An 'Ocean Tides' workshop aims to strengthening ocean and maritime forecasting to improve safety and resilience. The workshop is hosted by Tonga Meteorological Service from November 13-17 in Nuku'alofa.

Tonga Met Service Director ‘Ofa Fa’anunu it provides a timely opportunity for important national discussion, prioritisation and coordination of ocean-related forecasts, alerts and information delivery. He said given the impacts of climate change and variability on Tonga, it is very important to improve their ability to monitor and forecast ocean conditions.

“Tonga Met Service has been steadily building our capacity to provide services specifically for marine stakeholders and communities. This workshop will help us understand national client and stakeholder needs and hopefully provide us with some methods to meet those needs.”

Ministry of Meteorology, Information, Disaster Management, Climate Change, Environment and Communications CEO, Leveni ‘Aho said ocean conditions play a key role in the economy and in the lives of Tongans from tourism and coastal development to shipping and subsistence fishermen.

“Forecasts and early warnings for ocean based hazards are critical for early action.”

Australian support

Australia is supporting Pacific countries reach their goals by building tools, networks and inroads to improve regional monitoring and forecasting of oceans and tides, said Australian Deputy Head of Mission, Rhona McPhee.

The participants, including a number of key national ocean and maritime stakeholders, will also receive practical training from regional oceanographic experts from the Pacific Community (SPC) and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, on interpreting and applying ocean information from tide calendars and online tools.

Funded through the Climate and Oceans Support Program in the Pacific (COSPPac) and managed by the Australian Bureau of Meteorology in partnership with SPC, Geoscience Australia and SPREP, the workshop is held at the Tanoa International Dateline Hotel.