A NOAA-supported computer model, using ocean temperatures developed at Oregon State University, is helping West Coast sport fishermen predict the best location for catching tuna.
Tuna prefer warmer ocean waters above 59 degrees Fahrenheit. As ocean waters swirl and mix, the precise area where water temperatures are optimum for tuna may change on a daily basis. Scientists, led by Assistant Professor Alexander Kurapov have developed 24-hour and 48-hour predictions of ocean temperatures derived from their computer model.The forecast is available online and tailored for tuna fishers by Craig Risien, a physical oceanographer.
“The word has spread among the sport fishing fleet and this Web site has become quite popular. We use this site to decide how far to go to fish for tuna, where to go, or whether to go at all. It is invaluable, especially in light of the cost of fuel,” says Ron Seip, owner of the fishing vessel Sweet Witch of Coos Bay, Ore.
The forecast model starts with a five-day record of winds over the Oregon coast derived from a weather forecast model. Each day, the model takes this record and combines it with previous estimates of ocean conditions from two days before, and runs them through a series of mathematical equations. The result is a “nowcast” of current conditions and forecasts each day; estimates of currents, temperature, salinity, sea surface height and other information are produced.
“Ecological forecasts become increasingly important as our ocean changes. This forecast is an example of NOAA’s IOOS program and the academic research community working together to create useful models and make them operational,” says John H. Dunnigan NOAA’s assistant administrator for the National Ocean Service.
OSU supported the transition from research to operational status through the Cooperative Institute for Oceanographic Satellite Studies.
Article courtesy of the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences 2010 Research Highlights