Ocean observing/monitoring systems: Some past and present applications in Azores waters

The Ocean is vast and of difficult access. Recent technological advances have brought us to a new era in ocean research (physical / biological / chemical / geological) one in which an Integrated network of Ocean Observing Systems (IOOS), involving strong developments in systems engineering and informatics, provides researchers with a continuous scientific presence in the ocean. These initiatives are worldwide accepted as vital tools for tracking, predicting, managing, and adapting to changes in Ocean and Coastal systems, by delivering data and information needed, so that decision-makers can take action to improve safety, enhance the economy, and protect the environment. Some of these IOOS systems incorporate broad themes identified by users and stakeholders such as: e.g. Marine Operations and Commerce, Coastal Hazards, Economic Development, Climate Variability and Change, Marine Forecasting, and Ecosystems, Fisheries and Water Quality, Public Outreach and Education, and more recently, Ocean Mining. The Azores (NE Atlantic) islands are located in an open-ocean area characterized by deep-sea ecosystems. Therefore, a regional IOOS can play a significant importance not only for science in general, but foremost to address regional/national/international needs/interests for ocean information, by gathering specific data on key coastal and ocean variables, while ensuring timely and sustained dissemination and availability of these data. However IOOS require heavy (and expensive) technology that, in some cases, is still in developing process in the Azores through experimentation. In this presentation we provide an overview of the multiple uses of ocean observing systems in the region. Rather than a comprehensive approach of this subject, a few examples are presented in relation to research carried out by the Department of Oceanography and Fisheries on different environments (open ocean, deep sea, coastal areas). In this presentation we will try to link the results of this research to learning processes in which the Internet is a common tool used.