And a "commitments" meeting directed to selected elements of GOOS on which implementation could proceed immediately. This meeting would be of a more informal nature and involve representatives of the agencies having responsibility for the ocean observations.
Implementable elements considered at the meeting should not only include observing systems but also specific process studies and supporting science programs consistent with achieving the long-term, user-driven requirements of GOOS. Appropriate delegations will vary from country to country. It was agreed that the need for such a meeting is somewhat urgent and that it should occur in spring of 1997. The United States has offered to host such a meeting.
The Pacific Buoy Network, as an existing data collection system and needed to provide forecasts of seasonal climate variability, is a prime candidate system for discussion at a GOOS Agreements meeting. Such a meeting can serve as a forum to reaffirm the extent of international cooperation and collaboration in the Network and for parties to declare their intent to incorporate this Network into the GOOS/GCOS framework.
