This week, we’re coming to you from New Orleans, where IOOS Regional Association GCOOS is hosting the IOOS Fall Meeting. Our spring meetings are in Washington, D.C., close to NOAA headquarters. They often feature nationally focused speakers and discussions as part of the agenda. In contrast, our fall meetings are hosted by a Regional Association and offer attendees an opportunity to take a deeper dive into local priorities and projects as part of our overall agenda. This year, GCOOS is inviting us to get a closer look at what’s happening in the Gulf Coast region, and we look forward to updating you on our Fall Meeting outcomes in the near future!
One of the greatest strengths built into IOOS is its relationships with stakeholders regionally, nationally, and internationally, and sometimes big successes lead to big changes. We recently shared the news that the NERACOOS-led NSF Seafood Engine of New England, a project to strengthen fisheries and aquaculture through investment in technology and innovation, received a $15M grant from the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program. As the project ramps up, NERACOOS Executive Director Jake Kritzer will be stepping into the role of Seafood Engine Chief Executive Officer full time. Congratulations, Jake, and we’re glad you’re not going far!
We’re also happy to welcome NERACOOS Strategy Director Jackie Motyka as the new Executive Director of NERACOOS! Jackie has been with NERACOOS for more than 13 years and has been a vital part of its growth and successes. Congratulations, Jackie!