From research to end-users, tracing the path of ocean observations in Australia

The mission of Australia’s Integrated Marine ObservingSystem (IMOS), established under the Federal Government’s national collaborative research infrastructure program, is to deliver ocean observationsto the marine and climate science community. However, the observationshave many uses, ranging from real-time operational forecasting to understanding of processes and policy decision making. Observationsneed to be provided in a format that fits the purpose of the intended application. Turning observationsinto usable data, time series, gridded products and analyses broadens the use of such observations. Value adding by developing products that are relevant to end-user needs and easily accessible to non-scientists is also required as a strategic response to new and emerging socioeconomic, legal and policy priorities. This paper describes some of the pathways on which IMOS observationsare being delivered and used in Australia, demonstrating the value that ocean observationshave for society.