Beachgoers, mariners, rescue workers, and response crews now have new information available when making decisions such as whether it is safe to head out to sea or where to find mariners in distress. NOAA partners within the Caribbean Integrated Coastal Ocean Observing System deployed a data buoy off Escambrón beach to provide data on winds, waves and currents to locals including the port of San Juan and the island's Atlantic coast.
The new buoy deployed on July 23, following the successful deployment and operation of another buoy to the southeast of Caja de Muertos, serving the port of Ponce and Caribbean coast. It is now operational and the data it collects can be viewed in near-real time online: http://gyre.umeoce.maine.edu/caricoos/
"Easier access to timely and useful water and weather information saves lives, property, and resources," said Zdenka Willis, director of NOAA's Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS®). "It's the information that the sailor, state and local agencies, or beachgoer needs in order to make safe and informed decisions before heading out on the water or to the beach."
These data buoys are financed by NOAA IOOS, constructed by the University of Maine buoy group, and operated jointly by the University of Maine and researchers from the University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez campus.
IOOS is a federal, regional and private-sector partnership working to enhance our ability to collect, deliver and use ocean information. IOOS delivers the data and information needed to increase understanding of our oceans and coasts, so decision makers can act to improve safety, enhance the economy and protect the environment.
NOAA understands and predicts changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages our coastal and marine resources. Visit us at http://www.noaa.gov or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/noaa.lubchenco.