Ocean Forecasting for Australia in the Works

CANBERRA, Australia, October 14, 2003 (ENS) - Ocean forecasting information will soon be available for sea-going Australians in the same way that atmospheric weather forecasting is delivered for people on land. Called BlueLink, the new A$15 million system will provide forecasts of events at or near the ocean surface and in the upper two kilometers of the ocean.

Dr. Sharman Stone, parliamentary secretary for the Environment and Heritage Monday launched the joint initiative between the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, the government research branch CSIRO, and the Royal Australian Navy. "BlueLink will provide forecasts of the ocean similar to the land based weather forecasting Australians have enjoyed for the past 40 years," Stone said.

Stone said the first four to six day forecasts, and more specific one to two day regional forecasts, are expected to be available by the end of next year.

An ocean current and sea surface temperature map, generated from data on sea level and general ocean conditions, being developed by the Bureau of Meteorology, Royal Australian Navy and CSIRO. (Photo courtesy Ministry of Environment and Heritage)

When completed, the system will produce ocean charts, including shipping charts for ocean currents, eddy locations and ocean temperatures.

Marine transport and fishing vessels, and the Australian Navy, as well as oil and gas exploration and delivery activities will be able to operate with more detailed information about their ocean environment.

"Predicting future ocean conditions, including specific regional knowledge of ocean currents, helps us to operate ships and fixed structures such as gas pipelines with greater surety, said Stone. "The same information is also critical for search and rescue operations as we can track damaged vessels and people lost at sea with greater accuracy."

The Navy will benefit with greatly enhanced support of onboard tactical response systems, and there will be potential cost savings for industries such as commercial shipping.

"The East Australian Current, for example, can reach up to four knots in speed which can significantly help or hinder a shipping vessel travelling between 12 to 20 knots either with or against that current," Stone said. "These vessels typically cost $50,000 or more per day to run so significant fuel savings can be made with a better understanding of present and future ocean currents."

Oceans charts equivalent to weather maps and similar to this view of the Tasman Sea will soon be produced for use by government, industry and the community.

"BlueLink will allow us," said Stone," to better monitor, predict, utilize and protect the vast marine environment surrounding Australia."