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POGO-IOC-SCOR Initiative for Intelligent Use and Management of the Oceans
[last updated February 4, 2005 2:50 PM]
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General Information
Partnership website(s) |
Expected TimeframeNovember 2002 - November 2012 |
Partners
Governments:
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Major Groups:
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UN System:
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Other intergovernmental organizations:
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| Other:
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Thematic Focus
Primary Themes:
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Secondary Themes:
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Geographic Coverage
Geographic Scope: Global
Country(ies) where the partnership is being implemented: Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United States of America |
National Focal Points
This partnership has not made any contact with the national focal points for sustainable development in the countries involved
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Goals and Objectives
Summary of the partnership's goals and objectives
To promote intelligent and sustainable use and management of the oceans through
(i) Promotion of collaboration and co-ordination among major oceanographic institutions committed to ocean science;
(ii) Development of capacity in the weaker countries for using and managing their ocean space under UNCLOS intelligently;
(iii) Advocacy for sound use and management of the oceans
(i) Promotion of collaboration and co-ordination among major oceanographic institutions committed to ocean science;
(ii) Development of capacity in the weaker countries for using and managing their ocean space under UNCLOS intelligently;
(iii) Advocacy for sound use and management of the oceans
Targets and Progress
Partnership targetsThe anticipated results include:
(i) Enhanced capacity to monitor and manage the oceans; (ii) Improved capability in developing countries to participate as equal partners in the world arena in addressing ocean-related issues; (iii) Development of observational elements to promote intelligent use of the oceans Establishment of Fellowship/Exchange programmes for ocean observations: 2002 Providing training opportunities to oceanographers to enhance capability for ocean observation and management: 2002 - 2012 Targetted efforts to enhance capabilities of the Southern Hemisphere countries: 2002 - 2008 Targetted efforts to enhance capabilities of countries around the Indian Ocean: 2004 - 2012 |
Progress against targetsFellowship Programme has been established: 13 Fellowships offered in 2002, eight more in 2003 and 2004, respectively. Programme expected to continue. On board training offered to 19 oceanographers on board JAMSTEC research vessel RV Mirai during an expedition in 2003/04. Workshop on Marine Biodiversity held in India in Dec. 2003, with sponsorship from Census of Marine Life. Training programmes in Chile on special topics in oceanography have been co-sponsored. A POGO Visiting Professorship initiative was launched in 2004.
For more details on recent activities, see the section on Additional Information. |
Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer
- Human resources development/training
- Education/building awareness
- Institutional strengthening, including local participation
- Technology transfer/exchange
Training and capacity building are an integral part of the proposed activity. Training will be provided through Fellowship programmes and intensive training courses. Web-based methods for providing training and training material will also be explored and promoted. The work will be carried out in close collaboration between the partners (POGO, IOC and SCOR).
The Fellowships and Exchange programmes envisaged here will be the avenue for technology transfer.
Relationship to International Agreements on Sustainable Development
How the partnership contributes to the implementation of Agenda 21, the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21, and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation
The Activities of the Partnership are relevant to Section I.2 (International cooperation to accelerate sustainable development in developing countries), Section II.17 (Protection of the Oceans and Section III.27 (Strengthening the role of non-governmental organisations) and Section II.31 (scientific and technological community).
It is also related to the values and principles outlined in the United Nations Millenium Declaration, in particular the one pertaining to Respect for Nature, and Protecting our Common Environment. Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
It is also related to the values and principles outlined in the United Nations Millenium Declaration, in particular the one pertaining to Respect for Nature, and Protecting our Common Environment. Relevant Sections of Agenda 21
International cooperation to accelerate sustainable development in developing countries and related domestic policies; Protection of the oceans, all kinds of seas, including enclosed and semi-enclosed seas, and coastal areas and the protection, rational use and development of their living resources; Strengthening the role of non-governmental organizations: partners for sustainable development; Scientific and technological community; Promoting education, public awareness and training
Relevant Sections of the Programme for the Further Implementation of Agenda 21 Sectors and issues; Means of implementation
Relevant Sections of the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation Protection and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development ; Means of implementation ; Participation of major groups
Coordination and Implementation
Coordination Mechanism of the PartnershipThe POGO Secretariat and the IOC Secretariat will provide the nececcary co-ordination mechanism for the Partnership/Initiative. POGO, which is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organisation, has a full-time secretariat that will devote most of its time to co-ordination of the activities outlined here.
POGO has a News and Information Group that is active and works on enhancing public awareness of ocean-related issues. The group was chaired first by Mr. Don Michel (CSIRO, Australia). The chairmanship has now passed on to Ms Cindy Clark (Scripps Institution of Oceanography, USA). Several participating organisations within POGO have nominated members to the POGO News and Information Group. During 2002 the group¿s name was changed from Media and Outreach to News and Information to reflect more accurately the group¿s function and expertise. The group is helping the Time Series Working Group with the creation of a Time Series Web site, and also with the creation of a Time Series Brochure. POGO web master Wendy Hunter continues to enhance the ¿In the News¿ section of the POGO web site. The group also seeks and posts relevant material for the Documents, Fellowships, Jobs and Training, and Outreach pages of the POGO web site. Annual Progress Reports will be prepared. The web sites of POGO and IOC will also be used for periodic updates of progress. The POGO web site is being developed as a site where existing opportunities for training and education in oceanography can be announced and advertised. |
Implementation Mechanism of the PartnershipThe POGO Secretariat and the IOC Secretariat will provide the nececcary implementation mechanism for the Partnership/Initiative. Progress will be monitored at the annual meeting of POGO by members and by the Executive Committee of POGO.
The initiative has close links with GOOS (Global Ocean Observation System) |
Resources
Funding Currently AvailableAmount in US$: 0
Source(s): Government - Foundations / charities - IGO
Contributions as membership dues from POGO members; Contributions from Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) and Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR). |
Non-financial resources availableType(s):
Source(s):
Contributions as in-kind contributions from POGO members; |
Funding SoughtRequired Amount in US$: not specified
Source(s) already approached: Additional funding will also be sought from charitable foundations
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Non-financial resources soughtRequirement(s):
Source(s) approached and details:
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Additional Information
Additional Relevant Information
Fellowship Programme:
The POGO-IOC-SCOR Fellowship Programme was launched in 2001. The programme (co-sponsored by IOC and SCOR) facilitates visits (1-3 months long) of scientists/technicians and graduate students from developing countries (and countries with economies in transition) to oceanographic labs in other countries, for training on selected areas related to ocean observation, analysis and interpretation. The fellowship provides international airfare and subsistence allowance for the fellowship period (the actual amount is tailored to meet local conditions, but does not exceed US $1,300 per month). The trainee?s institute bears all expenses incurred by the fellow in his/her own nation (domestic travel, visa costs, etc.), and the host institute waives any bench fees that they may normally charge trainees. (Details are provided on the POGO web site.) Thirteen fellowships were offered in 2001, and another 13 fellowships were awarded in 2002. Nine fellowships were offered in 2003, and 12 in 2004. In both 2003 and 2004, the regional focus was the Indian Ocean rim countries. Eight fellowships were awarded to countries around the Indian Ocean in 2003, and again, eight of the Fellows in 2004 were also from the Indian Ocean region. In 2003, we saw the beginning of South-South exchanges (Iran to India and Peru to Brazil), which was continued in 2004 (Indonesia to Malaysia, Seychelles to Mauritius and Cuba to Chile), which is an encouraging sign. The fellowships are not restricted to POGO or SCOR members.
Nippon Foundation ?POGO Visiting Professorship
A new initiative was launched in 2004 jointly with the Nippon Foundation, to expand POGO?s activities in capacity building. The goal of the new project is to expand our range of projects in capacity building and networking in ocean sciences, by establishing a Visiting Professorship in Oceanography. The goal of the project is to contribute in a significant way to capacity building in operational oceanography in developing countries through extended visits of eminent oceanographers to institutes in developing countries, to provide training and mentoring to young ocean scientists.
The visiting professorship is intended to benefit the oceanographic community in regions or countries where ocean science is less advanced, and to improve the network among well-established and developing institutes of oceanography.
The programme as envisaged will allow visiting professors to visit oceanographic institutions in developing countries, to give lectures and provide training in their area of speciality to scientists from that institute and from other neighbouring institutes. There is also provision for the Professor to carry out some modest research activities with the trainees. The visiting chair, who is called the Nippon Foundation?POGO Visiting Professor in Marine Science, visits the target institutions for about three months or longer (the total period may be variable, and reflects the particular needs and goals of the individual professorship). This visit exposes young scientists, especially in developing countries, to the best oceanographers worldwide and facilitates the formation of professional contacts that will be invaluable for the development of their scientific careers.
This new joint project was initiated in January 2004. POGO advertised widely through the POGO web site, through POGO member institutions, through cooperating groups such as International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group (IOCCG), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) and Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR), through international programmes and initiatives such as Global Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics (GLOBEC), Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IO-GOOS) and Census of Marine Life, targeting thousands of recipients. The opportunity was also advertised at the Earth Observation Summit of GEO in Tokyo in April 2004.
Eight applications were received and accepted for review in response to the announcement of opportunity. On June 23, 2004, the Supervisory Committee of the project met in Tokyo to review the proposals. The committee noted that all the proposals received were of excellent quality, and the task of selecting the best applications was very difficult. The evaluation was based on the quality of the proposal, the credentials of the visiting professor, the preparedness of the host institute to handle the project, and prospects of long-term continued benefits to the region. The relevance for the goal of the Nippon Foundation and POGO were also considered. After a careful evaluation of all the proposals, the committee unanimously selected the following two proposals:
Title: Calculation of Regional-Scale Primary Production for Indian Waters and Application to Ecosystem Dynamics
Host Institution: National Institute of Oceanography (India)
Visiting Professor: Dr. Trevor Platt, FRS, FRSC (Canada)
Title: Capacity Building in the Marine Sectors of South Pacific Small Islands Countries
Host Institution: University of South Pacific (Fiji)
Visiting Professor: Dr. Motoyasu Miyata (Japan)
Mirai BEAGLE 2003 Training Programme
The Blue EArth GLobal Expedition (BEAGLE), an international circumpolar cruise in the Southern Hemisphere, was organised by JAMSTEC (Japanese Marine Science & Technology Center) to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its establishment. The expedition took place on board the RV Mirai, one of the largest research vessels in the world. The project was comprised of six legs, each approximately four weeks long, commencing in Brisbane, Australia in August 2003, and ending in Fremantle, Australia in February 2004. The cruise was designed to enhance research activities in the Southern Hemisphere, in accordance with the São Paulo Declaration drawn up at the second meeting of the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) held in Brazil in 2000.
The main objectives of the cruise were to detect and quantify temporal changes in the Antarctic Overturn System corresponding to global warming, through high-quality observations along the WOCE Hydrographic Program repeat transects, and secondly to estimate the amount of anthropogenic carbon taken up by the Antarctic Ocean. In addition, a comprehensive suite of bio-optical measurements were conducted throughout the cruise. These measurements can be used to validate satellite ocean-colour data, and can also be used to improve satellite-derived estimates of phytoplankton standing stocks and primary production. In addition, JAMSTEC offered to accommodate up to three trainees, as well as one bio-optical specialist on each leg of the cruise. Accordingly, IOCCG, POGO and IOC awarded a limited number of scholarships for young scientists to participate in any one leg of the cruise, and to receive hands-on training on bio-optical and other oceanographic measurements on board a research vessel. On-board expenses and berth fees for all trainees and bio-optical specialists were covered by JAMSTEC. A total of 19 oceanographers from developing countries were trained on this cruise. Further details are available on the POGO and the IOCCG web sites.
Support of Zooplankton Training Course
The University of Concepción, Dept. of Oceanography, COPAS, Chile, in cooperation with ETI Concepción and the Zoological Museum Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, organised the Zooplankton Training Course, which was held from 28 April to 9 May, 2003, with funding from SCOR, IOC and POGO.
There were 15 participants in the course from Mexico (3), Ecuador (1), Peru (3), Brazil (3), Argentina (1), Uruguay (1) and Chile (3). There were 10 teachers, six from Chile, one from Brazil, one from Argentina, one from the UK and one from the Netherlands. Local coordination was carried out by Dr. Ruben Escribano, and overall coordination was provided by Dr. Annelies Pierrot-Bults. The format of the course followed that of two courses that were held in the Zoological Museum of Amsterdam in 1999 and 2001. The experts were asked to give a lecture to explain the general features of their taxonomic groups of expertise. They were asked to bring reference specimens for the students to work on and a handout containing general description, drawings and keys, and any other helpful material to help with identification of the specimens. Most of the time was devoted to hands-on practical work in which the students gained experience in working with the specimens. The groups treated were: Chaetognatha, Copepoda, Euphausiacea, fish larvae, Heteropoda, Ostracoda, Pteropoda, Scyphozoa and Tunicata.
Course on Ecology and Diversity of Marine Micro-organisms, held on December 1 ? 20, 2003, Dichato Marine Station, University of Concepción, Chile
The course was organised by Kurt Hanselmann and Osvaldo Ulloa. The advanced course was offered as part of the International Postgraduate Course Program in Oceanography. The course was held under the auspices of IOC/UNESCO, the Chilean Ministry of Education (MECESUP), Minera Escondida, the DAAD, the UdeC?s School of Graduate Studies and the Center for Oceanographic Research (COPAS). Additional funding for this course was provided by the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO) to facilitate participation by students from outside Chile, by the Swiss Commission for Development and Education, by W. Reichmann y Cía. Ltda, the Chilean representative of Zeiss Microscopes, BIOS Chile, and by MO BIO Laboratories Inc. The course was attended by 14 students from 5 Latin American countries (Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Chile). The course was open to graduate students and interested professionals. The purpose of this course was to provide an overview of the field of microbial ecology and diversity, as it relates to the role of microbes in geochemical cycling of matter in the marine environment. The course was aimed at bringing together various aspects of environmental, molecular and microbiological, as well as chemical and physical methodologies needed to approach questions of biogeochemical interest.
The course included the following key topics: Evolution to present day microbial diversity and interactions; Microbial ecosystems and ecosystem determinants; How energetics determines microbial lifestyles; Microbially driven geochemical cycles; and Application of molecular tools to microbial ecology.
POGO Participation in the UdeC - WHOI Austral Summer Institute
The Third Austral Summer Institute (ASI-3) was developed in the framework of the collaboration program between the University of Concepción and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution supported by Fundacion Andes. Additional support for students from other Latin American countries was obtained from the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO). The objective of the ASI is to strengthen academic training at the graduate level and to promote scientific discussion among invited lecturers and students from Chile and other South American countries, including graduate students, professionals, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members interested in the different subjects. The Summer Institute was held at the Dichato Marine Biological Station, Oceanography Department, University of Concepción, from 6 to 24 of January. The Institute focused on physical and biological ocean observing systems. Five courses were developed with participation of scientists from the USA, Europe and Chilean institutions. The general topics covered were (1) Application of Acoustical and Optical Methods for Plankton Monitoring; (2) Introduction to Ocean Modeling and Data Assimilation; (3) Observing the Large-Scale Ocean Circulation; (4) Mooring design, Materials and Operations; and (5) Coupled Physical-biological and Biogeochemical Time Series and Advanced Technologies. The lectures were in blocks of five days devoted to one specific theme, including the participation of one or two lecturers and about 10-25 students. Each course included formal lectures, and practical activities like data analysis, computer-based analyses and fieldwork. The funds from POGO supported the participation of 6 students (2 from Peru, 2 from Argentina, 1 from Columbia and 1 from Ecuador).
The Fourth Austral Summer Institute (ASI-4), Topics in Biogeochemistry, Paleoceanography, and Paleoclimate, was held at the Marine Biology Station of the Oceanography Department, Universidad de Concepción, in Dichato. ASI-4 was developed as part of the UDEC-WHOI-FA cooperative project. Additional funding for non-Chilean students was provided by PAGES and POGO.
The ASI-4?s objective was to reinforce advanced multidisciplinary formation and research in the Southeast Pacific. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students in the areas of Marine Sciences, Geology and Chemistry, academics, post-doctoral fellows, and professionals interested in the areas of Biogeochemistry, Paleoceanography, and Paleoclimate were all invited to apply.
Of the 44 applications received, twenty-four participants took part in the ASI-4. They were Chileans (14), Colombians (5), Peruvians (2), Brazilians (1), Germans (1), and Nicaraguans (1) living in Chile (16), Colombia (2), Brazil (1), Germany (1), and Mexico (2). The participant roster is included at the end of this report.
Seven instructors participated in the ASI-4. They provided training on the following topics:
A. Dr. Anthony Rathburn, Indiana State University, 5-9 January 2004 ?Marine productivity and seasonality: Responses of microbenthos in oxygen-poor environments, past and present?
B. Dr. Lloyd Keigwin, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 5-9 January 2004 ?Topics in Quaternary ocean and climate change?
C. Dr. John M. Hayes, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 12-16 January 2004 ?Isotope Biogeochemistry?
D. Dr. Jürgen Rullkötter, University of Oldenburg, Germany, 12-16 January 2004 ?Molecular organic geochemistry ?
E. Dr. Jennifer Pike, Cardiff University, 19-23 January 2004 ?Quaternary ocean and climate history from laminated marine sediments?
F. Dr. Daniel Repeta, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 19-23 January 2004 ?Organic compounds as tracers for paleoclimate?
G. Dr. Robert Dunbar, Stanford University, 26-30 January 2004 ?Air-sea interactions and the global carbon cycle: A paleoclimate perspective from the tropics to the poles?
POGO Co-sponsorship of SEREAD
Along with seven other organisations and programmes, POGO has co-sponsored a project called SEREAD (Scientific Educational Resources and Experience Associated with the Deployment of Argo drifting floats in the South Pacific Ocean) that has been developed to promote awareness of the Argo programme among school children in the South Pacific islands. The students are encouraged to ?adopt? a float, follow its trajectory, and study its observations.
The full management of SEREAD now lies with Julie Hall at NIWA (New Zealand). The SEREAD Steering Committee reviewed the progress of the project at their meeting on 15 August 2003. Three books have been prepared for Lower Primary School, Upper Primary School and Lower Secondary School. After final editing they are to be distributed to teachers during the teacher workshops planned for Rarotonga, Samoa and Fiji. It is planned that Dr. Dean Roemmich will review the secondary school resource book and that a science editor will review all three volumes. The Steering Committee was very impressed with the quality of the material and gave much credit to Keith Hartle and Carole Yound who contribute their time without remuneration. A workshop was conducted in Rarotonga in December 2002, attended by fourteen teachers and representing seven primary schools, who provided feedback on the resource materials and on the project. Additional workshops were held in Rarotonga (follow-up) in September 2003 including Aiataki and Mingaia, and Samoa and Fiji in early December of 2003. Assistance from several sources was secured for these workshops. Future plans and activities include expansion to other countries (Canada, USA and Australia), introduction of Internet use in secondary schools where possible, broadening of the project concept to ocean observing elements beyond Argo, and making resources available on a Web site.
Meeting of the Antares Network
The idea of a South American Workshop originated during the last training course sponsored by IOCCG at the University of Concepción (Chile) ?Primary Production: Theory, modelling and estimations by remote sensing? (October 2002). At that time, a group of advanced students, already developing work in bio-optics in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, pointed out the need to join forces to strengthen the isolated efforts being carried out by some research groups, as well as incorporating others. The creation of a network of bio-optical stations around South America was then proposed.
Subsequently, a South American workshop on ocean colour and bio-optics took place at the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero in Mar del Plata (Argentina) from 7 - 11 July 2003. This workshop was sponsored by IOCCG, and gathered 15 specialists in the subject from four countries in South America (Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile) as well as experts from two countries in North America (Canada and the USA). At this meeting, discussions took place on how to join efforts and integrate individual studies, both on satellite image analysis as well as on field measurements, into a co-ordinated South American network. The network, called the ?Antares Network?, was formed to bring together scientists working on biological time-series stations in the waters around South America. It has an ocean-colour remote-sensing component, as well as in-situ and modelling components. This effort has become very active, and has been successful in raising some funds from IAI for some of their activities.
POGO, along with IAI (Inter American Institute) and IOCCG (the International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group), sponsored the second meeting of Antares, which took place in Venezuela on 11-15 January 2005. The meeting was coordinated by Dr. Vivian Lutz of Argentina. At the workshop, participants reviewed the long-term scientific objectives of the network, with the aim of submitting proposals for funding to international funding agencies. They also decided on the most important variables to be measured at the time-series stations, to be used for the calibration and validation of satellite data.
Biodiversity Workshop in India
During the coastal sessions of the Conference on the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS) at Mauritius in November 2002, there was general agreement that sustained observations at multiple levels of the coastal habitats and their biodiversity should be a developed as a project. It was also recognised that the full scope of the problem could not be addressed uniquely within the context of IOGOOS, and that there was also need for a parallel research programme on the topic. Such a research programme would address many questions of a technical and scientific nature that go beyond the purview of operational observations of the type envisaged within the current GOOS Pilot Project. But the results from the research programme could pave the way for future improvements to GOOS observation strategies about marine life. A pre-requisite for initiating such a study is the assessment of the current state of the coastal and marine biodiversity and identification of priority areas for research on marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean region. A regional workshop, with participants drawn from Indian Ocean Rim countries and some experts from outside the region, could help focus our research efforts on marine biodiversity and foster better co-operation between the countries of the region. It was recognised that the international programme entitled Census of Marine Life (CoML) could provide just the right framework for such an initiative. The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) was identified as the potential facilitator for the venture. The workshop, sponsored by the Sloan Foundation, and IOC-Perth, was held in Goa (India) on December 12?15, 2003. NIO (Goa) were the hosts for the workshop, which was organised under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mohideen Wafar.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
? synthesise current knowledge of the coastal and oceanic biodiversity of the region and identify the gaps;
? suggest strategies to fill these gaps ? including augmented surveys, linking to other CoML activities, developing new technologies and tools, and through training, education and building public awareness;
? propose methods to increase accessibility to, and protection of, existing information through improved data management and distribution strategies;
? speculate on the evolution of the drivers of change on how best they could be managed; and
? prepare a strategy for long term monitoring of coastal and ocean marine biodiversity for the Indian Ocean region.
A selection of articles based on presentations made at the workshop will appear in a special issue of the Indian Journal of Marine Sciences. A Secretariat for Indian Ocean Census of Marine Life has been set up at the National Institute of Oceanography (Goa), with Dr. P. A. Lokabharathi in charge of it.
Advertising Existing Opportunities
The POGO web site is being developed as a site where existing opportunities for training and education in oceanography can be announced and advertised.
The POGO-IOC-SCOR Fellowship Programme was launched in 2001. The programme (co-sponsored by IOC and SCOR) facilitates visits (1-3 months long) of scientists/technicians and graduate students from developing countries (and countries with economies in transition) to oceanographic labs in other countries, for training on selected areas related to ocean observation, analysis and interpretation. The fellowship provides international airfare and subsistence allowance for the fellowship period (the actual amount is tailored to meet local conditions, but does not exceed US $1,300 per month). The trainee?s institute bears all expenses incurred by the fellow in his/her own nation (domestic travel, visa costs, etc.), and the host institute waives any bench fees that they may normally charge trainees. (Details are provided on the POGO web site.) Thirteen fellowships were offered in 2001, and another 13 fellowships were awarded in 2002. Nine fellowships were offered in 2003, and 12 in 2004. In both 2003 and 2004, the regional focus was the Indian Ocean rim countries. Eight fellowships were awarded to countries around the Indian Ocean in 2003, and again, eight of the Fellows in 2004 were also from the Indian Ocean region. In 2003, we saw the beginning of South-South exchanges (Iran to India and Peru to Brazil), which was continued in 2004 (Indonesia to Malaysia, Seychelles to Mauritius and Cuba to Chile), which is an encouraging sign. The fellowships are not restricted to POGO or SCOR members.
Nippon Foundation ?POGO Visiting Professorship
A new initiative was launched in 2004 jointly with the Nippon Foundation, to expand POGO?s activities in capacity building. The goal of the new project is to expand our range of projects in capacity building and networking in ocean sciences, by establishing a Visiting Professorship in Oceanography. The goal of the project is to contribute in a significant way to capacity building in operational oceanography in developing countries through extended visits of eminent oceanographers to institutes in developing countries, to provide training and mentoring to young ocean scientists.
The visiting professorship is intended to benefit the oceanographic community in regions or countries where ocean science is less advanced, and to improve the network among well-established and developing institutes of oceanography.
The programme as envisaged will allow visiting professors to visit oceanographic institutions in developing countries, to give lectures and provide training in their area of speciality to scientists from that institute and from other neighbouring institutes. There is also provision for the Professor to carry out some modest research activities with the trainees. The visiting chair, who is called the Nippon Foundation?POGO Visiting Professor in Marine Science, visits the target institutions for about three months or longer (the total period may be variable, and reflects the particular needs and goals of the individual professorship). This visit exposes young scientists, especially in developing countries, to the best oceanographers worldwide and facilitates the formation of professional contacts that will be invaluable for the development of their scientific careers.
This new joint project was initiated in January 2004. POGO advertised widely through the POGO web site, through POGO member institutions, through cooperating groups such as International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group (IOCCG), Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC) and Scientific Committee on Oceanic Research (SCOR), through international programmes and initiatives such as Global Ocean Ecosystem Dynamics (GLOBEC), Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IO-GOOS) and Census of Marine Life, targeting thousands of recipients. The opportunity was also advertised at the Earth Observation Summit of GEO in Tokyo in April 2004.
Eight applications were received and accepted for review in response to the announcement of opportunity. On June 23, 2004, the Supervisory Committee of the project met in Tokyo to review the proposals. The committee noted that all the proposals received were of excellent quality, and the task of selecting the best applications was very difficult. The evaluation was based on the quality of the proposal, the credentials of the visiting professor, the preparedness of the host institute to handle the project, and prospects of long-term continued benefits to the region. The relevance for the goal of the Nippon Foundation and POGO were also considered. After a careful evaluation of all the proposals, the committee unanimously selected the following two proposals:
Title: Calculation of Regional-Scale Primary Production for Indian Waters and Application to Ecosystem Dynamics
Host Institution: National Institute of Oceanography (India)
Visiting Professor: Dr. Trevor Platt, FRS, FRSC (Canada)
Title: Capacity Building in the Marine Sectors of South Pacific Small Islands Countries
Host Institution: University of South Pacific (Fiji)
Visiting Professor: Dr. Motoyasu Miyata (Japan)
Mirai BEAGLE 2003 Training Programme
The Blue EArth GLobal Expedition (BEAGLE), an international circumpolar cruise in the Southern Hemisphere, was organised by JAMSTEC (Japanese Marine Science & Technology Center) to commemorate the 30th anniversary of its establishment. The expedition took place on board the RV Mirai, one of the largest research vessels in the world. The project was comprised of six legs, each approximately four weeks long, commencing in Brisbane, Australia in August 2003, and ending in Fremantle, Australia in February 2004. The cruise was designed to enhance research activities in the Southern Hemisphere, in accordance with the São Paulo Declaration drawn up at the second meeting of the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) held in Brazil in 2000.
The main objectives of the cruise were to detect and quantify temporal changes in the Antarctic Overturn System corresponding to global warming, through high-quality observations along the WOCE Hydrographic Program repeat transects, and secondly to estimate the amount of anthropogenic carbon taken up by the Antarctic Ocean. In addition, a comprehensive suite of bio-optical measurements were conducted throughout the cruise. These measurements can be used to validate satellite ocean-colour data, and can also be used to improve satellite-derived estimates of phytoplankton standing stocks and primary production. In addition, JAMSTEC offered to accommodate up to three trainees, as well as one bio-optical specialist on each leg of the cruise. Accordingly, IOCCG, POGO and IOC awarded a limited number of scholarships for young scientists to participate in any one leg of the cruise, and to receive hands-on training on bio-optical and other oceanographic measurements on board a research vessel. On-board expenses and berth fees for all trainees and bio-optical specialists were covered by JAMSTEC. A total of 19 oceanographers from developing countries were trained on this cruise. Further details are available on the POGO and the IOCCG web sites.
Support of Zooplankton Training Course
The University of Concepción, Dept. of Oceanography, COPAS, Chile, in cooperation with ETI Concepción and the Zoological Museum Amsterdam, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, organised the Zooplankton Training Course, which was held from 28 April to 9 May, 2003, with funding from SCOR, IOC and POGO.
There were 15 participants in the course from Mexico (3), Ecuador (1), Peru (3), Brazil (3), Argentina (1), Uruguay (1) and Chile (3). There were 10 teachers, six from Chile, one from Brazil, one from Argentina, one from the UK and one from the Netherlands. Local coordination was carried out by Dr. Ruben Escribano, and overall coordination was provided by Dr. Annelies Pierrot-Bults. The format of the course followed that of two courses that were held in the Zoological Museum of Amsterdam in 1999 and 2001. The experts were asked to give a lecture to explain the general features of their taxonomic groups of expertise. They were asked to bring reference specimens for the students to work on and a handout containing general description, drawings and keys, and any other helpful material to help with identification of the specimens. Most of the time was devoted to hands-on practical work in which the students gained experience in working with the specimens. The groups treated were: Chaetognatha, Copepoda, Euphausiacea, fish larvae, Heteropoda, Ostracoda, Pteropoda, Scyphozoa and Tunicata.
Course on Ecology and Diversity of Marine Micro-organisms, held on December 1 ? 20, 2003, Dichato Marine Station, University of Concepción, Chile
The course was organised by Kurt Hanselmann and Osvaldo Ulloa. The advanced course was offered as part of the International Postgraduate Course Program in Oceanography. The course was held under the auspices of IOC/UNESCO, the Chilean Ministry of Education (MECESUP), Minera Escondida, the DAAD, the UdeC?s School of Graduate Studies and the Center for Oceanographic Research (COPAS). Additional funding for this course was provided by the Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean (POGO) to facilitate participation by students from outside Chile, by the Swiss Commission for Development and Education, by W. Reichmann y Cía. Ltda, the Chilean representative of Zeiss Microscopes, BIOS Chile, and by MO BIO Laboratories Inc. The course was attended by 14 students from 5 Latin American countries (Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay and Chile). The course was open to graduate students and interested professionals. The purpose of this course was to provide an overview of the field of microbial ecology and diversity, as it relates to the role of microbes in geochemical cycling of matter in the marine environment. The course was aimed at bringing together various aspects of environmental, molecular and microbiological, as well as chemical and physical methodologies needed to approach questions of biogeochemical interest.
The course included the following key topics: Evolution to present day microbial diversity and interactions; Microbial ecosystems and ecosystem determinants; How energetics determines microbial lifestyles; Microbially driven geochemical cycles; and Application of molecular tools to microbial ecology.
POGO Participation in the UdeC - WHOI Austral Summer Institute
The Third Austral Summer Institute (ASI-3) was developed in the framework of the collaboration program between the University of Concepción and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution supported by Fundacion Andes. Additional support for students from other Latin American countries was obtained from the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO). The objective of the ASI is to strengthen academic training at the graduate level and to promote scientific discussion among invited lecturers and students from Chile and other South American countries, including graduate students, professionals, postdoctoral fellows and faculty members interested in the different subjects. The Summer Institute was held at the Dichato Marine Biological Station, Oceanography Department, University of Concepción, from 6 to 24 of January. The Institute focused on physical and biological ocean observing systems. Five courses were developed with participation of scientists from the USA, Europe and Chilean institutions. The general topics covered were (1) Application of Acoustical and Optical Methods for Plankton Monitoring; (2) Introduction to Ocean Modeling and Data Assimilation; (3) Observing the Large-Scale Ocean Circulation; (4) Mooring design, Materials and Operations; and (5) Coupled Physical-biological and Biogeochemical Time Series and Advanced Technologies. The lectures were in blocks of five days devoted to one specific theme, including the participation of one or two lecturers and about 10-25 students. Each course included formal lectures, and practical activities like data analysis, computer-based analyses and fieldwork. The funds from POGO supported the participation of 6 students (2 from Peru, 2 from Argentina, 1 from Columbia and 1 from Ecuador).
The Fourth Austral Summer Institute (ASI-4), Topics in Biogeochemistry, Paleoceanography, and Paleoclimate, was held at the Marine Biology Station of the Oceanography Department, Universidad de Concepción, in Dichato. ASI-4 was developed as part of the UDEC-WHOI-FA cooperative project. Additional funding for non-Chilean students was provided by PAGES and POGO.
The ASI-4?s objective was to reinforce advanced multidisciplinary formation and research in the Southeast Pacific. Graduate and advanced undergraduate students in the areas of Marine Sciences, Geology and Chemistry, academics, post-doctoral fellows, and professionals interested in the areas of Biogeochemistry, Paleoceanography, and Paleoclimate were all invited to apply.
Of the 44 applications received, twenty-four participants took part in the ASI-4. They were Chileans (14), Colombians (5), Peruvians (2), Brazilians (1), Germans (1), and Nicaraguans (1) living in Chile (16), Colombia (2), Brazil (1), Germany (1), and Mexico (2). The participant roster is included at the end of this report.
Seven instructors participated in the ASI-4. They provided training on the following topics:
A. Dr. Anthony Rathburn, Indiana State University, 5-9 January 2004 ?Marine productivity and seasonality: Responses of microbenthos in oxygen-poor environments, past and present?
B. Dr. Lloyd Keigwin, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 5-9 January 2004 ?Topics in Quaternary ocean and climate change?
C. Dr. John M. Hayes, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 12-16 January 2004 ?Isotope Biogeochemistry?
D. Dr. Jürgen Rullkötter, University of Oldenburg, Germany, 12-16 January 2004 ?Molecular organic geochemistry ?
E. Dr. Jennifer Pike, Cardiff University, 19-23 January 2004 ?Quaternary ocean and climate history from laminated marine sediments?
F. Dr. Daniel Repeta, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, 19-23 January 2004 ?Organic compounds as tracers for paleoclimate?
G. Dr. Robert Dunbar, Stanford University, 26-30 January 2004 ?Air-sea interactions and the global carbon cycle: A paleoclimate perspective from the tropics to the poles?
POGO Co-sponsorship of SEREAD
Along with seven other organisations and programmes, POGO has co-sponsored a project called SEREAD (Scientific Educational Resources and Experience Associated with the Deployment of Argo drifting floats in the South Pacific Ocean) that has been developed to promote awareness of the Argo programme among school children in the South Pacific islands. The students are encouraged to ?adopt? a float, follow its trajectory, and study its observations.
The full management of SEREAD now lies with Julie Hall at NIWA (New Zealand). The SEREAD Steering Committee reviewed the progress of the project at their meeting on 15 August 2003. Three books have been prepared for Lower Primary School, Upper Primary School and Lower Secondary School. After final editing they are to be distributed to teachers during the teacher workshops planned for Rarotonga, Samoa and Fiji. It is planned that Dr. Dean Roemmich will review the secondary school resource book and that a science editor will review all three volumes. The Steering Committee was very impressed with the quality of the material and gave much credit to Keith Hartle and Carole Yound who contribute their time without remuneration. A workshop was conducted in Rarotonga in December 2002, attended by fourteen teachers and representing seven primary schools, who provided feedback on the resource materials and on the project. Additional workshops were held in Rarotonga (follow-up) in September 2003 including Aiataki and Mingaia, and Samoa and Fiji in early December of 2003. Assistance from several sources was secured for these workshops. Future plans and activities include expansion to other countries (Canada, USA and Australia), introduction of Internet use in secondary schools where possible, broadening of the project concept to ocean observing elements beyond Argo, and making resources available on a Web site.
Meeting of the Antares Network
The idea of a South American Workshop originated during the last training course sponsored by IOCCG at the University of Concepción (Chile) ?Primary Production: Theory, modelling and estimations by remote sensing? (October 2002). At that time, a group of advanced students, already developing work in bio-optics in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, pointed out the need to join forces to strengthen the isolated efforts being carried out by some research groups, as well as incorporating others. The creation of a network of bio-optical stations around South America was then proposed.
Subsequently, a South American workshop on ocean colour and bio-optics took place at the Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Pesquero in Mar del Plata (Argentina) from 7 - 11 July 2003. This workshop was sponsored by IOCCG, and gathered 15 specialists in the subject from four countries in South America (Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile) as well as experts from two countries in North America (Canada and the USA). At this meeting, discussions took place on how to join efforts and integrate individual studies, both on satellite image analysis as well as on field measurements, into a co-ordinated South American network. The network, called the ?Antares Network?, was formed to bring together scientists working on biological time-series stations in the waters around South America. It has an ocean-colour remote-sensing component, as well as in-situ and modelling components. This effort has become very active, and has been successful in raising some funds from IAI for some of their activities.
POGO, along with IAI (Inter American Institute) and IOCCG (the International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group), sponsored the second meeting of Antares, which took place in Venezuela on 11-15 January 2005. The meeting was coordinated by Dr. Vivian Lutz of Argentina. At the workshop, participants reviewed the long-term scientific objectives of the network, with the aim of submitting proposals for funding to international funding agencies. They also decided on the most important variables to be measured at the time-series stations, to be used for the calibration and validation of satellite data.
Biodiversity Workshop in India
During the coastal sessions of the Conference on the Indian Ocean Global Ocean Observing System (IOGOOS) at Mauritius in November 2002, there was general agreement that sustained observations at multiple levels of the coastal habitats and their biodiversity should be a developed as a project. It was also recognised that the full scope of the problem could not be addressed uniquely within the context of IOGOOS, and that there was also need for a parallel research programme on the topic. Such a research programme would address many questions of a technical and scientific nature that go beyond the purview of operational observations of the type envisaged within the current GOOS Pilot Project. But the results from the research programme could pave the way for future improvements to GOOS observation strategies about marine life. A pre-requisite for initiating such a study is the assessment of the current state of the coastal and marine biodiversity and identification of priority areas for research on marine biodiversity in the Indian Ocean region. A regional workshop, with participants drawn from Indian Ocean Rim countries and some experts from outside the region, could help focus our research efforts on marine biodiversity and foster better co-operation between the countries of the region. It was recognised that the international programme entitled Census of Marine Life (CoML) could provide just the right framework for such an initiative. The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO) was identified as the potential facilitator for the venture. The workshop, sponsored by the Sloan Foundation, and IOC-Perth, was held in Goa (India) on December 12?15, 2003. NIO (Goa) were the hosts for the workshop, which was organised under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mohideen Wafar.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
? synthesise current knowledge of the coastal and oceanic biodiversity of the region and identify the gaps;
? suggest strategies to fill these gaps ? including augmented surveys, linking to other CoML activities, developing new technologies and tools, and through training, education and building public awareness;
? propose methods to increase accessibility to, and protection of, existing information through improved data management and distribution strategies;
? speculate on the evolution of the drivers of change on how best they could be managed; and
? prepare a strategy for long term monitoring of coastal and ocean marine biodiversity for the Indian Ocean region.
A selection of articles based on presentations made at the workshop will appear in a special issue of the Indian Journal of Marine Sciences. A Secretariat for Indian Ocean Census of Marine Life has been set up at the National Institute of Oceanography (Goa), with Dr. P. A. Lokabharathi in charge of it.
Advertising Existing Opportunities
The POGO web site is being developed as a site where existing opportunities for training and education in oceanography can be announced and advertised.