Lewes Launch

MARACOOS hosted a ceremony on Lewes Beach in Delaware to unveil their new High Frequency Radar. The event featured speakers including MARACOOS Executive Director Dr. Gerhard Kuska, Mayor of Lewes Theodore Becker, University of Delaware Provost Dr. Robin Morgan, State Representative Stephen Smyk, Delaware Department of Natural Resources & Environmental Control Secretary Shawn Garvin, US Senator from Delaware Tom Carper, National Weather Service Director Dr. Louis Uccellini, and US IOOS Director Carl Gouldman.

The event was widely-attended with over 60 attendees, with diverse representation from the stakeholder community. Speakers’ remarks emphasized how ocean observing data along the Mid-Atlantic coast boost our understanding of the coastal climate signal and protect our coastal communities.

Dr. Kuska, MARACOOS Executive Director, emphasized, “the success of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) network is made possible through the partnerships that IOOS regional associations maintain with our coastal and maritime communities, who value operational data and the forecasts and products they serve.” Concluding with a reception, the Lewes Launch event was a great success that amplified MARACOOS’ exposure and highlighted the productive nature of collaborative partnerships.

“I want to thank MARACOOS for being a Weather Ready Nation Ambassador… they’re making sure that our information gets to the communities so they can make the right decisions at the right time, that they are ready and responsive, and it takes these connections at the local levels to make that happen,” — National Weather Service Director Dr. Louis Uccellini

As US Senator Tom Carper said, “In the Navy when people do extraordinary things, we say two things: Bravo, Zulu, which means good going. Bravo, Zulu, MARACOOS!” MARACOOS partnerships are truly extraordinary, thanks team!

MARACOOS is a 501(c)(3) organization and one of 11 regional associations part of US IOOS. To learn more visit maracoos.org or email mary@maracoos.org.