OPCOM

In this project methods and techniques for continuous monitoring and operational forecasting for coastal waters were improved based upon existing operational circulation and dispersion model systems. OPCOM addressed open questions concerning the usability of results from such models for the most relevant fields of medium to long-term coastal zone management in close cooperation with first and potential end-users. This led to the optimization of efforts to enhance forecast quality. In particular, it is envisaged to join deterministic and stochastic forecasting methods and techniques to improve the predictive capability of traditional models. Additional goals of the investigations wewe to derive general criteria for the design of operational model systems to improve integrated coastal management. An additional important outcome of the project was the development of a coastal management database structure incorporating essential information derived from (pre-) operational model systems and monitoring networks suitable for GOOS purposes. In this context it was envisaged to use experiences of the project partners from existing currently running operational model systems of coastal zones (e.g. Elbe estuary) or pre-operational models (e.g. Bay of Marennes-Oleron). No basic model development was envisaged but available and continuously produced model results were analyzed for coastal zone management purposes.
These model systems were modified during the project duration taking into account specific local demands for coastal management by possible first and possible end-users.