RFPs for new MS River radar sites

The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) has received $450,000 to support the installation of two new High Frequency Radar (HFR) sites near the mouth of the Mississippi River. HFR is a system of transmitters and radio antenna receivers along coastlines that transmit radio signals, bounce them off the ocean’s surface and relay them to receivers. The signals lead to better ocean condition forecasts, faster weather and oceanic predictions, and aid the Coast Guard in search and rescue missions. HFR sites operate unattended 24/7 across some 6,000 square miles. GCOOS collaborates with and provides grant support to ocean scientists developing and implementing their own systems, and gathers that into a real-time information system. GCOOS has put out a Request For Proposals for the operation of the new HFR sites that will provide multiple navigation and commerce needs near the mouth of the Mississippi - one of the busiest shipping areas in the world. Expanding HFR coverage is critical because the Gulf of Mexico has America’s highest density of energy activities and is home to 14 of the nation’s top 20 ports by tonnage. (Source: GCOOS 08/15/17)