To support maritime safety and search and rescue operations in the New York Bight, MARACOOS operates six high-frequency (HF) radar stations across New York’s coastal waters. These HF radars deliver real-time surface current data, which enables the U.S. Coast Guard to reduce search areas by up to two-thirds during emergency response missions. This cutting-edge technology not only saves lives but also improves navigational safety, aids commercial maritime operations, and supports safer recreational boating.

Through the Hudson River Environmental Conditions Observing System (HRECOS), MARACOOS and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) provide continuous water quality monitoring across 17 sites along the Hudson River and Mohawk River. By collecting data every fifteen minutes on parameters like salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and nutrient levels, HRECOS supports scientific research, ecosystem management, and public health initiatives. These real-time observations inform stakeholders, from fisheries managers to water resource planners, helping ensure cleaner, healthier waters for communities throughout New York State.

In collaboration with Hofstra University, MARACOOS is developing virtual reality (VR) simulations to improve coastal hazard communication in New York City and Long Island. These VR tools make flood risk and storm surge information clearer and easier to use for decision-makers, emergency managers, and the public, helping communities prepare for coastal threats in one of the nation’s most vulnerable regions.