Turks and Caicos Hosts First Deployment of Regional Marine Observation Network

The Turks and Caicos Islands has become the first Caribbean nation to host the deployment of a new regional marine observation network, marking a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen marine monitoring and forecasting across the region.

Selvyn Hawkins (second right), CEO of the Turks and Caicos Airports Authority, accepts the Marine Observation device from CIMH Principal Dr. David Farrell. Sharing in the moment are Dr. Holly Hamilton (right), Director of Meteorology at the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, and other members of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology.

The installation, carried out during the week of July 6, is the first in a series of deployments being undertaken by the Regional Instruments Centre of the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). The initiative will establish a regional marine observation network across Member States of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO).

The project forms part of CIMH's Strengthening Institutional Capacity for a Resilient Caribbean Coastal and Marine Environment (RCCAME) initiative. It is supported by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through the Caribbean Action for Resilience Enhancement (CARE) Programme, with financing provided by the European Union through the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Intra-ACP Disaster Risk Reduction Programme.

The investment is aimed at strengthening marine observations, enhancing forecasting capabilities and improving climate resilience throughout the Caribbean.

The regional network will consist of Sofar Spotter Buoys and Smart Mooring Monitoring Equipment, providing continuous, near real-time ocean observations. The systems will measure wave and swell conditions, along with other key ocean parameters.

Data collected from the network will be made publicly available to support marine forecasting, scientific research and evidence-based decision-making across the region.

The observations will also enhance the work of CIMH's Regional Marine Forecast Support Centre (RMFSC) by validating and improving marine forecast models used to generate daily forecasts of significant wave height, ocean currents, salinity, sea surface temperature and other marine products.

These services provide critical information for disaster preparedness and response, marine transportation, fisheries, tourism, coastal management and other weather- and climate-sensitive sectors.

CIMH Principal Dr. David Farrell described the deployment as a major investment in the Caribbean's marine observation capabilities.

"The establishment of this regional marine observation network represents a major investment in the region's ability to better understand and monitor its marine environment," Dr. Farrell said.

He noted that expanding access to high-quality ocean observations will strengthen marine forecasting, improve early warning systems and provide essential data to support research, informed decision-making and climate resilience across the Caribbean.

Dr. Farrell also emphasized that the initiative reinforces regional collaboration in the development and delivery of marine information and services on which CMO Member States increasingly rely.

Director of Meteorology at the Turks and Caicos Islands Airports Authority, Dr. Holly Hamilton, welcomed the territory's selection as the first deployment site.

"We are excited that the Turks and Caicos Islands has been selected as the first deployment site for this important regional project," Dr. Hamilton said.

She explained that the addition of three buoys to the territory's marine observation network will significantly enhance the ability to monitor sea conditions and improve marine forecasting.

Dr. Hamilton also acknowledged the contributions of the Department of Environmental and Coastal Resources and the TCI Reef Fund, whose partnership was instrumental in carrying out the deployment.

Minister responsible for Airports, Hon. Arlington Musgrove, described the deployment as a proud achievement for the Turks and Caicos Islands and reaffirmed the Airports Authority's commitment to advancing hydrometeorological services.

"This deployment is a proud milestone for the Turks and Caicos Islands and reflects the Airports Authority's ongoing commitment to advancing and maturing the hydrometeorological services on which our people, visitors and economy depend," Minister Musgrove said.

He also expressed gratitude to the Caribbean Development Bank and the Caribbean Meteorological Organization for their continued partnership and support.

Senior CARE Programme Manager at the Caribbean Development Bank, Dr. Yves Robert Personna, underscored the importance of sustained investment in marine observation systems.

He said strengthening marine observations is critical for a region of small island states whose communities and economies are closely tied to the ocean.

According to Dr. Personna, collaboration among CIMH, the European Union, the Caribbean Development Bank and other regional partners is improving the data, tools and technical expertise needed to strengthen marine forecasts and warnings.

He said this will enable more timely and informed decision-making in sectors including fisheries, tourism and marine transportation, while helping to better protect Caribbean communities, livelihoods and economies from climate and disaster risks.

The marine observation network is one component of the 27-month RCCAME project, which is designed to strengthen environmental monitoring, climate services, impact-based forecasting and institutional capacity throughout the Caribbean.

In addition to expanding marine observations, the project will enhance air quality monitoring, advance climate prediction and data analytics, support climate and health research, and improve the region's ability to anticipate, prepare for and respond to environmental hazards.