MARACOOS in Virginia
Through cutting-edge ocean observing systems and strategic partnerships, MARACOOS and IOOS equip Virginia’s communities with the information they need to plan for hazards, protect lives, and boost the coastal economy.
With several major commercial shipyards and port facilities, Virginia accounts for more than 25% of all U.S. shipbuilding jobs, positioning it as a leader in maritime manufacturing and marine engineering. The coastal counties of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Hampton contribute over $3 billion annually in gross domestic product (GDP), underscoring the region’s role in advancing ocean-dependent economic activities.
Enhancing Maritime Safety
In partnership with Old Dominion University, MARACOOS supports four high-frequency (HF) radar stations at Virginia Beach, Cape Charles, and Cedar Island. These advanced ocean observing systems deliver real-time surface current data, enhancing maritime safety, optimizing commercial navigation, and supporting search and rescue operations by the U.S. Coast Guard. By providing accurate ocean current observations, these radars help cut search areas by two-thirds, improving the speed and success of emergency maritime response and supporting coastal security along the Mid-Atlantic coast.
Expanding Coastal Flood Monitoring
MARACOOS collaborates with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) to deploy new water-level sensors across the Middle Peninsula, Hampton Roads, the Northern Neck, the Eastern Shore, and along the James River. These sensors are important for enhancing coastal flood forecasting, strengthening storm surge prediction capabilities, informing emergency management, and supporting community resilience planning. By providing timely and accurate sea level data, MARACOOS empowers local governments, emergency planners, and residents with actionable information to prepare for coastal hazards, including nuisance flooding, extreme weather events, and hurricane impacts.
Supporting Chesapeake Bay Watermen
MARACOOS powers modeling and forecasting tools that are essential to watermen, commercial fisheries, and coastal communities around the Chesapeake Bay. By offering reliable predictions of surface currents, water temperature, and other ocean conditions, MARACOOS helps safeguard livelihoods tied to sustainable seafood production, aquaculture operations, and recreational fishing. These tools strengthen the regional coastal economy, enhance fisheries management, and support long-term marine resource sustainability across the Chesapeake Bay watershed and the broader Mid-Atlantic.
