By Sheyna Wisdom
IOOS Program Office staff, directors, and representatives from each Regional Association convened in Juneau in September.
People from across the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) Enterprise, affectionately known as “IOOSians,” gathered in Juneau from September 2-5 for the annual IOOS Fall meeting. In keeping with our commitment to “integrated” observing systems, the IOOS Program Office staff, directors, and representatives from each Regional Association convene each fall. This year, AOOS had the honor of hosting and, in true Alaska fashion, attendees were treated to an array of weather, experiences, and meaningful exchanges.
The meeting kicked off with a site visit to the Marine Exchange of Alaska (MXAK), led by former AOOS Board member Ed Paige. He introduced the group to the AOOS-MXAK partnership, which has installed weather stations on Automatic Identification System (AIS) receivers throughout the state. This collaboration provides mariners with real-time weather updates and vessel tracking, enhancing safety, and reducing risks in Alaskan waters. Our opening reception was generously hosted by MXAK at the U.S. Coast Guard Buoy Deck lounge, where we were joined by AOOS Board member Ginny Eckert.
Dancers Stephanie and Shannon Hawkins taught the “float coat song.”
Day two began with a special performance by Alaska Native dancers, Stephanie and Shannon Hawkins, from the Bering Strait community of Wales. They taught us the “float coat song,” getting everyone on their feet to join in the dance. Seth Danielson from the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) shared insights into the challenges and successes of working in Alaska with gliders, ecosystem moorings, and high-frequency radars. AOOS Board member and Vice Chair Amy Holman offered her strategic perspective on how AOOS serves as a vital partner in Alaska’s ocean-related endeavors. In the afternoon, we toured the Alaska Fisheries Science Center’s Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute with AOOS Board member Bob Foy and learned about the impactful work being done there.
Beyond the meetings, attendees embraced the full Alaskan experience: hiking in the rain, visiting waterfalls and glaciers, spotting wildlife like bears and seals, savoring fresh seafood, and sharing drinks with friends. Special thanks to Jordan Watson from PacIOOS for sharing his local knowledge of Juneau! And of course, a huge thank you to Kruti Desai, Masha Edmondson from the Consortium of Leadership, and Kristen Yarincik from the IOOS Association for their hard work in planning this seamless event. Unfortunately, not all surprises were welcome—COVID-19 made an appearance during some of the return journeys.
Throughout the meeting, IOOSians shared their thoughts, both formally and informally. Here are a few highlights:
The group toured the Marine Exchange of Alaska and learned how they help provide mariners with real-time weather updates and vessel tracking.
“Juneau was an ideal spot to host a gathering of national and regional observing system leaders. It provided participants with a glimpse of the challenges facing ocean observing in this vast region, and how IOOS, particularly AOOS, rises to meet those challenges, delivering essential benefits to communities,’ said Gerhard Kuska, the MARACOOS Director and IOOS Association Board Chair. “Came for the camaraderie; stayed for the Covid!”
“The meeting in Juneau was a great opportunity to witness the contributions AOOS and its partners make to coastal and ocean observing—particularly the Marine Exchange of Alaska and the regional NOAA Fisheries Lab. With new funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, IOOS has a historic opportunity to work collaboratively across regions. This was a focus of the meeting, and it was exciting to learn about the significant impacts these new funds will have for Alaska’s communities and economy,” said Kristen Yarincik, the IOOS Association Executive Director. “We stuck it to Texas good. If you’re not first, you’re last.”
“The meeting in Juneau gave us all a front-row seat to experience the natural beauty that fuels Alaska’s communities, while also witnessing the environmental challenges they face, from climate change to increased flooding. Field trips to the Marine Exchange of Alaska and the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center, combined with presentations from partners like the Native dancers and Seth Danielson from UAF, offered a broader perspective on the depth of AOOS’s partnerships across the state,” said Maria Murray from the IOOS Program Office. “Experiencing Covid for the first time = 2 weeks lost. Experiencing AOOS in Juneau = priceless!”