Gaps in GoM radar addressed

The Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System (GCOOS) joined with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Ocean Service (NOS), Fugro and the University of Mississippi to announce the installation of two new high-frequency radars situated at the mouth of the Mississippi River. These high-frequency radars (HFR) measure the speed and direction of ocean surface currents in near-real time — providing accurate and timely information as quickly as possible to people who depend on the data. The information is crucial for those conducting search and rescue operations and tracking contaminants and oil plumes/spills. It is also crucial for ship navigation, which depends on immediate information about oceans to move large vessels safely in and out of ports and channels. The Gulf of Mexico has the highest density of energy activities in the U.S. and its ports are some of the busiest in the world. The GoM had gaps in radar coverage in the Gulf. The radars were installed in Port Fourchon, La., on land owned by Chevron Pipeline, and in Southwest Pass at the Pilot Station; and will be operated by Fugro and the University of Southern Mississippi. (Source: GCOOS 08/28/19) Furgo is a leading geo-data specialist, collecting and analyzing comprehensive information about the Earth and the structures built upon it. Its U.S.-based offices are located in Houston. https://gcoos.org/high-frequency-radar/