Ocean Forecasting and Marine Disaster Mitigation System Southeast Asia Seas (OFS)

     The OFS project was initiated in 2010 and, later, in 2012, it was approved as a research project called "Development of the Ocean Monitoring and Forecasting System for the South China Sea and Andaman Sea" as a partnership between the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thailand, and the First Institute of Oceanography (FIO), Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), People's Republic of China. In 2016, the name was changed to OFS. The project was fully contributed by the China-ASEAN Maritime Cooperation Fund to develop an ocean environment forecasting system in the oceanic area of Southeast Asia as well as to contribute data from the forecasting system.

Objectives

• To develop an ocean environment operational forecast system.
• To develop a discussion channel on ocean environment forecast for the case of emergency.
• To collect data needed by the ocean environment operational forecast system and set up a preliminary monitoring system including 3-5 stations.
• To enhance understanding of key processes and scientific issues in the Gulf of Thailand, Andaman Sea, and its vicinity.
• To increase the ability of scientists and young researchers on the ocean forecast model.

Expected benefits

• Analyses data from the forecasting system can facilitate the provision of early warnings regarding threats to marine ecosystems.
• Results of the oceanic forecast for the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea up to three days in advance.
• Improved capacity of Thai experts in oceanography.
• Enhanced collaboration within the project and the establishment of regional networks for the protection of marine ecosystems and disaster mitigation.