In May 2021, CARICOOS oceanographic data buoys off the coast of San Juan, Ponce and Vieques underwent their yearly refurbishment in order to keep them operational and ready for the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. The overhaul included the replacement of batteries, sensors, and electronics. Much of this work was accomplished by our partners at the University of Maine Physical Oceanography Group (PhOG) and the collaboration of Lighthouse Marine, San Juan Bay Pilots, Puerto Rico Ports Authority, Port of Ponce, and Marina Puerto del Rey. The refurbishment of St. John buoy is scheduled for the end of 2021.
CARICOOS oceanographic data buoys are outfitted with sensors for wind, waves, currents, salinity, water temperature, and other ocean and atmospheric parameters. The collected data provides important real-time information on current sea state and other ocean conditions to diverse sectors including maritime operators, recreational boaters, fishers. These also provide guidance/validation to the NWS-SJ WFO and CARICOOS scientists for improving weather and coastal ocean forecasts. For real-time data, please visit https://www.caricoos.org/.
