...Investigations of the natural variability of perti- 

 nent marine environmental parameters and the impact 

 on data use and performance chsiracteristics [Refer- 

 ence 15] . 



...Cost effectiveness sensitivity studies of alternative 

 data buoy systems, alone and in various combinations 

 with other platforms [Reference I3]. 



(3) The opportunity was used to add a real-time satellite 

 relay capability to one buoy being deployed as part of the Joint 

 Scripps Institution of Oceanography-Office of Naval Research (ONR)- 

 Goast Guard North Pacific experiment. One of ONR's large discus 

 buoys was fitted with VHP communications equipment to permit 



the relay of measured data via the NASA ATS-1 synchronous sat- 

 ellite. This added capability will provide side-by-side compari- 

 son of data transmitted directly by HP with data transmitted by 

 satellite link commioni cations. 



(4) In sensor development, the efforts of the Project 

 Office have focused on a survey of oceanographic sind meteorolog- 

 ical sensor technology. Similar review of other system components 

 is underway. In cooperation with other Coast Guard activities 

 interested in oceanographic sensor development, and in coordina- 

 tion with the National Oceanographic Instrumentation Center and 

 the National Oceanographic Data Center, the project is currently 

 reviewing proposals for a study to: 



...Assess the state-of-the-art of oceanographic sensors. 



...Formulate test and calibration standards and proce- 

 dures for Coast Guard sensors. 



...Establish standard specifications for hardware. 



(5) A limited mooring test and evaluation program is in 

 the planning stage; tests in the oceans will commence in the fall 

 of 1969. 



(6) Quantification of the potential benefits to users 

 which will be achieved from improved marine environmental infor- 

 mation is recognized as a difficult task. Not only must one 

 determine and relate the necessary increased volume and quality 

 of data, with appropriate spatial coverage, to improved levels of 

 environmental prediction, but a second step is also necessary — 

 that of relating the net worth of the improved environmental 

 predictions and data to benefits to the users. And finally, the 

 appropriate mix of sensors and platforms for the optimum environ- 

 mental system must be determined. Much of this work is beyond 

 the scope of the Project Office. However, initial efforts im- 

 pinging upon NDB Systems development have been undertaken. For 



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