GENERAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS-FY 2006

The following are the Accomplishments for FY 2006:

•          The geographic coordinates of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuaries (FKNMS) regulated areas were compared with published data and verified for accuracy. Validation of the geographic positions (for area or zone limits) is crucial since they must match exactly with both the ENC and the Marine Information Object (MIO) data layers. Approximately 15 ENCs are needed to cover the area and over half are already completed. The remaining ENCs will be completed by November 2006. ENC coverage of the entire area is important in order to fully demonstrate the benefits of using the supplemental MIO layers.

•          A compilation of the various International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) S-57 objects, feature attributes and attribute values required to produce a Coral Reef/MPA MIO layer was completed and forwarded to relevant international standards committees and working groups for review. It includes both regulatory and biological aspects.

•          In order to facilitate MIO development and implementation, several software manufacturers and ENC data producers were contacted. In general, a willingness to implement MIOs has been indicated, provided that the MIO Product Specification is agreed to by IHO.

•          Three (3) electronic charting system (ECS) software licenses have been obtained for a demonstration test bed. Included in this procurement is the necessary software development to implement Coral Reef/MPA MIOs into the ECS. A number of vessels have already been identified for demonstrations, including a NOAA vessel, a Coast Guard cutter, a FKNMS Enforcement vessel, and a Cruise Lines ship.

•          The final version of the US Functional Classification System Center was received from the NOAA MPA Center in July 2006. The functional characteristics contained in this document provide important information about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and will serve a key component of the IHO S-57 data that makes up the Coral Reef/MPA Marine Information Object (MIO) layer. In order to gain international acceptance for using this classification system, it is essential that the MPA Functional Classification system be regarded as complementary to the IUCN Habitat Classification approach-not as a replacement. However, due to budget constraints, the MPA Center was unable to develop the necessary documentation to demonstrate the linkages between these two Classification Systems. Nevertheless, our plans are to continue developing the necessary technical specifications, and maintain close working relationships with other countries that have expressed an interest in using a similar approach (e.g., Australia, Belize, Cuba, and Mexico).

•          A “Protecting Corals, Saving Ships” web site was released. This site contains most of the project description summaries, plans, accomplishments and other documents. The web site address is: http://savingcoralandships.noaa.gov.

Thus, using the Functional Classification System, MIO data was mapped to the International IHO S-57 objects, feature attributes and attribute values required to produce a Coral Reef/MPA MIO layer and forwarded to relevant international standards committees for review. Further, by initiating international acceptance via IMO and IHO for including Coral Reef MIOs and other MPAs on nautical charts, used by maritime vessels in order to ensure both navigation safety and marine environmental protection.

The following is a list of specific PRODUCTS AND OUTCOMES for FY 2006

1.  Continued to refine the identification of priority environmental information for inclusion in nautical charts.

a.  This is an on-going process, which will continue for the duration of the project. Information to be included will continually be assessed throughout the year.

2.  Developed the technical means for providing selected environmental information on electronic charts.

a.  Developed a classification scheme for a coral reef Marine Information Objects (MIOs) that contains biological and regulatory feature attributes.

b.  Developed scheme to properly encode MIO data that is based on IHO S-57 data formats.

3.  Initiated technical development on the color and symbols to be used to display environmental MIO information on electronic charts.

a.  Proposed appropriate point, line and area symbology and colors in accordance with IHO S-52 colour and symbol specifications

b.  Continue to involve ECDIS/ECS manufacturers on development/implementation of MIO layer into existing equipment.