System Science Applications has been chosen to work with NASA'a Jet Propulsion Labs to develop a web site that will provide a central location for ocean resources including satellite imagery and coastal flow models. Users will be able to search for images and data that contain their desired parameters (clorophyll or ocean temperature), choose spatial extents (latitude, longitude, depth) and select a time period to study. Then they will be able to use EASyView to display and analyze their selections.

In collaboration with the Pfleger Institute of Environmental Studies in Oceanside CA, we have developed an advanced tracking system for tagging marine fish. Data from archival and pop-up tags are automatically imported into Fishtracker and then analyzed to provide more accurate positioning of the tag during the time series. The Fishtracker algorithm improves the locations proposed by tag manufactures by matching measurements of the temperature at the sea surface from the tag with the coincident measurements from satellite imagery. The Fishtracker also provides a dynamic and integrated view of the environmental conditions in which the fish is found. Such tracking information is applied to protection and conservation of threatened marine animals.

With the support of the USDA, AquaModel was expanded to provide detailed bathymetry, additional contouring and statistics capabilities, links to additional costal flow models including the University of Hawaii Ocean Circulation Model, and enhanced modeling of benthic dynamics. Laboratory analysis was done to calibrate the model. A study was also done to evaluate the impact of mariculture off the island of Hawaii.

System Science Applications with the support of the NOAA Aquaculture Program, has expanded and improved the site evaluation tool AquaModel to include open ocean locations as potential sites for aquaculture by developing an interface between AquaModel and 3-dimensional costal circulation models and developing a far-field version simulates the water column effects of multiple farms over large regions. This project included evaluations of The University of New Hampshire test site in the Gulf of Maine and a site in the Southern California Bight.