Annex XII

WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN MARINE APPLICATIONS PROJECT (WIOMAP)

A regional contribution to GOOS in the Western Indian Ocean

Purpose

• The enhancement of operational marine services in the region based on applied research and on the greater accessibility and exchange of scientific data.

Objectives

• Provide products and advice for the sustainable utilization of the marine environment and integrated coastal area management.
• Promote safety of life and property in the marine environment.
• Provide services for ocean commerce and industry, such as for the weather routeing of ships and for offshore oil production.
• Enhance fisheries monitoring for sustainable development.

Activities

• Coordinate existing national and regional data bases and maintain directories of data and expertise.
• Coordinate and enhance national observational efforts in the expansion of data collection arrays, in conformity with WMO/IOC requirements.
• Facilitate the establishment and upgrade of electronic communications for data and product exchange.
• Design and implement an overall regional data management facility, to include existing internationally agreed data quality control procedures and guidelines.
• Improve regional marine modelling capabilities, preparation and dissemination of products, to enhance marine prediction services.
• Organize and implement appropriate regional marine training and capacity building programmes.