MARACOOS in Virginia
Virginia Coast
The Virginia Eastern Shore region, situated between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, is a geographically small but ecologically and economically significant part of the Virginia coastline. Stretching just 70 miles, this area
features a dynamic network of barrier islands, coastal wetlands, and tidal marshes that naturally protect the Atlantic coastline. Various wildlife reserves, including the
Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, are located in this region and enable continued coastal science research.
In contrast, the mainland Virginia coast at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay is a densely populated corridor that anchors a significant share of the state’s blue economy and marine industry infrastructure. 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.
Featured Virginia Coast Data Tools
If you have a tool to add, please email info@maracoos.org
MARACOOS OceansMap Chesapeake Bay Portal
MARACOOS OceansMap is a dynamic data visualization tool integrating near real-time observational assets and model forecasts that contribute to ocean monitoring in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Mid-Atlantic Ocean Data Portal
Browse over 4,000 maps showing fishing grounds, marine life habitats and much more. Managed by MARCO.
Virginia Estuarine and Coastal Observing System (VECOS) – VIMS
The Virginia Estuarine and Coastal Observing System (VECOS) is a website designed to distribute water quality data sampled from the Chesapeake Bay and associated tributaries within Virginia.
Tidewatch
The Tidewatch network provides an effective way to measure, visualize, and predict the magnitude and impacts of coastal flooding at locations within Chesapeake Bay and along Virginia’s seaside Eastern Shore. Use Tidewatch charts to
better prepare for storm tides and minimize their potential impacts.
Old Dominion University Surface Current Mapping
Surface Current mapping sponsored by MARACOOS but based out of Center for Coastal Physical Oceanography, Department of Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Old Dominion University.
Chesapeake Bay Operational Forecast System (CBOFS)
As a product of NOAA CO-OPS CBOFS provides water level nowcast and forecast guidance, as well as currents, water temperature and salinity and interpolated winds from National Weather Service products. CBOFS runs four times per day
and generates 6-hour nowcasts and 48-hour forecast guidance.
