Synthesis, Observations, and Response System

The SOAR system integrates coastal ecosystem models and water condition observations in support of Great Lakes restoration. These activities include:

  • Deployment and support of on-water and remote sensing platforms
  • Observations from these support systems to create database products for assessment
  • Decision support information for restoration, drinking water, and beach managers

The SOAR system provides up to date information (including real-time data) on ecosystem health to maintain access to ecosystem services -- high quality drinking water and bathing beaches -- through

soar buoy
(NOAA)

observations, data management, and forecast model development. The SOAR project’s Great Lakes team is comprised of federal entities including NOAA, Environmental Protection Agency, and US Geological Survey, along with non-federal participants such as the Great Lakes Observing System Regional Association and the International Joint Commission.

SOAR sample analyses, observations, and tools support other Great Lakes projects such as:

For 2016, the seasonal forecast will be improved and used to predict harmful algal bloom (HAB) intensity, a daily/weekly forecasting component and toxicity observations will be added to the GLERL HABs Tracker during the bloom season, real-time buoys will be added to the western basin to provide early warning of HABs events, and a development program will be initiated for aircraft hyperspectral detection and measurement of HABs near water intakes.

Additional FY16 funds will fully implement hyperspectral remote sensing to map and classify HABs in swetern Lake Erie and fully deploy and utilize the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP)  HAB toxicity observations near Toledo in Lake Erie.

Funding:
FY2024: $923,140

FY2023: $973,140

FY2022: $950,000

FY2021: $950,000

FY2020: $1,100,000

FY2019: $1,076,00

FY2018: $990,000

FY2017: $900,000

FY2016: $1,095,000

FY2015: $1,084,000

FY2014: $1,084,000

FY2013: $1,039,000

Contact: 
Steve.Ruberg@noaa.gov