between North American and European Operators April 7, 2008 The Workshop is organized prior to the eleventh session of the Global Ocean Observing System Scientific Steering Committee (GSSC-XI) Link to Travel and Lodging information for IOC in Paris. Introduction The GOOS Scientific Steering Committee is organizing a workshop to bring together the principals of the global operational oceanographic systems of Europe and North America, both under development and in implementation, to discover how all can benefit from the sharing of their experiences. The organizers aim to involve key individuals responsible for technical, organizational and advocacy aspects of these systems. Need for the Workshop As global oceanographic observing and forecasting systems begin to become fully operational there is a growing need to exchange the experiences of building and running such systems. It is critical that all nations see the advantages of playing an active part in supporting such systems, understand the mutual benefits to be obtained by these systems, and effectively engage in advocacy for sustained public funding. This will be the first of several workshops involving operators from distinct regions of the globe. Goal of the Workshop The overall goal of the workshop is to explore how the principal groups in North America and Europe engaged in designing, building and operating global systems which integrate satellite observations and in situ data with global and basin scale models can benefit though sharing their collective experience. The following outcomes of the workshop are sought: • Exchange of operational best practice • Improved coordination of outreach activities • Improved coordination of capacity building, especially with African nations • Improved links between global capability and regional and local applications • Improved links to weather and seasonal forecasting applications • Improved coordination of advocacy for sustained funding Organization The workshop is designed to foster practical collaboration of mutual benefit to participants. Presentations will increase collective understanding of the plans and achievements of existing initiatives. Breakout sessions will identify areas of collaboration that can yield practical benefits.

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