JSOST Interagency Working Group on Ocean Partnerships

Transcription

1 JSOST Interagency Working Group on Ocean Partnerships 15 October 2010 Consortium for Ocean Leadership 1201 New York Avenue, NW, 4 th Floor Washington, DC

2 JSOST Interagency Working Group on Ocean Partnerships Consortium for Ocean Leadership Fourth Floor, 1201 New York Avenue, Washington, DC Conference Call Details: (888) Conference ID: Friday, 15 October AGENDA I. Breakfast ( ) II. Introduction ( ) III. New and Continuing Business ( ) A. NOAA Science Priorities Related to Deepwater Horizon (S. Murawski) B. Continued Discussion on the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Partnership Opportunities (J. Kendall/ C. Beaverson) C. Role of IWG-OP within National Ocean Policy Priority Objectives (ALL) D. Additional Items IV. Break ( ) V. IWG-OP Business Segment ( ) A. Approval of 10 September IWG-OP Minutes B. Review of 10 September Action Items C. Scheduling of Next IWG-OP Meetings 2010/ November 14 January 10 December 11 February Note: Items in italics have an associated handout. 1 National Oceanographic Partnership Program Office At the Consortium for Ocean Leadership 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC Phone: Fax: noppo@oceanleadership.org

3 DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT JSOST Interagency Working Group on Ocean Partnerships I. Introduction Friday, 10 September Minutes J. Kendall called the meeting to order at Introductions were made around the room and on the phone. II. New and Continuing Business A. Update on Federal Renewable Ocean Energy Working Group P. Gilman discussed the Federal Renewable Ocean Energy Working Group meeting at Ocean Leadership on 25 August The Department of Energy (DOE) has made its funding decisions on the Marine and Hydrokinetic Technology Readiness Levels Funding Opportunity Announcement ; a total of $37M in funding will be distributed. The DOE Draft Offshore Wind Strategic Plan is available for comment from interested agencies; the NOPP Office will distribute the document to the IWG-OP members. A workshop was held on 9 September 2010 to discuss the draft plan with representation from ten federal agencies. P. Gilman noted that the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is holding an Offshore Wind Conference and Exhibition on 5 October 2010 in Atlantic City, New Jersey DOE will highlight their Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Interior on offshore renewable energy projects. B. Funding Authority Guidance Document K. Vanderlugt announced that he is in the process of developing a funding authority guidance document that would include points of contact in financial offices at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in order to streamline the process of transferring funds between NOAA and other agencies for NOPP activities. M. Briscoe noted that the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System (ICOOS) Act of 2009 gave NOAA the power to transfer funding with other agencies, but only in respect to ICOOS actions. C. Earth Systems Prediction Capability Workshop C. Beaverson reported that there was an Earth Systems Prediction Capability Workshop on 7-10 September 2010 in Boulder, Colorado. Discussions centered on a plan to develop operational modeling into? long term forecasting. The Naval Oceanographic Office and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration organized the meeting. D. Continued Discussion on the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Partnership Opportunities M. Briscoe reviewed a draft proposal for a Multi-Sector, National Consensus Conference on Research Priorities for the Gulf of Mexico. The proposed conference would be managed by the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP) and the conference would focus on defining a set of high-priority research topics related to the National Oceanographic Partnership Program Office At the Consortium for Ocean Leadership 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC Phone: Fax: noppo@oceanleadership.org 2

4 DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT Gulf of Mexico oil spill. The resulting topics could inform a NOPP funding announcement to be released in FY 11 and funded in FY 12, as well as future announcements. Advertising the workshop in advance would give the scientific community enough time to prepare for this multi-sector, consensus workshop. Funding will be solicited from interested IWG-OP agencies for the conference, plus private foundations and industry. Several minor edits were discussed on the draft proposal. J. Kendall will discuss the revised proposal at the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology meeting on 15 September 2010; in addition, he will discuss the potential NOPP funding announcement to be released in FY 11 related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. C. Beaverson noted that NOAA s language for a funding announcement related to oil spill research may be ready for a fall FY 11 release. A second funding announcement could be released in spring or summer FY 11, as a two stage approach to address oil spill research. E. Role of the IWG-OP within National Ocean Policy Priority Objectives J. Kendall expressed the need for the IWG-OP to define an engagement strategy with the priority objectives of the National Ocean Policy. A suggestion was made to develop a document that highlights the accomplishments of the IWG-OP and NOPP, with respect to the nine National Ocean Council (NOC) priority objectives. M. Briscoe pointed out that the document should also include information on the necessary structures needed for the implementation of the NOC priority objectives, such as specific interagency working groups. J. Kendall requested that the NOPP office develop a two to three page document containing background information and successes of the IWG-OP and NOPP related to the nine NOC priorities, and future actions such as the proposed Multi-Sector, National Consensus Conference on Research Priorities for the Gulf of Mexico. C. Chesnutt suggested that the important role of science in policy decisions should be emphasized. III. IWG-OP Business Segment A. Approval of 13 August IWG-OP Minutes The group accepted the 13 August 2010 IWG-OP minutes without revision. B. Review of 13 August IWG-OP Action Items The action items from the 13 August 2010 IWG-OP meeting were reviewed. The ongoing action items were removed. IV. Additional Items M. Briscoe reviewed a concept agenda for a two day professional development workshop for early career scientists that could occur prior to the February Ocean Sciences 2012 meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. J. Kendall suggested that a career fair be included in the workshop. V. Scheduling of Next IWG-OP Meetings 15 October 10 December 19 November 14 January 3 National Oceanographic Partnership Program Office At the Consortium for Ocean Leadership 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC Phone: Fax: noppo@oceanleadership.org

5 DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT Note: The 12 November IWG-OP meeting has been rescheduled to 19 November. Meeting Participants: Name Agency J. Kendall Co-chair Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement VanderLugt, K. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Beach, R. Beaverson, C. Gilman, P. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Department of Energy Chesnutt, C. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Via phone Binkley, K. National Science Foundation Via phone Haines, J. U.S. Geological Survey NOPPO Briscoe, M. Goodwin, H. Zimmermann, L. National Oceanographic Partnership Program Office At the Consortium for Ocean Leadership 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Fourth Floor, Washington, DC Phone: Fax:

6 JSOST Interagency Working Group on Ocean Partnerships 10 September 2010 Action Items Actions Point Due Date Circulate draft proposal on Multi-Sector, National NOPPO Completed Consensus Conference on Research Priorities for the Gulf of Mexico Provide DOE Offshore Wind Draft Strategic Plan for P. Gilman Completed circulation and input Develop a short document on successes and future actions of NOPPO 15 October the IWG-OP and NOPP related to the nine NOC priority objectives Develop draft BAA language related to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill M. Briscoe, R. Cluck, C. Beaverson, 15 October Provide minutes of Earth Systems Prediction Capability Workshop when available Hold scoping meeting for IWG-OP-hosted workshop on creation of marine technology registry NOPPO C. Beaverson TBD C. McLean, M. Briscoe, R. Cluck, M. Fiadeiro Ongoing 5

7 Dr. Steve Murawski Director of Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor NOAA Fisheries October 15, 2010 Some DWH Science Questions What is the distribution, fate and impacts of oil & dispersants (release, distribution and movement, and degradation)? How does the concentration and distribution of oil impact the safety of seafood, and abundance/mortality of marine species such as fishes, turtles, dolphins, whales, birds and low trophic levels? What is the timing of reduction of oil impacts following permanent well capping (how fast will it degrade?) How does the presence of 200 million of gallons of reduced oil impact the GoM Large Marine Ecosystem? What are the short and long term impacts on coastal ecosystems and human dimensions? How and when will natural resource damages be restored, and how will science guide the process? 6

8 3 Key Knowledge Gaps/Priority Areas Ecosystem Impacts: use an integrated approach to enhance understanding of oil, dispersant, and remediation impacts at the ecosystem scale by investigating ecosystem processes and developing forecast capabilities. Health Effects: investigate toxicology of oil and dispersants, air quality effects, and implications of the spill and response for harmful algal blooms and other ocean and human health effects. Social Science: study economic effects and implications for private and public trust resources; well being, resilience, and sustainability of coastal communities; risk, information, decision support tools and policy for recovery; and the value of weather and ocean observational and forecast products in support of the spill response effort. Sensing technology: develop and improve in situ and remote sensing tools for oil, dispersant, dissolved oxygen, and methane; develop technologies to study physical processes at depth (appropriate pressure and temperature) as they relate to oil dispersion, transport, and fate. Long term Trajectory Modeling: develop and improve ocean nowcast and forecast products to monitor and predict the movement and fate of surface and sub surface oil 7

9 Scientific needs to assess the full impacts of DWH on Gulf of Mexico ecosystems: Plankton assessments Microbial-driven oil biodegradation rates Lab exposure studies of oil and dispersants Protected species (turtles, birds, & mammals) Fisheries abundance and distribution Wetlands impacts & nursery areas Hypoxia & carbon loading Socio-economic impacts Integrated ecosystem assessments 5 Planning for the next event Understanding the lessons learned from DWH (what worked well.not so well?) What mechanisms need to be put in place should an event of similar scale occur? What if it happened in the Arctic? Or in the waters of a developing nation(e.g. Cuba)? What are the opportunities to develop a long term research strategy that comports with the variety of emerging drivers (BP s funding, Restoration Plan, NRDA restoration efforts, federal agency opportunities, community interest) 8

10 DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT The National Oceanographic Partnership Program, the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Partnerships and the National Ocean Policy Introduction Since the inception of the National Oceanographic Partnership Program (NOPP), the program has forged interagency and intersector cooperation through a multitude of cross-cutting research and education projects supported by the federal government. In accordance with its enabling legislation, NOPP promotes the objectives of assuring national security, advancing economic development, protecting quality of life, and strengthening science education and communication through improved knowledge of the ocean. As demonstrated by its achievements, some of which are discussed in this document, NOPP is an effective forum for development of new interagency initiatives and priorities that transcend single agency agendas. Comment [l1]: Document to tie NOPP to the National Ocean Policy, designed for members of agency priority objective teams (POT) to educate them on how to use the IWGop and NOPP to execute and implement the National Priority Objectives. Based on the NOPP legislation (PL ), an interagency working group was formed to identify partnerships and foster the NOPP program. This group has evolved through several administrations and ocean governance structures, but is now known as the Interagency Working Group on Ocean Partnerships (IWG-OP) through a charter from the Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology (JSOST) in The objective of the IWG-OP is to achieve improved efficiency in the planning, programming, and execution of projects resulting from ocean agency partnerships that address topics of mutual and emerging interest. The IWG-OP assists in planning for future ocean science and technology, administratively and fiscally. As strategic action plans are developed for each of the National Priority Objectives of the National Ocean Policy, it is critical that the interagency ocean community recognize that partnerships and collaboration are critical for the execution of the national priority objectives. Building relationships is essential to each priority objective, as each will require multiple-agency commitment in order to be successful; the IWG-OP can be a valuable forum to discuss, compare, and look beyond the needs of the immediate fiscal year, in order to fully develop the National Priority Objectives. The following examples of NOPP successes and potential roles are placed within the framework of the nine priority objectives from the National Ocean Policy. For brevity, the focus is limited to those objectives that NOPP and the IWG-OP have measurable successes. There will be additional roles for NOPP and the IWG-OP within the remaining objectives in the future. Achievements 4. Coordinate and Support: Better coordinate and support Federal, State, tribal, local, and regional management of the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. Improve coordination and integration across the Federal Government, and as appropriate, engage with the international community. This priority objective is one in which NOPP and the IWG-OP have many demonstrated successes. By its nature, the IWG-OP serves as forum to share pertinent information, which leads to increased coordination and collaboration. Many of these information sharing discussions lead to joint agency hosted workshops or co-sponsored extramural research. For example, a meeting between the IWG-OP and the Department of Energy in 2009 ultimately led to the joint funding of eight projects and $4.7 million in studies to develop environmental protocols and monitoring to support ocean renewable energy and stewardship. The knowledge gained from this research will contribute to the coastal and marine spatial planning process. The IWG-OP and NOPP are continually seeking to build partnerships and increase coordination between the federal agencies. 9. Ocean, Coastal, and Great Lakes Observations, Mapping, and Infrastructure: Strengthen and integrate Federal and non-federal ocean observing systems, sensors, data collection platforms, data management, and mapping capabilities into a national system, and integrate that system into international observation efforts. 9

11 DRAFT DRAFT DRAFT Since 1997, NOPP and the IWG-OP have focused on and dedicated resources to timely oceanographic issues. Much effort was put towards ocean mapping, observations and infrastructure. In 2004, NOPP produced a strategic plan to guide the future efforts; two of the four strategic goals included achieving and sustaining an Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) and modernizing ocean infrastructure and enhancing technology development. These goals reflected ongoing efforts and future commitments. As a result of the NOPP focus on these areas, three interagency working groups were created, the IWG on Ocean and Coastal Mapping, the IWG on Facilities and Infrastructure, and the IWG on Ocean Observations (now the Interagency Ocean Observation Committee, IOOC). The Future 3. Inform Decisions and Improve Understanding: Increase knowledge to continually inform and improve management and policy decisions and the capacity to respond to change and challenges. Better educate the public through formal and informal programs about the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. Another one of the goals from the 2004 NOPP Strategic plan was to promote lifelong ocean education. Since the creation of the IWG on Ocean Education, NOPP and the IWG-OP have not acted as the lead for ocean education issues. However, there are many ways which the IWG-OP and NOPP could reengage in this critical issue. In addition, the research funded through NOPP contributes to the cutting edge of interdisciplinary and intersector science and technology, increasing the scientific knowledge available to the agencies for management and policy decisions. NOPP and the IWG-OP will continue to focus on ocean research objectives which are too large for single agencies to tackle, but satisfy multiple agency missions and would benefit from partnerships between government, private industry, and academia. 8. Changing Conditions in the Arctic: Address environmental stewardship needs in the Arctic Ocean and adjacent coastal areas in the face of climate-induced and other environmental changes. The NOPP and IWG-OP agencies have long held an interest in the Arctic. Research funded through NOPP has focused on the coastal effects of a diminished-ice Arctic Ocean and marine mammals in the Arctic. Within the past year, the IWG-OP and NOPP hosted a federal workshop to share information on various agencies research and operational interests in the Arctic. This workshop led to several take away messages and actions for the future which the IWG-OP and NOPP plan to pursue. National Priority Objectives 1. Ecosystem-Based Management: Adopt ecosystem-based management as a foundational principle for the comprehensive management of the ocean, our coasts, and the Great Lakes. 2. Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning: Implement comprehensive, integrated, ecosystem based coastal and marine spatial planning and management in the United States. 5. Resiliency and Adaptation to Climate Change and Ocean Acidification: Strengthen resiliency of coastal communities and marine and Great Lakes environments and their abilities to adapt to climate change impacts and ocean acidification. 6. Regional Ecosystem Protection and Restoration: Establish and implement an integrated ecosystem protection and restoration strategy that is science-based and aligns conservation and restoration goals at the Federal, State, tribal, local, and regional levels. 7. Water Quality and Sustainable Practices on Land: Enhance water quality in the ocean, along our coasts, and in the Great Lakes by promoting and implementing sustainable practices on land. Within the five remaining priority objectives, there are many areas which NOPP and the IWG-OP could serve as a resource. For example, one of the ad hoc groups of the IWG-OP is focused on ocean renewable energy. These industries, and the agencies that regulate them, will play a large role in the coastal and marine spatial planning of the future. The IWG-OP and NOPP will continue to seek engagement within the priority objectives of the National Ocean Policy. 10