Scientific project between the Hydrographic Institute, NRP Sagres and NOAA

As part of a collaboration between the Hydrographic Institute – NRP Sagres, and the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – USA), Portugal is a partner in the Global Derivating Boias Programme (Global Drifter Program – GDP). The main objective of the program is to improve global numerical forecasting and monitoring of oceans and climate by launching drift buoys that acquire surface water temperature data, maritime currents and atmospheric pressure (https://www.aoml. noaa.gov/phod/gdp/).

On the Circum-Navigation trip being carried out by NRP Sagres in 2020, 32 drifting buoys are intended to be launched at various points in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. This navigation will allow drifting buoys to be launched in poorly monitored locations, contributing significantly to the global ocean observation programme.

On January 6, 2020, the first SW-derived buoy of the São Vicente cable was launched, measuring and transmitting temperature and GPS data in real time.

The GDP was created by NOAA in 1979, with the aim of studying the world climate and maintaining a global matrix of drift buoys consisting of about 1250 buoys launched worldwide. The buoys acquire positioning and temperature data and can also measure atmospheric pressure, winds and waves. The data acquired by the buoys are transmitted, in real time, by satellite, processed and inserted into the Global Telecommunications System (GTS) for distribution and use worldwide. Data are used for numerical forecasting, ocean and climate monitoring, scientific research and navigation security.