RESTORE Sponsored Research Project: Evaluation of Gulf of Mexico oceanographic observation networks impact assessment on ecosystem management and recommendation

This project will assess Gulf of Mexico observation networks from an ecosystem management perspective, based on an approach that has been successfully used to assess the capacity of ocean observing networks to effectively monitor ocean circulation. The study will partner with resource managers and experts on the Gulf of Mexico and Florida Keys to quantify the impact of specific observations on regional ecosystem models to evaluate how existing networks are useful for ecosystem management, as well as for identifying observational gaps. An important project outcome will be recommendations on how to improve observing networks in the Gulf of Mexico to better support resource management.